doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com 28 Bore Proof Marks

Just picked up a little 28 bore and need a little help deciphering the proof marks. A Birmingham boxlock with 30� barrels circa 1921 I purchased for my father in law to keep him hunting for another decade +.

http://www.shotguns.se/html/b-ham_marks_in_context.html

Birmingham proofs
upgraded 2 3/4 inch chambers
Choked bores
5/8 ounce proofed

Mike

p.s. appears to be re-proofed for Nitro proof and chambers lengthened

as indicated by the R Crown and the diamond 28 then the 28-70 marking and the nitro proof overstamp

skeetx is spot on. Nice little guns which sell for good money here in the U.K. It would be nice to see a full picture and details of the Maker. The 5/8th. ounce bit is part of the earlier 2 1/2" marks prior to chamber lengthening and re-proof. I would suggest modest loads rather than stoking it up with mighty 1 ounce stuff as although proofed for them it would kick hard and just pound the light gun over time. The English 28's are really light weight guns and better served with the lighter loads. Enjoy! Lagopus.....

Lagopus,

Does the fact that "28 - 70" is followed by "STD" (which I assume is for standard) indicate the proof for one ounce loads?

STD is indeed for Standard. That's the relatively recent change from the "bars" proof pressure marks used by the British proof houses since the mid to late 80's. What it means, to me, is--with 2 3/4" chambers--I would stick with standard US target ammo (skeet loads), 3/4 oz, 1200 fps. I wouldn't go with any heavier shot charges or any higher velocity stuff like the hotter sporting clays loads, which are in the 1300 fps range. Just to be on the safe side.

For the curious...the Barrels are marked Stephen Grant, the receiver is unmarked, but reasonably well engraved with a snap on forend. I am guessing it was merely retailed by Grant with some minor finishing.



The balance point is actually 3/4� ahead of the hinge which does a nice job of keeping it from being whippy despite being 5-1. I will use the light RST loads to protect the diminutive action despite the hefty proof�good advice!

loverly little gon...

Given the original Birmingham proofs, it was probably made there for retail by Grant.

15085 isn't in Grant's numbering system. Is there a four figure number on the action? Likely made in Birmingham for retail by Grant. One of their regular customers probably wanted one for a son who might be expected to grow out of it. Fairly common practice by the big London names.

The 70mm. mark is for any 2 3/4" cartridge that is CIP approved. That might rule out some of the American 1 ounce stuff. Look for the CIP mark on the box of ammo. Like Larry says; avoid the heavy stuff. It wasn't what the 28 bore gun was intended to fire anyway. 1 ounce loads are best through a 16 bore. Lagopus.....

Lagopus, The same serial number is engraved into receiver as the barrel flats. I will be seeing Mr Lovell at the Southern this year and will certainly enquire as to whether he has any additional information on this series of "Grant" guns.