No advice, but that’s a pretty dope gun
this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2025
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Bring it to a legit gunsmith and let them do a full rundown/rework on it. They'll make sure it's safe to fire and get it properly working. Do not try and do this on your own. A proper gunsmith will be able to check for microcracks and any delamination of the metals. You don't want a break action to blow up in your face.
"Contact your PC administrator for permissions."
I AM about the best gunsmith around this town. There's no one in the entire metro area that could inspect the chamber any better than I, let alone magnaflux the barrel. I know that sounds a bold claim, and I'd never advertise myself as a gunsmith, but I've been around the block. The gunsmiths touted as experts around here aren't so expert. Only real option would be to mail it off for inspection, can't afford it, not a big deal ATM, just gathering opinions.
Even the gunsmith/FFL I pick up from is about on my level, and I've done shit he won't even try. He has better tools and more money though. :(
What do you think about the hammers slipping? That can't be normal? I put really thin washers on the other night, haven't tested, but that's the best I can figure. Getting to the internals is a non-starter ATM. I'm certain I could get it done, but the risk vs. reward ain't there ATM.
R u a cowboy?
On a STEEL horse I ride!
Seriously, I always wanted a coach gun and this tickled my fancy. Back when I had money. :(
Also, no horse, but put a leather sling on it, and it's pretty fun to hike with.
I personally would NOT fire smokeless in that gun. Sure, some guys proved THEIR barrels didn't explode, but not all laminated steel or damascus barrels are all the same. On top of that, age is a factor on older guns too. Is the barrel pitted or cracked? These barrels are not proofed at all for smokeless.
Honestly, just buy 12GA ammo off the shelf, the cheapest you can find. Cut the top off, dump the wad, shot, powder out. Then put black powder (777 or whatever substitute you want to use), wad, shot, wad, and then use tallow or bees wax and pour it over the top, not letting it drop off the sides.
I can't find the video of Berry showing "cut shells" on Iraqveteran8888 channel atm, but there are other sources.
(can't edit my own posts, AGAIN)
Wanted to add: The guys I watched grabbed a bunch of shit barrels online and only gave a cursory inspection. Damn I wish I could find that video again. They had the metallurgy and engineering experience to back their claims and test, not some random dudes popping off. Anyway, it was really interesting, and no, I'm only shooting what I talked about in the OP, nothing more, not ever.
Even though you visually see no pitting or cracks, I would not shoot it with smokeless rounds full stop. Unless you can find a smokeless proof mark, you have no idea if it will blow up on the first round or the 50th. Adapters will still have a chance of blowing the gun up. Stick with black powder rounds.
BP wouldn't foul the internals as bad as you think, just the barrel/receiver area. I run several BP percussion/cartridge revolvers and the hammer and springs hardly foul up, but I do clean them. You also have to remember that they had break action double barrel shotguns from beginning of the BP days to today.
Depending on the model, some can shoot both at the same time, some only shoot one after the other, some have 1, other 2 triggers, depends on the shotgun.
I think I've seen the video you are referencing.
Don't take the risk, shoot the proper ammo/type with the proper gun. Spending a few extra bucks on specialty ammo is cheaper than hand surgery.
Good to know my home BP loads won't foul so much!
Back to adapters, I've never studied how much extra pressure they can hold, totally ignorant of the subject. Know anything on that?
All they do is just "hold" the smaller round in a larger chamber. You won't get extra pressure, it would be less due to the round being smaller in that case. You also lose a bit of accuracy since those adapters are only so long compared to the full length barrel
The barrel is as perfect as it can be to a visual inspection. I've checked not only the chamber, but the outside edge, it's tight as can be, not one tiny pit, no evidence any bit was ground down. Even the outside shows good care. Without precision micrometers and a magnaflux, you couldn't eyeball an issue.
I've got reloading gear, and roll my own BP, just haven't got too far into it. Wouldn't the BP foul the internals pretty quick? I can't get the hammers off, not without some risk, and even then the insides, yikes. First gun I ever restored was a 70s Mossberg 500, but at least I could find a little online instruction. Be all alone on this animal!
Thoughts on tightening the hammers? Is it normal for both to go off? My 1894 doesn't do that, but it's better quality.
Thoughts on the 20-gauge adapters? Feeling safe with those, still not running anything hot through them, but they're a pain to clear.