I recently acquired a Miroku 550 in 12 ga. This is the box lock version with color care hardened frame, straight English stock, double triggers and 28" tubes (IC/F). Very nice checkering and tasteful engraving to boot. The gun is generally in excellent condition with vault tight lock up. Barrels ring true.

My understanding is these guns were made for the European market. My gun has some serious case rim depth. A standard Winchester AA target round sits maybe a 32th inch below the breach face. Maybe a fart skin deeper but noticeably more than any other side by side I have. I have shot 3 different manufacturer's rounds and Fiochi sits the highest. None of the shells look to have light primer strikes and the backs of the cases are not rounded out. I do feel it has a bit more recoil than other guns some my be the general light weight of the gun. The Remington's really let me know they were there though.

I am not going to be hammering this gun so it will not be hammering me . I I hate to sleeve the rim considering the seemingly rarity of this gun.

Any one have experience with these guns or others with general thoughts? Any known manufacturers that have considerably thicker rims than others?

Many thanks.

have noticed that winchester brand shells some times have light prints in italian an spanish guns...

hopefully, rst will be back in business soon...maybe that will be the solution to your problems...

meantime shoot one ounce light loads, going out at 1200 fps or less...

I'd recommend you throw the Gough Thomas book out and just shoot and enjoy your new gun.

If you seriously want to measure the headspace, find someone who has a gauge set and knows how to use them.

i wouldn''t let the idea of "rarity" keep me from sleeving the rim if that is needed. Although uncommon, i don't think these guns have any particular rarity value.

Are your primers popping out is it firing when you pull the trigger?

All shots have fired. No light primer strikes or popping out of the pockets.

I do not know how much I buy into the added recoil of excessive headspace but never owning one that is this deep I figured better safer to ask than not.

Thanks