doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Need help with these proof marks

Would this be a 14 bore or a tight 12?

Nothing?

Just from the image, I read the bore measurement is 14 bore while the muzzle is 14 bore, which had a range from 0.680" - 0.690" - 0.693". Now I cannot say a 'bout the chamber. Does the chamber easily receive a 12 bore cartridge?

Cheers,

Raimey
rse

My Syracuse Arms Serial# 264xx has the exact barrel proofs it receive and shoots 12 gauge shotgun shells.

What you are looking at are the proof marks for the bore, not the chamber. However at this time (1874 to 1887) there was no chamber mark (a number in a diamond) so without a chamber gauge, you are left with trying out cartridges in the chamber until you find the right one!
You can derive no helpful information on the chamber size from these proof marks.
What is interesting about this mark, which may have passed you by, is that it is a variant on the NOT FOR BALL mark that was present where an appreciable amount of choke was present, as proofed.
However, when the barrel was not choked as we know it nowadays, but 'recess' or 'jug' choked, it could have the same bore size at breech and muzzle hence the '14B 14M' but was still choked.
There was no need to be worried about using a ball so it could be marked 'CHOKE' rather than 'NOT FOR BALL'.

I noticed the "choke" but had no idea it was for a jug choke. I had thought the 14b/14m and choke meant it had choke but still measured within the 14 spec at the muzzle. Thank you for the clarification.

What length 12 gauge shells would be my next question?

Thanks guys, so a chambered 12ga can have 14 bore tubes?

Yes, I have owned several configured that way.


Steve

would the idea be to have a tighter bore for better gas seal and longer distance?