I have two 12 gauge percussion double barrel shotguns, a very light weight Pedersoli, and a Pietta; both made in the '70's.
The Pietta has no choke. I thought that the Pedersoli was choked because of markings on the bottom of the barrels under the forearm, but looking at the muzzle, the barrel thickness is very thin, so I now assume that it also has no chokes.
My question is this; assuming I use loads that the guns "like", will my guns likely pattern about as tightly as as a cylinder bore cartridge firing shotgun, or are they likely to pattern more tightly or less than a modern gun?
I do know to use either equal amounts of powder and shot, or more shot than powder. (What is the old poem that addresses this?)
Thank you for any feedback!
The Pietta has no choke. I thought that the Pedersoli was choked because of markings on the bottom of the barrels under the forearm, but looking at the muzzle, the barrel thickness is very thin, so I now assume that it also has no chokes.
My question is this; assuming I use loads that the guns "like", will my guns likely pattern about as tightly as as a cylinder bore cartridge firing shotgun, or are they likely to pattern more tightly or less than a modern gun?
I do know to use either equal amounts of powder and shot, or more shot than powder. (What is the old poem that addresses this?)
Thank you for any feedback!