Drillings 16/8x72R

[Don458]

Hello I have a 16gauge/ 8x72R drilling’s that needs a little work. It is off face , slightly when it locks up there is a space between barrels and breach . N. My question is can anyone advise a competent Real gunsmith in the North east of USA Im in NY Would love to use this On some hunts . I reload so no problem, shells are 2 9/16” chambers and i resized 9.3x72 brass down to 8mm. I have shot it like this shotgun only . I also don’t want to break the bank , I was told this is a simple repair ? Thanks Don

 

[Don458]

Any help appreciated

 

[Red Leg]

Sure - call JJ Perodeau http://jjperodeau.com/ and chat with him about it. He has done a lot of work for me in the past, and is one of the few I would trust with a re-joint. If it is not too bad, he can do a steel filet in the hook, and the cost will be quite reasonable. Pay him to also look it over and do thorough cleaning. Like going to the doctor, it is always better to deal with things when they are small.

Lovely old gun. I have a very similar one in 8x57R. I hope you really aren't shooting those heavy loads in that gun. As you note, it was designed for 2.5" (65 mm) shells. In an old hammer gun like that, I would never use anything heavier than a 7/8 - 1 ounce load at moderate pressures (I shoot 7/8 in mine and with typically tight Teutonic chokes it is deadly). RST loads 16 guage shells specifically designed for these period guns. http://www.rstshells.com/store/m/3-16-Gauge.aspx A previous owner no doubt accelerated that joint wear blasting away with 2 3/4 inch heavy field loads.

 

[wesheltonj]

Second on the RST Shot Shells. I had my Parker re-chambered to accept modern shells, but that's in case I have to use them.

The only gunsmith I know in your neck of the wood is Larry Del Greco and Sons. But I think he just works on Parkers and some Remingtons, but you never know.

 

[Don458]

Sure - call JJ Perodeau http://jjperodeau.com/ and chat with him about it. He has done a lot of work for me in the past, and is one of the few I would trust with a re-joint. If it is not too bad, he can do a steel filet in the hook, and the cost will be quite reasonable. Pay him to also look it over and do thorough cleaning. Like going to the doctor, it is always better to deal with things when they are small.

Lovely old gun. I have a very similar one in 8x57R. I hope you really aren't shooting those heavy loads in that gun. As you note, it was designed for 2.5" (65 mm) shells. In an old hammer gun like that, I would never use anything heavier than a 7/8 - 1 ounce load at moderate pressures (I shoot 7/8 in mine and with typically tight Teutonic chokes it is deadly). RST loads 16 guage shells specifically designed for these period guns. http://www.rstshells.com/store/m/3-16-Gauge.aspx A previous owner no doubt accelerated that joint wear blasting away with 2 3/4 inch heavy field loads.

Yes i meant 2-1/2”. My error ,load very light 7/8oz Thank you Don

 

[Don458]

Second on the RST Shot Shells. I had my Parker re-chambered to accept modern shells, but that's in case I have to use them.

The only gunsmith I know in your neck of the wood is Larry Del Greco and Sons. But I think he just works on Parkers and some Remingtons, but you never know.

Yes Del Greco I know of him, my bird gun is a Parker trojan 16ga 26” ic/mod i load up shells using a old roll crimp . I was thinking of that when I said 2-9/16”. Photos show old vintage shells i had not what i shot in it . Drilling has Ferlach proof on barrels