Re: Hopkins and Allen "Forehand"

5
Look at the water table & under the barrel for proof marks. Take some pictures of what you find.

If it isn't a Damascus barrel, it probably was made for smokeless by that time. Also be sure to check how long the chambers are - they might be 2 1/2" for example. http://www.rstshells.com/ makes ammo specifically to be gentle on older shotties.
Live like you will never die, love like you've never been hurt, dance
like no-one is watching.
Alex White

Re: Hopkins and Allen "Forehand"

7
Inquisitor wrote:
wlewisiii wrote:Look at the water table & under the barrel for proof marks. Take some pictures of what you find.

If it isn't a Damascus barrel, it probably was made for smokeless by that time. Also be sure to check how long the chambers are - they might be 2 1/2" for example. http://www.rstshells.com/ makes ammo specifically to be gentle on older shotties.

Stoopid question, how can I tell if Damascus?
https://sites.google.com/a/damascusknow ... m/www/home has lots of info on those beautiful but not very strong barrels.
Live like you will never die, love like you've never been hurt, dance
like no-one is watching.
Alex White

Re: Hopkins and Allen "Forehand"

8
wlewisiii wrote:
Inquisitor wrote:
wlewisiii wrote:Look at the water table & under the barrel for proof marks. Take some pictures of what you find.

If it isn't a Damascus barrel, it probably was made for smokeless by that time. Also be sure to check how long the chambers are - they might be 2 1/2" for example. http://www.rstshells.com/ makes ammo specifically to be gentle on older shotties.

Stoopid question, how can I tell if Damascus?
https://sites.google.com/a/damascusknow ... m/www/home has lots of info on those beautiful but not very strong barrels.
This barrel looks nothing like those.

Re: Hopkins and Allen "Forehand"

10
Inquisitor wrote:Actually now not sure. Underneath the patina, it looks mottled...

Think you can get a close up picture of what it looks like? It is pretty different from "fluid steel" (that's what Parker called their early non-damascus barrels) so if it looks like it, it's a good chance that it is. Got any good gunsmiths near you?

Be a good excuse to have FS teach you how to load holy black shotshells :D
Live like you will never die, love like you've never been hurt, dance
like no-one is watching.
Alex White

Re: Hopkins and Allen "Forehand"

11
wlewisiii wrote:
Inquisitor wrote:Actually now not sure. Underneath the patina, it looks mottled...

Think you can get a close up picture of what it looks like? It is pretty different from "fluid steel" (that's what Parker called their early non-damascus barrels) so if it looks like it, it's a good chance that it is. Got any good gunsmiths near you?

Be a good excuse to have FS teach you how to load holy black shotshells :D
Sounds like until I am sure, that's my only option for shooting it.

Close ups are hard, neither the iPhone nor google glass seem to be suited for that close. The mottling is subtle, through the patina, but there. So it's so very unclear to me. Will look for a smith.

Re: Hopkins and Allen "Forehand"

17
Inquisitor wrote:I hadn't thought of cowboy loads...

IF I were to load shotshells, primer, gear suggestions?
How much do you think you might load? Lee makes a cheap press but you'll not want to be loading flats with it. Good for a hunter who maybe shoots trap once or twice a year.

Next step up is the MEC 600 Jr. which is 3x the price but much nicer. It's rated at 6 to 8 boxes an hour, good enough for a once a week trap shooter.

Both are at Midway USA. I don't know if either can do 2 1/2" if that's what your shotgun is chambered for.

Otherwise, generic 12 g. hulls & plastic wads, generic shotgun primers, #8 lead shot & Unique powder.

Nice slideshow on the topic here: http://www.alliantpowder.com/getting_st ... shell.aspx

I need to get a 16 gauge press to really use my Ithaca.
Live like you will never die, love like you've never been hurt, dance
like no-one is watching.
Alex White

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