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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 3
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 3 |
I am new to this forum and vintage doubles. I am purchasing this gun, but am not sure if it is French or Belgian. Any insight is appreciated. It is marked Acier de Surete 16 ga. I am trying to upload pictures. Thanks
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,534 Likes: 169
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,534 Likes: 169 |
Hello Huntarius Welcome on your first posting I feel it is French. Take a look at these proof marks http://www.shotguns.se/html/france.htmlTo load pictures you have to have a hoster like. www.jpgbox.comMike
USAF RET 1971-95
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Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 3
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 3 |
Thanks. Here are the pics pic 1 pic 2 pic 3 pic 4
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,814 Likes: 194
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,814 Likes: 194 |
Typical St. Étienne A&D Body Action double. 65mm chambers Choke Rectifié Portée Garantie Acier de Sûreté(sometimes seen as Canon de Sûreté) Interesting encircled FN Cheers, Raimey rse
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,124 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,124 Likes: 19 |
Could it be a sourced Belgian gun for a Spanish retailer?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,814 Likes: 194
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,814 Likes: 194 |
Maybe Belgian sourced tubes for a St. Etienne retailer but I am skeptical. There is a stamp of FN(intertwined) 55 on the underside of the right tube that too is interesting.
Cheers,
Raimey rse
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,814 Likes: 194
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,814 Likes: 194 |
Any trademark on the buttplate?
Cheers,
Raimey rse
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Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 3
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 3 |
Thanks. I'll check on the buttplate. I have not picked up the gun yet. Ideas on what these are worth? I am mainly looking for a vintage shooter, of the quality of days gone by and the value that makes us appreciate these old guns. Is the gun serviceable and are parts available in case that something breaks? Also without sparking a debate on chamber issues am I making a mistake by modifying the gun to shoot 2 and 3/4 inch shells?
Thanks all who have replied!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,757 Likes: 748
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,757 Likes: 748 |
That action was used by hundreds of makers in Belgium and France, and, perhaps Eastern European makers for most of 100 years. They are not rare, not truly valuable unless finished to an exceptional standard, but, are very useful bird guns. I would expect to find good wall thickness, as it was proofed in St. Etienne, tight chokes, and light weight. The 2 3/4” chamber modification needs to be done in a thoughtful manner, with a double gunsmith measuring the bores, noting bore condition, and utilizing precision equipment and professional expertise. I would recommend Dean at Skeets for that work, but there are others. When I started in this game 2 1/2” ammunition was challenging to come by, but, that has changed. I usually leave the chambers alone, at this time. Good luck. I hope it works out well for you. Mine have.
Best, Ted
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,162 Likes: 1155
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,162 Likes: 1155 |
I agree with Ted's recommendation to use Dean Harris for choke and chamber work. One great thing about him is that he is so accessible by phone. He will take as long as is necessary to answer your questions and listen to your needs and concerns. He lengthened the chambers on a 20 ga. Sterlingworth Ejector gun for me, opened the chokes to my requirements, and tested the gun for regulation. In the process he determined exactly what load the gun was regulated for, and called and explained all that to me.
I hope he's around a long, long time.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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