doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Bbl. rib performance question

I have the option to acquire a nice side-plated blne 20G sxs, with 28" bbl. and English stock. I hesitate, not that the bbl. rib is raised and flat on top (not concave), but because upon using a straight-edge from the bbl. front-bead to the breach-tang (that which the Greener cross-bolt bolts into), there is approximate a 3/32" drop at the top surface......so, the top-rib surface/plane looks bowed :(, along its entire length.

How might this affect my or its performance?

John

I believe that is called a swamped rib. Some of my guns have it. No reason it should affect the gun or your performance. Just look out over the rib and barrel and concentrate on the target. The gun will never know the difference.

Is it anything like the "Hump Back Rib" that Dig describes for 24 1/4" long for live pigeon shooting. It starts level with the fences, rises in the middle and falls to the bead?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

I agree with Jim.
The rib should make no difference as it is configured that way to facilitate the POI of the shot string when shooting flyers.
Remember the old adage.
"See bird, shoot bird". No matter whether flesh or clay.
You buy a gun that is set up in configuration to be the tool of dropping the bird when you do your part.
If you are noticing the rib when you sight the bird, it is not the gun that is a problem. It is your inattention to good shooting practice that is at fault.
If the gun fits reasonably, you should not take notice of the rib. You should have all your attention on the target.
Now that I have said all that---it was said gently.
Use this shooter as it was intended and have a grand time.
Best,
John

Not sure I understand your description, are you saying that the rib is 'swamped', meaning that it has a gap in the middle of 3/32" inch when you lay a straight edge on its top? If so, it was quite likely made that way, many guns were/are. I'm assuming you have the straight edge along side the front bead tight to the rib and not on top of the bead. Also some bbls give the appearance of having a slightly bowed look to them, but they are not. I'm going out on a bit of a limb here and say that it may be do to how they were 'struck' [filed]. You can hold the bbls up to the light and tell if they are bent or bowed by looking at the concentricity of the light circles refracted in them. If the multiple refractions are 'off' or not concentric, the bbls are indeed bowed or bent. That is not always bad. You have to shoot it to see where it is placing the patterns. In truth, you should do that with any shotgun, but many folks don't.

If I am reading your description correctly, I'm not sure there is a problem. However, if you think or feel that it is, then it greatly increases the probability that it will be. Not being 'smart' or smug here. Rather, trying to point out that confidence is a large part of successful shooting. If the rib remains a concern, you likely will not shoot the gun as well as one that you had more confidence in, that's all.

Hope something here helps you out.

From the description it sounds to me like its flat transverse and raised but bowed much as a swamped rib would be. The distraction could be worse. You should look down the rib of my Smith 16 ga FW. Waves and steps, oh my! Irregularity of the planar always raises the spectre or hafasst redo but it also doesn't make the Gods jealous and the birds probably won't care either.

jack

Thanks, fellas!

Apparently the rib is "swamped" as per JL,JM & tw, the bbls. possess concentric circles down both bores.....I'll keep my focus on the target and/or bird and let the gun do its thing.

I did not wish to disgrace or have any criticism shed upon, had there been something wrong with this gun which I have at home within its 7-day approval. The gun is a Mark DeHaan S2, with "gold (brass) ducks" with upgraded wood......it's certainly a keeper.

John

Fellas, I'll be sure to let the birds get a real good look at this new gun when the dog brings em in.

John

[quote=smilinjohn]Fellas, I'll be sure to let the birds get a real good look at this new gun when the dog brings em in.

John:
Sounds like a plan to me.
Best,
John

I currently have 3 guns with swamped ribs, all Ugartecheas. A Falcon and two Grade IIs. It's been my assumption that ribs made or installed that way are just cheaper and easier to make than to fit one that is perfectly flat lengthways down the barrel. The swamped ribs simply follow the swamped long contours of the barrels, similar to the under rib, just thicker.