Finding a new barrel for an old shotgun.

[alfon99]

Hi, I recently bought a maverick 88 that will replace an old spanish made 16 gauge shotgun, I don't want to get rid of it because it was my first own shotgun, but I don't think the barrels are safer anymore for firing, specially new shells. So I wondered if maybe I could get a new barrel for it, So it would still be shootable and a lighter recoiling shotgun than the 12 gauge. It is an SxS spanish made, 16 gauge shotgun. Any thoughts?

 

[BlueSmoke14]

Very little chance of new barrels.

If it was made in the last 60 years it should be fine to use with modern "game" load type shells.

If in doubt have a gunsmith check it over for you.

Ride that pony.......

 

[alfon99]

Very little chance of new barrels.

If it was made in the last 60 years it should be fine to use with modern "game" load type shells.

If in doubt have a gunsmith check it over for you.

Ride that pony.......

Yes, I may have a gunsmith check it, but if he says it's not safe to fire, is there anything that could be done?

 

[rcmodel]

You would have to post more information the you already did for anyone to be able to even guess about finding a replacement barrel.
Or even it it is safe to shoot with modern ammo.

Like for starters, everything it says on the barrel or receiver?

rc

 

[alfon99]

You would have to post more information the you already did for anyone to be able to even guess about finding a replacement barrel.
Or even it it is safe to shoot with modern ammo.

Like for starters, everything it says on the barrel or receiver?

rc

I will post pictures in 5 mins, the shotgun is very old, around 90 years old but it was never used until around 20 years ago. but modern shells have been using in it, well at least the modern shells of a few years ago.

 

[rcmodel]

Then take the barrel off and take pictures of the proof marks on the bottom of the barrel that is covered by the receiver & forearm.

Proof marks are the key to determining the safety of it with modern ammo.

rc

 

[alfon99]

Already checked the proofmarks, aparently it was tested to 12801 psi with smokeless powder, and 10667 psi with black powder. I will post the pictures anyway

 

[rcmodel]

Should be a chamber length in mm there somewhere too?

rc

 

[alfon99]

Should be a chamber length in mm there somewhere too?

rc

I measured the chamber length several times and It always reads exactly 3" I think probably there was sometime a 16 gauge 3 inch shell, I did some resarch and they exist, but are extremely rare.

 

[alfon99]

Here goes the first picture, one at a time, I had a bad time trying to upload it.

 

[Onmilo]

That looks like it might be a Spanish AyA made shotgun.
You can have new barrels made.
They will cost as much or more than the whole gun now.
Retire the gun to wallhanger status if it scares you now.

 

[oneounceload]

Whose name is on the gun? Sideclips indicate a well-made gun designed for decent loads. Not saying it is safe to shoot currently, but it might be usable with a little maintenance

 

[alfon99]

It says "Wolf Patent" on the buttstock. It has some really nice engravings, it's just that it's dirty. Maybe just to make sure I may use it with 2 1/2 inch 16 gauge shells, they have it in my gunshop and are much light recoiling and have lighter loads than the 2 3/4 inch shells.

 

[alfon99]

 

[hartcreek]

You might think about tubeing it. Dropping it down to a 20 gage also. I can remember wer I saw it but it was a slide in tube.....

 

[alfon99]

You might think about tubeing it. Dropping it down to a 20 gage also. I can remember wer I saw it but it was a slide in tube.....

That might be a good idea. Cheaper than another barrel and 20 ga is more available.

 

[oneounceload]

Briley might be able to do that if there are no export/import issues