doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Full Chokes on a Sauer

This topic has been covered before but I can't find the post. I have an East German (the old days) "Sauer", 12 ga 28+" barrels, box lock, nice gun. The barrels are choked: right .046, left .054. Presuming that the bores are .729 (I can't measure them). This seems about as tight as I've ever heard about. I would not shoot steel in any old gun but what about other kinds of shells? Are there loads I should avoid? David

David,

These German barrels were very likely bored tighter than the 0.729" bore dimension normally associated with a 12 gauge. This is typcical of many continental guns. If you look on the barrel flats you may see markings indicating its tighter original contriction - e.g., "13/1" in a circle. So your choke contriction calculations are very likely off if you used 0.729" as part of the equation. There for your chokes may be more open than ou think.

I regards to proper ammunition, you didn't mention the gun's chamber lengths or how the gun is marked in reference to proofing. As log as you stay within the bounds of what the gun was proofed for you'll be fine.

Good luck,
Ken

Use shells with felt wad (no plastic shot cup) or 'streu' loads. 'Streu' type shells are loaded by Rottweil, Fiocchi, and Polywad. Winchester of Italy used to offer 'Ranger streukreuz' loads, but those kick like farmer's horse! Aviod steel shot or equivalent non-tox loads like Heavishot.

Thanks Ken and PJ! I will find a way to get the bores measured.The chambers are 2 3/4". I have some paper shells from Armusa that have fibre wads. I'll try to find some suitable for waterfowl. David

Thanks Ken and PJ! I will find a way to get the bores measured.The chambers are 2 3/4". The barrels are marked with four interlocked circles and Krupp description of steel but I don't know the proofed pressure. I have some paper shells from Armusa that have fibre wads. I'll try to find some suitable for waterfowl. David

I have a Sauer, serial # 106XX that I have not been able to date so far and its bore is R- .717 and L- .721 with choke of .039 and .042 respectively. Still very tight but this should give you an idea of what to expect. You should measure the bores to figure out choke.

Your sauer #106xx was made in 1903.

By coincidence, I was measuring the muzzle diameter of my 1914 German-market Model VIII J.P. Sauer 16 gauge 20 minutes ago and was surprised by .620 right and left barrels. That's really tight-tight and I wondered if they were choked to handle those big black grouse in their mountains. Appreciate any thoughts on this.

Builder, My "Sauer" is from 1967. The bores of your gun, if mine are like yours, would explain everything. I will pattern the gun as well as measure the bores and post the results here. Thanks for the help. Quite a difference between what the English/Americans and the Continent used as standard bore sizes. Thanks for the help! David

I measured a Merkel with chokes in the mid fifties. It's a lot of choke but nothing to be concerned about with lead shot.