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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,249 Likes: 6
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,249 Likes: 6 |
Barrel "ringing" seems to be the accepted test for a well soldered set of double gun barrels. Okay, let's say you find a gun with ribs firmly attached, no evidence of any repair since the barrels were made. The barrels don't "ring" anywhere along their length. All you get is a dull sound wherever you tap (they don't ring in one part and have a dull sound in another). Is this really a cause to decline the gun? Any ideas what could cause this? Thanks for any replies. Silvers
I AM SILVERS, NOT SLIVER = two different members. I'm in the northeast, the other member is in MT.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,462 Likes: 89
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,462 Likes: 89 |
Are you ringing it suspended with a piece of brass ?
Never rang a side by side that was dead ?
I had a W & C Scott muzzle loader that rang a like church bell with the rib visibly loose in two places...in fact after cleaning you could blow water from under one side of the rib and out the other with an air hose.
After that I don't trust the ring test as a sure sign of tite ribs....but a dead one would scare me for sure.
Years back I went to numerous gun shows looking for an L.C.Smith...never found one that rang true ? Although none were dead.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,249 Likes: 6
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,249 Likes: 6 |
Homeless, yes I've hung and rung many barrels over the years. I've had some with dead spots for a few inches, ringing well elsewhere. Same as you I've had some with loose and even missing ribs that rang well. This one is a mystery to me. Dull sound everywhere and no ringing at all. Silvers
I AM SILVERS, NOT SLIVER = two different members. I'm in the northeast, the other member is in MT.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,064
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,064 |
Although I use the ring-test here's another more visible means of testing. Just take a mouthful of cigar or pipe smoke, a straw or piece of thin neoprene tubing and blow the smoke into one of the vent holes on the underside of the barrel ribs. Smoke issuing from anywhere along the length of the ribs is a sure sign that you have a gap or solder failure. Just my 2c worth that works as nicely as my parafin wax chamber casts. Chops
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257 |
FWIW Dept.
I think that a good ring is a fine indicator of a tight solder joint between rib and barrel. Not an absolute but better than any other "test" that I know.
One thing you can do to be a little more certain. Take a very thin shim or a long straight pin and run along the joint. If you snag, look at the place with a strong glass. If there is a space, take note and continue looking for more possibles solder gaps.
I have bought guns that did not ring, but there was an incentive. They were high grade guns that were in great condition otherwise. A good pair of tubes can be satisfactorily rejoined for about $250/$350.The added cost of blueing has to be counted, as well. If the gun is worth an additional $500/$700, then it is a good buy, ring or not. The seller might just be reasonable or afraid of holding onto a white elephant. If the barrels be of that dangerous Damascus, he may kiss you for being a money foolish nimrod.LOL
Best,
John
Humble member of the League of Extraodinary Gentlemen (LEG). Joined 14 March, 2006. Member #1.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 20
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 20 |
Silvers, I just had a similar problem with a 20 ga. L.C. Smith. The barrels were sound but did not ring due to loose fitting extractors. When I removed the extractors they rang like church bells. It might be worth a try.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,409 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,409 Likes: 4 |
Barrel ringing is next to useless. 
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257 |
Jagermeister:
Spoken like a Devil's advocate.LOL
Please educate the masses or messes, as you wish, on what is a better prelim test for barrel/rib integrity.
The unknowing await your sage counsel.:}
I hesitate to sacrifice a fine Macanudo to try my friend's method. Plus, the last time I lighted up in a public place, I was reminded that all the refugees from Woodstock had not passed on to some reward. The fragrance was alien, to them, but the crush to sniff was almost more than these fragile bones could withstand.LOL
Best,
John
Humble member of the League of Extraodinary Gentlemen (LEG). Joined 14 March, 2006. Member #1.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,409 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,409 Likes: 4 |
Call CLARK KENT I'm sure he will fly in and check them tubes for you.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 638 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 638 Likes: 2 |
I have seen barrels that rang nicely with perfect looking ribs that still failed the hot water test.
I hold the barrels from the breech end at a slight muzzle down angle and pour very hot water over them.
Give it a few seconds for the air to heat up between the ribs and look for any "fizzing" along either side of the rib.
This does not nesessarily mean the rib is loose, but does indicate missing or unattached solder.
GDU
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