doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Purdey with 2 1/2 chambers increased to 2 3/4

I am going to have the purdey inspected by a knowledgeable gunsmith this week. Since I do not have 30K to spend on a gun, I have settle with a non-original and/or modified gun. Hopefully this gun checks out OK. If the report comes back fine and we can agree on a price I may have a new Purdey soon!!! I will keep everyone updated.

Ken

As you will no doubt hear from your gunsmith, it is likely this Purdey was owned and bought by someone who wanted a gun he could use. Whether he reloaded or not, lengthening the chambers made it somewhat easier to find shells. Ignoring the maker's name for a moment, I bet you will find this gun will do what you want if you take care of it. And, the way the market works, you'll probably not be out too much for the privilege when the time comes to sell.

I want to actually use this gun. If I get the gun I plan to use it for upland hunting. Since it is already used I will not feel bad if it gets small nicks and dents. However, if I had a perfect gun I would not use it for fear of damage. If I buy the gun right I should be able to resell it with little or no loss.

Ken

Montana - lengthening 2 1/2" chambers does not "make it somewhat easier to find shells." It may make someone believe that the gun is now OK for SAAMI factory loads or feel less guilty about using them. Chamber length is a relatively minor consideration compared to load pressure. Low pressure loads in 2 3/4" cases work just fine in 2 1/2" chambers. The issue with high pressure is not likely to be a burst, rather it is likely that the gun will be knocked off face in a shorter time than with proper service pressure shells. Thus, it is very important that the gunsmith pay close attention to the guns on-face condition. If the gun has not been shot too many times and Purdeys being on the robust side, the gun may have gotten away with it. I'm of the opinion that kdross has figured out the proper diet for such guns. Hope this works out for you, Ken.

Rocketman:

Thank you for the info. I plan to use low pressure loads since I do not want to destroy my gun (or myself in the process). MidwayUSA sells a new 2 3/4 shell by Federal (I think its Federal) made for vintage guns. These shells are low pressure and made to protect the older guns. I plan to use these special shells so that I do not damage the gun. The current owner uses low pressure shells when shooting this gun, but who knows what the other prior owners used. I would think someone who owns a Purdey would know what to use, but then again I could be wrong.

Here is a stupid question, but can I still use 2 1/2 shells in a gun with 2 3/4 chambers? As you can tell I am still a novice.

Ken

kdross,

I looked at the photos of this Purdey on Roger Bain's website. For what my opinion is worth, I think it looks like a pretty decent gun. It's nearly impossible to evaluate a gun without handling it, as you surely know. I advise you to have a knowledgable expert evaluate it. That person will do a thorough inspection, including measurements of the barrels for wall thickness, etc. If the gun is sound and on-face, you will have one to use and enjoy for many years.

And by the way, yes you can shoot 2 1/2" shells in 2 3/4" chambers.

Good luck, and report back with your success!

Curl

Agree with CC, 2 1/2" shells work just fine in 2 3/4" chambers - do this myself on occasion when I have a 2 1/2" load suited to the purpose at hand and want to use a 2 3/4" gun.

Curl:

Thank you for the response and info. I am having Alfred W. Gallifent in Warrington, PA examine the Purdey. He came highly recommended by several forum members. I will keep everyone posted as to the progress of this journey.

Ken

Ken,

For what its worth, I think you are making a good move and I may say you went about it in an intelligent manner.

kdross,

I met Mr. Gallifent maybe 20 years ago. A good friend of mine used to have a gathering of gun nuts at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia each year in late February. One year Mr. Gallifent was one of the guests. From my understanding he should be well qualified to evaluate your prospective purchase.

One thing I like about the older Purdeys is the generous tight scroll. Here's a comparison of the gun you are considering and a Purdey from the 1950's that was recently on Hallowell's website:



It doesn't take very sharp eyes to see the difference. The older gun has much better engraving.

Good luck with it.

Curl