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Joined: Mar 2013
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Boxlock
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Boxlock
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Tried searching the forums - couldnt find info on this so either there isnt any or I suck terribly at searching...
At any rate, I need some input.
I have an old SxS 12ga Hartford Arms double. 30" barrel, "Genuine Armory Steel - choke bored" is engraved on the barrel. I cant tell if this is Damascus/twist or not. in any case, I plan on cutting this down to 20" for more of a coach gun look.
What problems or issues can I expect from this cutting? I've heard all kinds of stories about barrels flying apart; welds separating; etc, etc, etc...I'd really like to know what to expect when I cut this down - THATS the reason Im asking here - I believe you folks to be most knowledgable than any other forum I've viewed....I'm not concerned about gun devaluation. This is a project gun that I am playing with.
Your thoughts would be appreciated...Thank you in advance.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,724 Likes: 126 |
Welcome to the forum jrz dad! You're about to ruin the gun, but it isn't much to begin with so if a coach gun is what you want go for it. 1st off, you'll be removing all the choke as well as any re-sale value. Then, old doubles aren't the best home defense weapon IMHO. Only the 'cowboy action shooters' (which is probably a passing fad) will have any interest in the gun after you cut it down. If the old gun has any family history why not take it to a gunsmith and have it cleaned and vetted for safety. Then put it away for another generation who might have some interest in great grandpa's old shooting iron...Geo
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Boxlock
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Thanks Geo - I have done that with the old gun I used while growing up...I managed to find another just like it (cheap) so I wanted to "play" with it...yes, I know I am ruining any value but that was not a big concern - home defense isnt an issue with this one either...my MAIN issue is CAN this be cut down and not "fly apart" or "split" like i've heard...I'm hoping someone on this forum has done this to an old "beater gun" and could provide me with their experience on how that went. I'm just looking to be prepared is all...Thanks again for the input thou - every bit helps!!!! Anyone else wanna chime it? 
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Hartford Arms Co. is one of the myriad "trade brands" found on guns made by H & D Folsom Arms Co. of 314 Broadway, NYC, at their Crescent Fire Arms Co. factory in Norwich, Conn. You didn't say if the gun was a hammer gun or hammerless. Does it look like these?   Other U.S. makers like Baker Gun & Forging Co., J. Stevens Arms Co., Hunter Arms Co., etc. also made numerous "trade brand" doubles. There are plent of old doubles out there that have already been cut down. Leave an unmolested gun alone.
Last edited by Researcher; 05/02/13 03:07 PM.
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Hi Researcher - Sorry, YES, it has the external hammers with it. looks exactly like the last photograph you posted...
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
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So long as the barrels are still solidly attached to the top and bottom ribs, cutting it down is not going to make it 'Fly Apart'. Take the barrels off the gun and hang them on something (your finger will do) by the barrel hook. Then take a pencil or something like that and tap the barrels up and down both sides listening for any dull notes from the resulting ring. If something sounds funny, the solder holding the barrels to the ribs may be loose. Good luck...Geo
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Good info Geo!!! Thanks!!
another Q for you: Although the markings state "genuine armory steel" - can I safely assume these are still Damascus barrels or is that a faulty assumption?
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Good info Geo!!! Thanks!!
another Q for you: Although the markings state "genuine armory steel" - can I safely assume these are still Damascus barrels or is that a faulty assumption?
No they are not damascus barrels. However, whether they will stand up to modern pressures is another thing. What is the intended shooting for the gun?
Last edited by gunsaholic; 05/02/13 04:39 PM.
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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As Researcher observed, Hartford Arms Co. was a tradename Crescent gun for Simmons Hdw. and Shapleigh Hdw., both of St Louis. "Genuine Armory Steel" is fluid steel; not Damascus. You have no way of knowing what loads have been inflicted on the gun, or what 'work' has been done on the barrels in the last 100 years, and should not shoot the gun with ANY load unless it has been evaluated by a double gun specialist smith. More infro here https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1OxZo5Tkvx2G8eYf747QR9B5RJdN6Siu5JGIhfguSXXQ
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2012
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jrz Dad,
Geo.Newbern is correct, but when you cut it off and "square up" the muzzle,there will be a gap between the barrels, with a rib over and one under it.Plug the gap with a small wad of fine steel wool, 1/4" or more deep, and fill it with epoxy died black, or "Plastic Steel". You can also fill it with solder(Brownell has a "solder black").
Mike
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