Joe, first of all,like others have said, you don't need to be afraid of vintage damascus-barrelled hammerguns. If you can get your hands on Sherman Bell's series 'Finding out for myself', he has some outstanding articles on the strength of these old guns. Secondly, check out the used shotgun section of gun stores. Our local shop regularly has vintage doubles come in and they are usually happy to put a low price on them and sell them once the local gunsmith has given them the all-clear (he also appreciates the old guns). Take a look at the old double hammer gun. Does it lock up tight with no movement or wiggle? Are the bores shiny? If it is yes to both, chances are you might have a good vintage shooter. You may want to check the wall thickness to see if the bore has been reamed out a bit. If not, and if it is shiny, you are in business! I found just such a gun, a 130 year-old hammergun with shiny bores, no pitting, and still a fair amount of case color on the frame, made in Birmingham, UK and all for $Cdn 430.
