Tinker,
Good afternoon.
Years ago I bought an early 20ga Flues 1-1/2 with ejectors and damascus barrels as a project. The barrels were sent to Keith Kearcher for evaluation and if they looked good, browning. After examination and discussion, Keith browned them and sent them back. A work of art.
I, like you was also concerned about shooting the gun because of how much I valued my fingers, so the gun sat in a corner for a LONG time. Well, I finally got up the nerve to pursue the project and here is what I did.
I dug up a box of Gamebore 2-1/2" x 1oz shells, and checked on line for pressure specs. The specs I found showed 8122psi and since I will be loading 7200 and 6400psi, I used the Gamebore for testing. I put on a pair of welding gloves, and my son wrapped some old leather around my hands and the action. Both hands were on or behind the pistol grip. Then I wrapped my arms around one side of a big pine tree and let her go. It was time consuming but we did this 12 times in each barrel. I have a bore gage so after the first shot from each barrel, we took measurements and compared to the "pre-firing" dimensions. No change was noted.
I am now fairly comfortable that the barrels won't let go with my reduced loads. The gun is heading off tomorrow to be restocked by Bosesguns. Hopefully they will do a good job. Then, off to Turnbull for CC. It should be a good looking old girl when done. I'm sure I will be upside down in it cost wise, but if it come out right, I'll be happy.
Hillbilly perhaps, but the best I could come up with short of sending them to the UK for proofing. Don't know if that is even an option. Drew has a lot of good info. Read thru what he noted above and make your own decision.
Hope this helps,
Ithaca1
Bill
Last edited by ithaca1; 01/25/15 06:57 PM.
