[Fat Boy]

I am a bit past 50 years of age now, and have been researching for a while on various issues related to guns. My most recent post, which some of you answered, was on an old Wards Hercules Model 10, 12 gauge single barrel. I bought this gun to have an old single barrel shooter, and now I have questions about shooting it, as regards safety, soundness of the gun, etc. The consensus has been to get a gunsmith to check the gun regarding these issues. Also, I learned that the gun may have a short chamber (thank you, Mr. McCracken; I didn't even know there was an issue here). I think this is good advice; it is, however, frustrating to me to have to wait on a gunsmith to check things out, and for me to learn if I bought a gun that won't be safe to shoot! However, better safe than sorry...

In trying to learn more about this recent purchase, I have been reading a whole lot of things written on the internet, and what struck me a few minutes ago was how, as a teenager, I didn't even stop to consider possible weakness in the old single barrel my dad let me use, I just bought some shells and went hunting with a friend or two. (That old single barrel did well, by the way- it brought down a more than a few ducks, pheasants, and quail during my teenage years). But now, things have changed it seems.

No real question here, just kind of thinking out loud...I guess the final thought is that as a buyer I need to "beware"...

Thanks for listening-

[Floppy_D]

I suspect that you and I are in the same boat as a lot of us here... unless the gun fails a thorough visual and physical inspection by myself and another set of eyes, I'll trust it with trusted ammo.

I have never taken a new gun to a qualified gunsmith before shooting it, because my mentors never really stressed that. (Sorry sm, I borrowed "mentors"). It's a good practice that I don't engage in... but likely should. I'd be willing to bet that the average Joe is guilty as well. :)

[mikkeeh]

We have to be careful about things you read on the internet. An isolated incident gets out of proportion really quickly.
I find gun forums notorious for that. Someone will have a specific problem with a specific firearm. The internet is a great place to vent. But soon a single event turns into a widespread problem.....or maybe not.
Years ago I would never think of taking a firearm to a gunsmith for inspection either...nor did I ever know of anyone who had a problem....but the internet made mass communication so much easier.
I would not think of taking a new firearm to have it inspected today.....just doesnt make sense to me.
Take what you read on the internet with a grain of salt....just cause its on the internet...doenst make it true.

[Bezoar]

well the short chamber is interesting, if it was made in america the chamber should be made to american spec. if it was made overseas then the chamber may not be correct for american made ammo.

The real kicker is if the hercules was bought for bird hunting. if it was bought for birding, it may not be legal to use as alot of the new MANDATORY non lead shot isnt for that kind of barrel. some of it is only for chrome lined barrels if mags are to be trusted.

[Dave McCracken]

Bezoar, most American shotguns made prior to 1930 had chambers made for shells shorter than those we commonly use today.

Various lengths used were 2.5", 2 5/8",2 9/16", etc.

Some of these are still fed longer shells and keep perking along.

Others have damaged themselves and their users.

[Fat Boy]

Well, I had the Hercules Wards checked today; the chamber is for 2 3/4 shells. I appreciate again all the responses- Now to get on the range and shoot it...