doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Midland 12 bore hammer gun 3 inch chambers?

I examined a Midland 12 bore hammer gun today with 32 inch heavy steel barrels marked 3 inch,NP,1 1/2.I assume the 1 1/2 is the shot charge it is proofed for? Thanks,Bobby

That would be correct. 1 1/2 oz would be the MAXIMUM service load.

The old 3" standard which was 2&3/4" magnum equivalent .
No longer available as an accepted poof submission .

1904-1925 only would guns be stamped with the shot charge and "Nitro Proof".

Just ready to explode Damascus barrels so marked



If the 1 1/2 oz. service load was 3 1/2 tons, the (modern) service pressure would be 10,427 psi; 4 tons = 11,917 psi.

As I understand it the reason for the change from OZ of shot to pressure was that the amount of shot does not automatically guarantee the pressure. 1� oz of shot could be loaded to an unacceptable pressure level while a heavier shot load could be loaded within an acceptable pressure level. Marking the maximum service pressure was thus a more significant parameter than marking the shot load.

Thanks to all for answering my question.Now if only I could get my hands on it! Bobby

If you do get hold of it you may be interested in the fact that a book about the Midland Gun Company is in the process of being written and will soon be completed. I have some of my Midland guns and cartridges that will be illustrated in it. I will post something on the site when it becomes available for the benefit of anyone interested. Lagopus.....

Bobby, you gonna use that big 12 for those vicious Georgia woodcock?

Please do Lagopus.Mike it is not my gun. Bobby