American gun co 410 double barrel with exposed hammers.

[Taeverling]

Hello all, I have acquired a american gun co 410 double barrel made around 1910. Was wondering if it can handle regular 2 1/2 light field loads or if that is to much pressure for it??
It doesn't have damascus barrels and is rather tight in the action is why I think it could possibly handle that, but i want to hear more input. Hate to bulge the barrel or hurt the gun if it can be avoided.

 

[Magyars]

I don't see why not if there are no bulges, cracks or heavy rust. 410 birdshot is not a high pressure round. You could tie it to a tire or some such and fire it remotely to test.

 

[Squirt239]

Take off the forend. Take the barrels off the receiver. Tie a string to the lock portion of the barrels and suspend the barrels from the string.

Lightly tap the barrels with a metal object. It should ring like a bell if the barrels have not separated from each other. If they have separated, they will sound like a muted bell or thud.

 

[55fairlane]

Take off the forend. Take the barrels off the receiver. Tie a string to the lock portion of the barrels and suspend the barrels from the string.

Lightly tap the barrels with a metal object. It should ring like a bell if the barrels have not separated from each other. If they have separated, they will sound like a muted bell or thud.

Sound advice right here. If you hear a deaden sound don't shoot the gun, however the gun may very well be fixable, if deaden sound is present.
Why not load some low power 2 inch rounds for it??

 

[Taeverling]

‍I didn't even think about the sound test! I will give it a try soon as I'm home. If the barrels ring like a good bell and all is solid it should be good to go? The barrels are straight and smooth with bright bores as well. Absolutely no bulging. Also how would one make 2 inch shells for it? I haven't did much in the world of reloading. Is it a fairly simple process?

 

[Taeverling]

‍I didn't even think about the sound test! I will give it a try soon as I'm home. If the barrels ring like a good bell and all is solid it should be good to go? The barrels are straight and smooth with bright bores as well. Absolutely no bulging. Also how would one make 2 inch shells for it? I haven't did much in the world of reloading. Is it a fairly simple process?

Didn't mean to put that symbol‍

 

[Squirt239]

Didn't mean to put that symbol‍

In all seriousness, I'd have no problem shooting it with 3"

These older guns were built like tanks with quality materials and knowledgeable builders.

If you don't feel comfortable shooting it, I will.

 

[Taeverling]

In all seriousness, I'd have no problem shooting it with 3"

These older guns were built like tanks with quality materials and knowledgeable builders.

If you don't feel comfortable shooting it, I will.

Lol 3" would be a bit questionable for me to try. The barrels choke down tight and are quite thin compared to 410s from the 50s and 60s. I do agree the craftsmanship back then was superior.

 

[55fairlane]

‍I didn't even think about the sound test! I will give it a try soon as I'm home. If the barrels ring like a good bell and all is solid it should be good to go? The barrels are straight and smooth with bright bores as well. Absolutely no bulging. Also how would one make 2 inch shells for it? I haven't did much in the world of reloading. Is it a fairly simple process?

I simply take and cut the hull down ....you can glue the wad in or work the hull until you get the hull to crimp......

 

[Taeverling]

Update! It shoots just fine!!! Put 4 shells through it and worked great! Barrels still ring like a bell and still locks up tight. Thanks for all the info fellas.