Richard London 41

[Mertoi]

Hey all, just got both hammers and triggers functioning on my new to me Richard's sxs 16 gauge. Only number found was 41 in the lock. Am pondering taking it out for a test fire tomorrow with some fff black powder (all I have on hand) However the ends of the barrels are a little messed up, would you be comfortable shooting it? Planning on keeping it at 30-40 grains to start with. A portion of the barrel band on the underside is also loose after one of the ramrod slots.

 

[smo]

I don’t think I would shoot it if the rest of the bore looks like the muzzle end…

 

[Mertoi]

I don’t think I would shoot it if the rest of the bore looks like the muzzle end…

Good point, I'll see if I can snake a light down there and see what there is to see.

 

[smo]

Can you post a pic of the loose band… That could be another issue, on some old doubles they tend too separate at the seem joining the barrels …

 

[Mertoi]

Barrel band, lifts off maybe quarter inch and is about 4 inches long. Bores have a couple small blobs of surface rust and a bit of a white powdery look but otherwise seem fine.

 

[smo]

I would give the ring test a try…

 

[Mertoi]

Hmmm shoot, mine does sound dull.

 

[smo]

That would be a no shoot for me….

 

[Mertoi]

Hmmm shoot, mine does sound

That would be a no shoot for me….

Luckily I have solder and a torch. Looks pretty straight forward to fix.

 

[smo]

Some barrels were brazed & some were soldered..

 

[appalichian hunter]

Don't shoot this gun until it is thoroughly checked and repaired by a competent gun smith. BLOWN UP GUN WAITING TO HAPPEN.

 

[Dave Marsh]

I am in the I would not shoot that gun until its thoroughly gone through by a competent gunsmith.

 

[Mertoi]

I am in the I would not shoot that gun until its thoroughly gone through by a competent gunsmith.

I'll check a local gun store that says they do gun smithing. Otherwise no other gunsmiths within 2-3 hours.

 

[Rob M.]

Needs to be gone through completely and proofed
Looks neat !

 

[SOLANCO]

I'll check a local gun store that says they do gun smithing. Otherwise no other gunsmiths within 2-3 hours.

Send the barrels off to Bobby Hoyt. If there is anyone in the world who can make that a working double it is him. You will have a wait if he takes on repair.

 

[Feltwad]

Needs a full restoration job have seen worse '
Feltwad

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

That's a wall hanger. I have shot many Damascus sxs over the years but I wouldn't even consider that one.

 

[Mertoi]

Needs a full restoration job have seen worse '
Feltwad

Have a nagant that was in much worse shape. Did some work to it and got it shooting inch groups at 100. On the double, the only issue with the barrel is the end and short section of rib on the underside. Top rib covers about half of both barrels. Have not seen one like that, but imagine it is mostly what us holding it together. Bottom rib is very thing metal and doesn't seem to be doing a whole lot. Could definitely be confused though haha

 

[Juice Jaws]

A no brainer , wall hanger or paper weight

 

[Feltwad]

Barrel ribs only lift when there is a build up of rust under the ribs the only cure is to remove the ribs and part the barrels to clean , Check the barrels to see if loaded then remove the breech plugs clean and lap the bores to a good finish also any pits and reassembly. You will find on 99%of English made guns that the ribs are soldered but on some Belgian made they are brazed
Also remember when doing restoration a gun that is 150 years plus should look its age and not something straight of the shelf, another thing always stick too the original and not add extras to it such has carvings , brass inlays and black or blue barrels Enclosed are images of one of the many gun restoration which can be saved and brought back too life and not gone for scrap.
Feltwad

The Finish Job