doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Combo gun turns into a double rifle.

My Immanuel Meffert arrived today. What I bought as a combo gun, a 16ga and a 8.5mm, turned into something better. The 16ga barrel is fully rifled, and from the chamber cast the 8.5 could very well be a .450 BPE. I don't have the case demensions for the 450 BPE. Length is 3.25", case in front of the rim is ~ .555, rim is ~ .623 and the neck is ~ .478, lands are .435 and the grooves are .458. Please take these measurments as approximate only. Making chamber casts isn't what I do best. It's a Jones underlever hammergun with two blade sights, one folding, neither marked for yardage. Set trigger for the rifle, folding peep sight and a trapdoor buttplate for two 16ga shells. It's a shame someone put it away wet. The whole right side is pitted on the outside. Another one to play with.

Mike,

Congratulations! Sounds very nice. I checked Cartridges of the World. It certainly sounds very close to the 450 BPE. Should be a lot of fun.

Pete

I bought this gun direct from an auction house in Germany. Does anyone have an idea why it would have no proofmarks at all? The only mark on the barrel flat is the serial number. Nothing on the watertable either. I've never seen a German gun without proofs.

If and when you decide to pass this one on.... I'd like to take a look at it.
AkMike

Mike,
I think the reason this gun does not show any proofmark is quite simple; it was made before gun proofing became mandatory in Germany.
Regards,
Jani

According to Kennett that would have been April 1, 1893. Which was implementing a 1891 law.

Pete

I would have thought that the date that proofmarks were required was eariler. Should have looked it up in my proofmark book.

AKMike I live in Sterling. I am going to have a smith make a chamber cast and tell me exactly what the rifle caliber is. I belive this would be a very fun gun to shoot and very versatile. 16ga shot, 16ga ball and probably a .450 make a very good combination. I have quite a bit in it as is. When I saw the description on the auction site I took it to a coworker who was born and raised in Germany. She told me that it was a double rifle with extra shotgun barrels so I bid a higher than I would have for a cape gun. If you like to see some photos let me know and I'll send you some if you send me your email address. Mike

I might be wandering down your way next week end enroute to Nikiski. If so I'll try to meet up with you to look it over. I have plenty of bismouth .... you could drop by and I'll do a cast.. :-)

Sounds good. My phone is 907 398-9736. I work nights and sleep in the afternoon/evening. Give me a call.