My mid-range" 1899 Francotte 12-gauge 26-inch barrels (uncut) muzzle measurements indicate Modified/Full to me.
The 2 5/8-chambered gun was "Made for C.W. Billings" (on the rib with gold bar)) and ordered through VLD "U.S. agents New York."
The "Francotte chokebore" markings under "choke" on the left barrel are 17.6 over 18.2 and 17.7 over 18.4.
On the right barrel are 17.9 over 18.2 and 17.9 over 18.4.
Would a member explain to me what these marks mean, please? Why the two markings on each barrel? I suspect the barrels are M/F.
There is no answer, of course, to why Mr. Billings ordered those chokes for a short-barreled gun more appropriate to field than blind.
King,
Sorry, I wasn't paying attention... It is the choke over the bore diameter. They used it from 1910-1924. After that they simply used the bore diameter.
The barrel weight should also be stamped on the barrels. Though some times it just isn't there.
Pete
