doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Regulating a double rifle

I have the Kodiak about as close to regulation as can be done with loads. Final two targets looked like this with not enough difference to talk about. The shot in the 6 ring at 2:00 o'clock and the one just outside the 5 at 6:30 o'clock can be disregarded as I was trying to "Kentucky windage" the rounds into a better composite group....obviously I didn't do it.



I thought it was on this board that someone either posted or told me that the difference in elevation between the two barrels can be corrected. The impression I got was that there is a device that slips in both bores and is ever so slightly twisted until the barrels come together. In the case of this rifle, the right barrel down and the left barrel up until they come together. Did I dream that or is there such a device?

I've never heard of anything like that but stranger things have been made.

You did not dream it however the barrel's solder must be liquid (by heating it) in order to do the twisting of one barrel up and the other down. Watch the "Inside Holland & Holland video where Steve mounts the barrels on a somewhat precision block plate and makes certain that each barrel at the muzzle is down against the forward block while the solder cools back to a solid.

You can make such a tool to insert into the barrels at the muzzle--twisting fork, or make a twisting fork to fit over the outside of the barrels. Which ever you prefer. You need the fork because the barrels are hot, however you can twist them by hand while hot by using a thick insulated leather glove. The fork like tool is shaped somewhat like a blacksmith's scroll bending fork, with the part that is inserted into the barrel 90 degrees to the fork handle.

You must measure where the barrel are in relation to a horizontal plane before you attempt to twist them; and then measure where they are to the plane afterwards. In your case you will only need to twist them a very few thousands of an inch.

A good barrel regulator like Steve at H&H can align the barrels horizontal by eye, hold them down while they cool and "Bob's your Uncle" he has them spot on.

I am certain there are gunmakers in America that can show you this adjustment--which is easy to accomplish.

Thank you bushveld!! I understand the concept completely....and that it is also completely beyond my abilities! I was unaware the solder had to be in liquid state but it makes perfect sense. I wonder who in the US is capable and if the cheapy double is even worth the cost.

But the breech loading Kodiaks are brazed and not soldered so redoing the regulation is very difficult. Is this a front stuffer or breech loader?

Is there a chance that you are canting the rifle to cause the elevation change shown? Perhaps change the hold to make it better?

It's the muzzleloader Mike and no, I'm not canting the rifle. Darn good question and suggestion though. Many years of shooting a spirit level front sight has made that check almost involuntary. I was shooting from my bench with my hand on the front rest holding the rifle, no butt bag used.

Perhaps I should be happy with what I have given what it took to get it to this point.

I don't know if it will help but I found that shooting a double off the bench throws rounds all over, I was shooting a kodiak 45-70 double. I have changed to either a rest that keeps me sitting upright with my back straight or using a standing rest and the gun resting on my hand rather than on the bag. I have had the best luck with a tripod set of sturdy sticks works best for me.
That works for me others may not have the same results.

I am getting ready to regulate my 12 bore so we will see if I know what I am talking about pretty soon .

I had pretty consistent grouping, as the above target shows, and the rifle was never "rested" in the common meaning of the word. I always had it in my hands. The same method has worked well with my other doubles. I'm pretty convinced it's an inexpensive double rifle that isn't regulated as the better rifles are. What can one realistically expect from a $500.00 double? I am going to try it again from some kind of contrived "standing rest" however. Truth be known, for offhand shooting, my old eyes and hunting purposes it's probably acceptable....but it sure doesn't shoot a composite group like my German or British doubles.

Is there anyone in the U.S. who does regulation on double rifles in case I'm interested.....and if that person would want to fool with this grade of rifle?

It would cost you more than the rifle. There's s a guy in the states but I can't remember his name. Go here and ask. They'll point you in the right direction. http://forums.nitroexpress.com/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=doubles

There are several folks stateside that could re-regulate a DR, BUT it would far outweigh the cost of the rifle. Soldered rifles are about $800 IIRC but brazed would be much more to re-do.

IMO, Either live with what you've got and enjoy it for what it is or upgrade to a different DR.
Sabattis and breech loading Kodiaks are next cost ways and Chapuis are up the list a bit.