I am trying to evaluate an old hammerless double that has significant pitting in the barrels starting just beyond the shell position and extending about 6 inches up the bore. The gun has very limited markings and the owner thought it was a 12 ga but it is a 16. Serial nos match on all the parts. One piece of info on the barrels is "WILSON'S WELDED STEEL". Other than the Union Firearms Co, Toledo Ohio the only other marking is a "39", a 5 point star, and the serial no 16xx stamped in the break. Could the 39 be a model no? Is the pitting from black powder shells? I assume shell length would be 2-3/4. does it sound like it would be safe to shoot?
