Hopkins and Allens-Forehand

[bobbarker]

Just bought a 12 gauge hopkins and allens Single shot break action. Model is Forehand. I've done some digging, and it looks like it's from somewhere between 1901 and 1903. 1903 is when they stopped making the Forehand, and 1901 they changed the stamp from Hopkins and Allens MFG. to Hopkins and Allen Arms. (Mine is stamped the latter.) Since I've got a 4 digit serial number, and I've seen a picture of one elsewhere on the net with a 6 digit 745XXX, I'm guessing I have one from 1901.

My question for one (or more than one!) of you shotgun guru's is if I can use modern smokeless powder in it. Maybe it's a stupid question, but I've seen some things around the net suggesting you don't, some forbidding you to use it (at peril of your life, eyes, hands, etc.), and some saying it's just fine.

Also wondering what a Damascus barrel is. I've heard that if it's got a damascus barrel, it's a mantel piece, and that's it. If you can tell me what that is, and what I should be looking for to determine if that's what I've got, and if that IS what I've got if it truly did become a wall-hanger.

Also, feel free to correct me on any of the history of the gun above if you know better than I do. I think I included everything pertinent here.

 

[Fred Fuller]

My question for one (or more than one!) of you shotgun guru's is if I can use modern smokeless powder in it

If there's ANY doubt - DON'T! Inspection by a qualified gunsmith is warranted to answer this sort of question, it isn't an issue that can be adequately handled over the internet.

lpl

 

[btz]

if its inspected and OK'd by a gunsmith, then you should use either blackpowder shells or low pressure smokeless shells made by polywad or rst:
http://www.polywad.com/vintager.html
http://www.rstshells.com/rst_classic_shotshells_shotshells.htm
http://www.firearmservice.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page19.html

 

[Dave McCracken]

Until a smith you'd trust your life to OK's it as a shooter, you have a shotgun shaped artifact.

Chances are very high this is chambered for shells shorter than those we use today. Using shells longer than spec can damage the gun and you.

And the action was designed for containing pressures produced by black powder, not the higher ones we have with modern nitrocellulose derivatives.

In days of yore, some barrels were made by heating strips of iron and steel and winding them around a mandrell. Hammer welding followed. The better ones were called Damascus, the rest twist or laminated. All are old and tired, and oft corroded in the welds.

While some high end Damascus guns are still in use, I know of no H&As currently being shot.

If the smith gives his blessing, RST, Gamebore and Polywad have low pressure, short shells which may be useful.

However, my gut reaction would be to clean it up, hang it over the mantal and admire it....

 

[bobbarker]

Thanks for the info. Time to go find a gunsmith.....