doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com VARNEY CARRON 16 GA. SxS

Jim/Larry.....the chamber is slightly tapered, cut your card .731"-.732" wide, that's about the size of a chamber gauge, will give you a better reading

Best
CJ

BTW....I own a little sideplated 20 bore Verney Caron....great little gun!

Thanks CJO:
I neglected to say I always cut mine a little loose which accomplishes the same thing.
Jim

Larry, it's not likely you'll get much specific help on your gun from Verney-Carron. They'll try their best, but they no longer have most of their records. I was able to identify the model of a V-C I owned, and although they could not tell me anything about my gun in specific (like when it was made), they were able to send me some catalog copy describing the model in some detail. In French of course . . . but then I used to teach it, so pas de probleme.

Couple important facts about V-C guns: They're one of the few French makers still in business. Back in the 19th century, they invented a bolting system called "Helice". If your gun has that name or some form of it, that's what it refers to. They've also made barrels for other gunmakers, and have a particularly good reputation as barrelmakers.

To measure the chambers on a 16 ga, you can use a generic highlighter - the yellow-green magic marker things. The butt ends of those are just the right size to slide into the chamber. Gently slide it in until it stops, put a mark on it where it emerges from the chamber, withdraw, and measure from the mark to the butt end of the highlighter.

Verney-Carron as a gun maker traces its roots back to 1850 and as presently organized to 1820. They are Frances oldest maker. In that period of time they have made all types of shotguns from farmer grade single and double shotguns to very nice highly engraved best quality sidelocks.
Most of the old records were destroyed in a flood so the factory can not help with much made before the 1960's. Old catalogs can help ID a model. To ask a value for a older V-C is like asking what a old Ford or old Parker is worth, not nearly enough information to give a intelligent answer.

Gents, I appreciate the feedback. This gun has 17.5 stamped on the flats along with many proof marks. If I could post the pictures it would give everyone more ammunition. Thanks, Larry