doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com H. Scherping 9.3x72

Hello to all, I’ve been reading here for many years, and have finally joined. I particularly like small to medium bore German doubles, but I’m fairly new to them, as I’ve long been a Mauser collector. I’d like to get input on one of mine, a Scherping hammer gun in 9.3x72 I bought earlier this year. I presume it is likely antique, but perhaps early turn of the century. It appears to be pre cartridge standardization, as I have tried boxes of 9.3x72 from probably the 1920’s and they come about a 1/4” shy of fully chambering. I’ll cast the chamber when I get a chance to, and see some real dimensions.

*** well I can’t figure out the pictures just yet

Just lovely to hear of another H. Scherping. There was just nothing short about a Scherping offering. I assume it has the Rigby/Charles Harvey - Viennese Forend latch(1793 of 1866)?

https://www.doublegunshop.com/forum...mp;Words=1793&Search=true#Post275692

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Just a note or word of caution, I think Hart has a similarScherping DR in 9,3X72R S&S or was it 9,3X74R? I do know that Ford has one or has had one. It appears to be a 9,3X74R but is actually a 9,3X72R Sauer & Sohn and vastly different. But a chamber cast will ferret out the chamber.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Raimey,
Thanks for the input, it’s actually a top lever/Deeley gun. I’m in the process of acquiring a Weipert proofed gun in the pattern you linked however. Regards,
Clay

Hum, I would really like to see the Bohemian longarm...

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Too, if you would forward any fotos to me, I'll gladly post them for you.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Themauserkid,
There is bad news and good news. The bad news is there are several distinct versions of 9.3x72R cartridges. The good news is whichever version it is, we can figure it out and get you shooting. Based only on your description of the gun and your unsuccessful effort to chamber a cartridge, I believe the rifle is chambered for the "D" (Deutsche) version and the cartridges you used were likely the "N" (normalizert?- standardized) version. There are a couple ways to deal with this, but we need more than my guess, to be sure. We need to start with clear legible photos of the proof marks (if any) on the underside of the barrels and will likely include making a chamber cast, as you suggested.
Mike

I also have a German double in 9.3x72r that won't fully chamber factory ammo. Hangs up in a similar way. Turns out the chambers are super tight. I wrapped the brass in a single layer of household tape and ran that through the sizing die and it fits and fires.

Be sure to cast the bores as well as the chambers, as if I recall correctly, mine are also undersize/tight.

Rifle is quite nice. Retailed by Weisgerber, like a pre-war Merkel I have as well (that one in 8x57R with a .318 bore.)

Thanks for the input everyone, I have been gone for a while, but will make a chamber cast when I can. I have a quick photo set of this one, I’ll forward some pictures, and thank you for the offer. Also it was a couple of boxes of N rounds now that you mention it.

I would love to see any and all German doubles if anyone feels like sharing them. I would love a Merkel, I have two 16/8x57 Bockbüchsflinte from Merkel, but no doubles.

CJF,
I suspect yours also has chambers for the "D" version. Your "fix" is very close to one of the ways to deal with the problem. Some just run current "N" version ammo far enough into a 38-55 file trim die that it will chamber. The 38-55 head size is a few thousandths smaller than the 9.3s, but the bullet is larger. This allows the bullet to pass through the die and size the body farther back. A little lubricant is necessary and size it only enough to chamber. If you set the die correctly, it should take less time than the system you use now. You can do the same thing with a 38-55 FL sizing die, if it is the type that has the de-priming assembly in a separate threaded bushing instead of directly screwing into the top of the die body. Removing the threaded bushing will allow the bullet and part of the case to pass through. Of course, if you don't already have 38-55 dies you might not find changing your procedure worthwhile. I'm sure you have already found out that you only need to do it once; you can reload them after firing them in the normal manner using normal loading dies. You mentioned that your rifle also has tight barrels. I have found that .358-.359" groove diameters are very common, which is handy.
Mike