Questions for drilling/combination experts

crazysccrmd · Sep 26, 2016

I'm looking at a combination gun online and trying to figure out more before I decide whether or not to make an offer. It is a 16ga/8x57JR, fully engraved and appears from photos to be in good condition. Stock has some dings and the bottom corner of the buttstock and plate is chipped. The scope is a Henzoldt Wetzlar Dailytan 4x.

Using this website (http://www.shotguns.se/html/germany_1890-1945.html) I think I have some of the markings figured figured out. It looks like it was made in July 1943 and has a preliminary proof mark stamped on both barrels.

Price is listed at $1450 including sales tax. It is at a pawnshop and was first posted for sale in June. I'm out of state so an offer of $1340 would give them the same profit margin, and the length of time it's been sitting could help me. I would plan to start at a lower offer than that of course to have room to work up if needed.

Any input on whether this is something to pursue is appreciated.

crazysccrmd · Sep 26, 2016

More pictures.

adcoch1 · Sep 26, 2016

Its a pretty gun that's for sure, I'd make sure that the barrel is a true 8mm .323 bore before i bought it, sourcing .318 bore 8x57 might be tough nowadays.

Sent from my LGLS740 using Tapatalk

Jim Watson · Sep 26, 2016

Wow, a 1943 drilling. Must have thought they were still winning at the time and had some energy to make sporting guns.
Too bad about the broken stock, I have a Walther rifle broken the same way at least the buttplate was only cracked and I was able to have it repaired. Maybe it was the way the GIs threw them around as they exercised gun control in the Occupation.

As to caliber, it is marked "8x57 JR" and "Nicht fur S" which I take to mean it has a .318" rifle barrel. The shot barrels have 65mm = 2 9/16" chambers.

S&B has separate listings for 8x57 JR and 8x57 JRS so we may hope the JR is true .318" and correct.
RST and Polywad make 2.5" shotgun shells, so you are good there.

I don't know about the price, seems ok for the present day. I would try to get something off for stock repair.

crazysccrmd · Sep 30, 2016

The 8x57JR would be a bit of an inconvenience since I already load for 8x57 JS. If I were to buy I'd slug the bore and hope for a bit of luck that it wasn't .318 just to make my reloading stock easier. From looking at a few stores it looks like 25" 16ga would all be internet order as well.

LoonWulf · Sep 30, 2016

I like that the screws all still seem to be properly timed, bubba dont ususally puttem back like dat. Id probably just put a diffrenent color "accent" piece of wood on the toe of the stock and replace the plate.

I wonder if you could swage .323 bullets down to .318? im sure you could cast for it, but ive heard of guys doing that with some other jackted bullets, dunno bout rifle bullets tho.

you could also probably get the gear to reload for 2.5" shells...

all in all i dont know how much you want to invest, but im betting getting that gun shooting on the regular will be a pretty hefty upfront investment....but damn cool if you getter going.

browningguy · Sep 30, 2016

A used 1st class drilling seems to usually go for $4k and up, so, if you want to spend the money for the stock, or potentially change out the scope, maybe have the shotgun barrels recut for 2 3/4" shells that's about where you'll be. It's not a bad price for a good drilling in that condition.

I'm really surprised a drilling that late would be sized for .318" 8mm, that's a little odd. They were still making drillings during the war for military pilots, apparently they carried them primarily flying in Africa.

entropy · Sep 30, 2016

Nab it. Now. You'll be kicking yourself later if you don't.

olafhardtB · Oct 1, 2016

8X57 JR I know that the R is often used to denote a rimmed cartridge. Even today rimmed cartridges are often used in break action rifles. You probably can find Rimmed 8x57 brass. I don't think you will be able to feed this gun at Wally World. I think it is more of a project than a shooter.

crazysccrmd · Oct 1, 2016

olafhardtB said:
8X57 JR I know that the R is often used to denote a rimmed cartridge. Even today rimmed cartridges are often used in break action rifles. You probably can find Rimmed 8x57 brass. I don't think you will be able to feed this gun at Wally World. I think it is more of a project than a shooter.

Finding the brass isn't hard, the .318 bullets will be harder. Not a lot of options in that size if it really is a .318 bore. I reload so ammunition won't be a problem for me.

Jim Watson · Oct 1, 2016

Buffalo Arms lists .318" bullets, not all in stock at the same time but they are a source.
Hawk and Woodleigh make them, but more expensive.
You would need the rimmed shellholder and hope your sizing die was tight enough. Probably need a smaller expander ball.

Heck, Brenneke still makes 2.5" 16 ga slugs.

DM~ · Oct 2, 2016

Brass and bullets are no problem at all... Even factory ammo is available...

My biggest worry would be if it's "on face" or not... IF it isn't, you need to get it repaired BEFORE you even fire it...period!

It's a combo gun, not a drilling, but they still are a useful gun that can be a lot of fun.

DM

crazysccrmd · Oct 3, 2016

Well, missed out on this one. I called and spoke to the shop and made an offer of $1100. The gun is on consignment so the shop had to call the owner to ask about it. Owner countered at $1200, I countered at $1150 and waited for a return call. When the shop called back they told me they hadn't been able to get back in touch with the owner but someone else had just paid them full price. The search continues.

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