Originally Posted by lagopus
Brent, most 2" chamber guns were made in the 1930's. When they first came out the Proof House insisted on the same Proof Charge as for 2 1/2" chamber guns hence the early ones showing 1 1/8th.ounce on the marks. Eventually, the Gun Trade and Proof House reached a compromise and Proof Tested them for a lighter load. They were never intended to shoot anything more than 7/8th. ounce loads. I do load and use Vectan AS powder which may not be available to you. Here in the U.K. Lyalvale make ammo but they have plastic wads and can also be a bit smart on recoil. Luckily Eley still make them with a nice felt wad and are much easier to shoot. They are fast handling guns that give very good patterns. It would be hard to find one made new now unless someone could find an old action that had been lying about in some old Gunmaker's cupboard and could be finished. They can be sourced second hand and often fetch a premium price over longer chambered guns. I am pleased to own a little 2" chambered Tolley. These guns weigh around 5 1/2 pounds. Lagopus.....


Thanks! I have been learning quite a bit more about them now. I'm not sure I'll ever find one that fits me, my pocketbook, and my tastes, but I can only look. After a bit of searching and lots of help from numerous folks, I think I can reload for one. A quick handling gun with a good pattern is just the ticket for grouse, which are becoming a major hunting interest.

I was hoping they would fetch a minimal price due to the odd ammo requirements. I could look for a similarly light and quick 20 or 16, but I really like the idea of a skinny 12 for some reason.

_________
BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
=>/

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]