Dear all,

Some years ago, when I was deeply involved in old Pentax cameras, there was considerable interest in collecting data on individual cameras in one central location, available to everyone.

Since someone had to do it, and I had the necessary skills, I set up the online Pentax Screwmount Database Project. This was very popular and we collected data on several thousand cameras and lenses. I have now moved on and responsibility for maintaining the database has passed to another enthusiast.

However, I now find myself in the same kind of situation with both me and other people looking for information to date their Miroku/Charles Daly shotguns. I have just bought a 20-bore Miroku model 500 SxS, and it's very difficult to work out its age.

So, I have a plan! If Miroku/Miroku-made Charles Day and Montgomery Ward SxS owners are prepared to share information, particularly serial numbers and dates of purchase, we would be in a better position to date our shotguns.

I know that many of us didn't buy our guns new, but if someone says "I bought no.123456 new in 1969" and someone else says "I bought no. 234567 new in 1976" then that begins to give us a timeframe to work on.

I have created a database ("the Miroku SxS Project") at http://www.utting.org/miroku-index.html with links to a data input form and a data viewing form. At the moment, it contains data for one Miroku - mine! It would be great to see more.

I'm making this available as a resource for Miroku owners. So far it's cost me the grand sum of $3.98 to set up, and if fellow Miroku users want to make use of it, then I'll be very happy. If not, then nothing lost.

Take a look at the web pages. I'm not asking people give me their personal data if they don't want to.

Let me know what you think. If you think it' a good idea, please pass this message on to other groups and message boards. The more data we collect the more useful it will be.

Thanks,
Nigel.
The Miroku SxS Project (http://www.utting.org/miroku-index.html)

P.S. My name is Nigel, and I live in the UK. have been shooting since 1966 and working in & around IT since 1980. I have written many shooting-related magazine articles, and a selection are online at http://www.utting.org/shooting-index.html

Last edited by Nigel; 12/07/11 01:03 PM.