doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com 2 3/4' Chambers in British Doubles

The W&C Scott Model 720, which is actually a 702 made for the American market, came with 3" chambers standard. That's in spite of the fact that those guns weigh less than 6 pounds. Apparently, during that time period (70's), the British thought that Americans might not buy a 20ga if it didn't have 3" chambers.

Rocket - I only shoot low pressure 2 1/2" ammo in my WR.

Just to clear the air, I was in no way endorsing the shooting of modern 2 3/4" cartridges in it.

This addendum is only written because when I re-read my original post I realized I left it wide open for misinterpretation.

Also, I'm not suggesting you were taking issue with me. Just the nature of these damn e-mails to be read a thousand different ways.

I had an English Damascus 12 reproofed several years ago. It came back proofed for 12-65 (2-1/2") and 850 BAR. The told me they would prove to a higher pressure if I liked, the gun woud take it, but I declined.

Back then I was able to send the gun myself by USPS, it was an antique. The proof house charge was about $75.00 at the time. However the proof house did not have the correct paperwork to export the gun back to me, they needed an export license, which was free for the asking, but they refused and I ended up paying about $3-400 for a English gunsmith to export it back for me.

No, I was not taking issue with you. I thought a bit of clarification was in order for other readers. Too many shooters still believe that 2 3/4" chambers is license to shoot SAAMI loads. I know that you know that, but I just wanted to be sure it got into the thread.

Thanks jOe.

Thanks Lagopus.

Mike

So, I am finding this discussion interesting. I have a H&H Northwood (basically a Webley 700) which is 3", proofed 3 1/2 tons, and a Greener 2 3/4", proofed 3 1/4" tons. I shoot modern 2 3/4" Federal/Winchester/etc. in both. Is this ok, or not a good idea? Both guns are fairly heavy and 1950's or 60's vintage.

The Webley 720 and 728 were made as special order for the U S. Barrel length, rib and chamberered to importers request.

I recall a discussion of the 728 I had with several individuals who would have loved to get their hands on one of those, with 28" barrels. None of us could remember ever having seen one with barrels longer than 26". Ever since, I've looked at the specs every time I see one advertised, and still haven't seen one with barrels over 26". Per the Scott records in the Crawford and Whatley book, there were just over 200 each, 728's and 720's, produced.

They all had 26" barrels. Rasised flat engine turned ribs on some if not all ,Its 35 years ago. There were some "in the white " barreled actions left over as the order was not repeated but very few in the UK wanted them .Some were also in Brady canvas and leather cases.

First off, neither of these guns is going to blow up with SAAMI loads. However, IMO, these guns are on the ragged edge for SAAMI loads. I'd shoot CIP if I could get them or Id' reload and limit myself to around 8500 psi. The SAAMI loads may shorten time to off-face. Relatively modern is somewhat better, but these are still traditional designs with traditional steel,far as I know.