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Forums10
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 84 |
I am considering a sxs European 16ga. shotgun that was built back in the 20's. It is nitro proofed ( I think). The stated chokes are described as "tight and tighter". If I could wish it they would turn into IC/M. Since that does not seem possible, can I open the chokes up, or use spreader loads: mostly 1oz. of 6's and 7.5's at 1100 fps? What say you? Thanks...
Last edited by GaryO; 07/12/13 12:39 PM. Reason: spelling
GaryO
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
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First I would pattern the gun with the shells you intend to use with it to see how it does shoot. Also I believe the chambers are 2 1/2" so you have to be careful there. And I would not increase the chamber length to 2 3/4" if they are not as now the gun is not in proof. Also you would be removing valuable wall thickness in an area that you need it in.
David
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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These chambers are a confirmed 2 3/4".
GaryO
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Joined: Dec 2010
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2010
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Unless you are going to be shooting this gun a LOT, I'd try spreaders first. At least two US mfrs. make them, plus Fiocchi.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2009
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Unless you are going to be shooting this gun a LOT, I'd try spreaders first. At least two US mfrs. make them, plus Fiocchi. those manufacturers are? Imports are ok, too...
GaryO
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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RST makes a 7/8 oz. 2 1/2" 16 ga spreader load of the appropriate pressure for a European double built in the 1920's. I've used them some for grouse & woodcock & I prefer them to the PolyWad spreader load.
Depending on your intended use if the gun truly is choked full & fuller you might want to consider opening the chokes as some point in time but I would pattern it & shoot it for a while before doing so.
IMHO super tight chokes are pretty useless for most types of shooting where a 16 ga is appropriate.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,026 Likes: 51 |
My father IM & IF choked 16 was a nightmare to shoot, today it is both useful and fun to shoot with .005 and .015 chokes.
It hurt a little to change the original chokes (especially as we had the oiginal patterning paperwork from the gunsmith-maker) but in the end it was worth it.
Try the spreader loads, if they work great, if not open the chokes up.
Michael Dittamo Topeka, KS
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,097 Likes: 37
Sidelock
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Sidelock
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These chambers are a confirmed 2 3/4". The chambers may be confirmed as currently being 2-3/4" but the question is was the gun built with them or, more likely, 2-1/2" chambers which were lengthened. If the gun was proofed for 2-3/4" chambers there will usually be a marking on the flats of "70mm" (2-3/4"). If there's no marking on the flats it was built with 65mm (2-1/2") chambers and you should use the lighter ammo.
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income. - Errol Flynn
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Joined: Mar 2011
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,988 Likes: 108 |
I'm in the same boat with a 16. It's choked .014 and .025. Since I'm a Grouse and Quail hunter, I'm getting mine opened up. Mod and Full is worthless for what I am planning for this gun (by a VERY competent barrel man).
Socialism is almost the worst.
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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My 1937 Manufrance 16 ga Ideal is choked IM in the right, Boston Strangler in the left, 65 mm chambers. I am going the expensive route, having found a late manufacture set of barrels in the white, factory 70 mm chambers. They are in France as we speak, preparing to make their way west. Will be looking for a good barrel man to fit and finish them after the upcoming bird season.
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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