doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Bore/Choke gauge interest

Is there any collectability value on an old cased choke/bore measuring device? I came into possession of a .410 gauge bore measuring device a while back. I can get more information on it, but it is from a well know shop, English maybe. Sorry for my sketchy description, but I just remembered that I had it. More info to follow. I know that it is more like a dial type indicator, not a go-no go gauge.

I have a 12 bore gauge like you describe. It is tricky to use. They don't sell very well. I have a .729 calibration ring to get it zeroed. It was the standard bore gauge for many years. I have bought a more modern dial indicator bore gauge with 5 heads for 10 to .410.
I'll get some photos up this evening for those who haven't seen one.

Joe

Joe,
I will snap a pic of mine also.

Got some photos.

The end the gauge is split and expands as the micrometer is turned. The cal ring is .725.


The gauge has 1 inch grooves so you can compare proof marks vs actual bore diameter.




Unrelated, but I got tired of misplacing screws and stuff. I made this bin from leftover oak flooring to keep all my bits together.



Joe

It appears to me the gauge Joe illustrated uses the same principle of expanding "fingers" as used on the Galazan "Professional" bore gauge. I have one, and actually find it easier to use and more precise than the common type using 3 ball bearings. It works for all gauges (except .410) using only the single tool. There are calibration rings for all gauges included.

But it is a matter of personal preferance--both types work well.

The only draw back I see in this type of gage, is that once set to bore size, if the bore changes you will never know what they are. Going smaller would stop gage and then you don't know what you have.
I use a Skeet's gage and have seen the dial indicator change slightly moving up the barrel. Once I find what is bore size, I made up aluminum plugs, 1" long at .002 increments starting say at .729, .727, .725, etc. sometimes the .729 will not fit because of size on size, so I will go to .728. I have made some in 16 ga. for both the early .650 bore and the later .662 bore.

One end has been tapped for 1/4-20 thread in which a metal tip is secured to a 1/4" wooden dowel.
Very easy to make and lets you know of any taper in barrel.
I have run into more than one L.C. Smith that has a tapered barrel to choke, and I wonder if this is what Hunter Arms called their "Multiplied Choke Bore"

Here is a picture of my bore gauge. A fellow member purchased it and it has found a new home. I couldn't seem to post a picture, but the link works. If anyone can post it I would appreciate it.

Federal Bore Gauge