Remington B.P. Shotgun

[Long Knife Rich]

 My local gunshop has a nice old 10 gauge Remington mod. 1873 hammer lifter shotgun that I was considering getting. Barrels are marked as being "decarbonized steel", and they don't appear to be damuscus twist. I don't know much about black powder use so I thought I'd ask here. Assuming a gunsmith gives the ok to shoot it, are 10 gauge blackpowder shells available?
Also, were these generally considered quality guns for their day? It seems very well made.
Thanks for any help.

[john boy]

Jack, neat question.  I didn't know spit about decarbonized steel untill I read this thread ...
http://www.remingtonsociety.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2097

[Long Knife Rich]

 That's an interesting link. Thanks. I'm really tempted to get this gun, especially since the price doesn't seem too bad, although I would like to be able to shoot it. 

[Montana Slim]

Assuming it's shotable, purchasing proper BP shells would be rather pricey...more like prohibitive.
I'm sure you can search the web & find some.

Handloading would cost some $$ up front for empty cases, primers & loading tools, but shooting cost could be pretty reasonable.
If yuo are not up to spending bigger $$ on commercial loading tools & "niceties", very simple tools for loading can be made at home, do some research on the web & you'll likely find articles.


Regards,
Slim

[Lucky R. K.]

Hello Jack,

That sounds like a good shotgun.  If you do get the gun just be aware that modern 10 Ga. shells are not correct for it.  The gun should have chambers that are 2-7/8" long if I remember correctly.   There shouldn't be a problem shoothing the gun just be sure to adjust your cases to the chambers.

Lucky 

[Bishop Creek]

Scroll down to near the bottom of the page for loaded 10 ga shot shells:

http://www.gadcustomcartridges.com/

[Long Knife Rich]

 Thanks for the help guys. Looks like the shells might be a little pricey, but I think I'm going to head down to the gunshop and put a deposit on it anyway. I figure it's a neat old gun and I probably won't be firing it too much anyway. After I get it I'll try to figure out how to post pictures of it.   

[St. George]

Before you do that - take a strong flashight/borelight - or better yet - bright sunlight - and look 'hard' down the barrels.

Don't just break the piece and look towards the floor like so many will in a shop or at a gun show - you really want bright light.

Look for pitting and anything 'odd' - and if you see it - you'll know you're looking at 'odd', so I won't describe it.

These old BP shotguns saw a lot of use over time - and some weren't maintained as well as could be - allowing bad things to happen to the bores and to the metallurgy.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Bishop Creek]

Yes, you have to be careful with old shotguns. I have a Riverside (Stevens) outside hammer double with steel barrels that I occasionally shoot with BP, but even then it makes me a bit apprehensive as it was made in 1927. I would not hesitate to fire a 100 year old pistol or rifle in good condition, and I have, but old shotguns make me nervous.

[Long Knife Rich]

 I agree. This would be my first old shotgun, and for some reason it does make me a little more nervous. 

[Fairshake]

This is what may happen to your shotgun if loaded with Pyrodex and not cleaned right away. I have shot real BP shells and not cleaned for up to 5 days with no problems like this. I sent by gun in for warranty repairs and I told the gunsmith that I only shot BP for my ammo. He said that he would have a friend load him some. He sent my gun back to me via UPS. I darn near fell to the floor when I opened the box. He said that he felt no need to clean the gun after firing and the trip took 4 days to my home. Use real BP and no subs or clean the same day with the Pyrodex. I have never nor will I ever put that stuff in any of my guns. The company ended up sending me a new gun for the mistakes made by the gunsmith. Right click on photo for close up.

[Long Knife Rich]

This is what may happen to your shotgun if loaded with Pyrodex and not cleaned right away. I have shot real BP shells and not cleaned for up to 5 days with no problems like this. I sent by gun in for warranty repairs and I told the gunsmith that I only shot BP for my ammo. He said that he would have a friend load him some. He sent my gun back to me via UPS. I darn near fell to the floor when I opened the box. He said that he felt no need to clean the gun after firing and the trip took 4 days to my home. Use real BP and no subs or clean the same day with the Pyrodex. I have never nor will I ever put that stuff in any of my guns. The company ended up sending me a new gun for the mistakes made by the gunsmith. Right click on photo for close up.

Ouch, that hurts

[Bishop Creek]

Pyrodex. Terrible stuff. Tried it once. Only the Holy Black for me.