doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Best shotgun for Double Rifle Conversion?

This topic is sure to ruffle a few feathers. Please only comment if you have something constructive to add. I have a bad bad desire for a double rifle. A true DR is not in the cards right now. I was thinking about getting a shotgun conversion done. What would be the best type of shotgun to convert? Are there actions that are generally stronger than others? What should I look for in a gun to convert. Once again I know this will bother a few BB members, and I understand why, but unless you want to give away a DR, this is my only option.

Anyone else done this?

Thanks

Alex

I'm interested in the same. I would think that something like a Lefever Nitro would do the job, but I'm not sure. jd6729

I've seen .577's done on Greener actions.

Alex,

I suggest you do a search and post your inquiry on NitroExpress.com. There is a lot of information on this topic at that site. That BBS is more focused on double rifles than any other BBS I know of.

Hope this helps,
Curl

A good one to use is the Browning BSS. They are quite strong although there is no top fastener; and also fairly common, and realativly inexpensive. However, by the time you are finished with a reasonably good job of conversion, you will have spent almost as much as you would on a decent British BPE rifle. Your conversion would have little resale value unless very well done, whereas an original will always have value to someone. Most conversions I have seen are very heavy relative to caliber; that is unless you are building a .577 or .500 nitro.

All the best, Mal

There was gunsmith down in TX that would do this conversion and as I recall it was somewhere in the area of $500 - $1000. He used eccentric inserts for regulating.

He would only do it to 45-70 and only on guns with a third fastener, preferably a Greener crossbolt.

Can't remember who it was though. Wish I could I have a perfect candidate, an H. Pieper with Greener & set front trigger.

Here's some info on another one.

Shotgun-Double Rifle

Could you scratch the DR itch with a pair of rifle tube inserts ala Frankonia in Germany? This should keep you with things salible at a reasonable portion of your cost. Then, have a look at Chapuis DRs and start a warchest. Time will pass quicker than you imagine, a dedicated warchest will build faster than you imagine, and you will have a chance to figure out exactly where that 'ole itch is anyway.

If you can't keep focus long enough to build a warchest, you may not want it as bad as you think; been there, done that, and got several "tee shirts" to prove it. Got no objections to using a BSS (or similar) for a DR platform. However, be very sure that the end result will really scratch what is itching you.

I am talking with a converter right now, Jason. He says he does Stoegers, Merkels, Hulu's ...as the doner shotgun.

I want a short, very abuse resistant, take it into the densest, nastiest brush conditions and be confident it will work everytime double. Jason has priced me up doing a stoeger coach gun, 12 gauge, stainless receiver into a 50-90 Sharps double rifle... Seems intriguing. I'm waiting on pictures and some more details right now.

And I also like the idea of a building up a war-chest. I am hoping to do BOTH.

Try this: Ellis is a great guy who's done a ton of research on this subject. I've shot some of his conversions.

BUILDING DOUBLE RIFLES ON SHOTGUN ACTIONS.
by Brown, W. Ellis.
Publisher Information:
Bunduki Publishing Ft. Collins, CO 2001


This book is written to take the gunsmith or advanced hobbyist step by step through the process of building a double rifle, using the action of a side-by-side shotgun. Chapters include evaluating actions and cartridges; building monoblocks; ribs; bushing firing pins; and proof testing. The author explains what regulation is and isn't, and offers his proven method of regulating double rifles so that both barrels shoot to the same point of impact. Brown details each step of the entire process, to end with a functional, well regulated double rifle. 187 pages, including index and black & white photographs.


Edition: 1st edition
Binding: Hardcover. New in New Dust Jacket.
Book Id: 10382

I believe Butch Searcy started his double rifle business doing conversions. I know he used BSS actions for at least some of them. I had one in hand at Ivory Beads a couple years ago. Very heavy, but suited for the caliber, of which I can't recall specifically.

http://www.searcyent.com/