Mystery Shotgun

[68wj]

The guys over in the rifle forum seem so good at solving these, I thought I would try out the shotgun side.

A buddy inherited the following and we have no idea what it is. Best guess is some kind of .410, though I don't have a shell to chamber to test the fit. It has a flip up breech block that also works the extractor. Currently it is missing a hinge screw and the hammer will not lock back. It has a rear leaf sight and a thin brass blade front sight as well.

Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

It's a Flobert action garden gun.

Probably for 9mm rim-fire shotshells.

Too late tonight for me to delve into proof-mark ID.

But you can do it yourself here:

http://proofmarks.tripod.com/

DO NOT attempt to shoot a .410 in it, even if you can get one in the chamber, and it dies turn out to be centerfire.

The Flobert action has only slightly more strength then Superman after a Kryptonite enema.

rc

 

[68wj]

I don't think anyone is going to fire anything from it. I need to check the firing pin now to see if it is rimfire.

 

[PabloJ]

It carries Belgian proof marks. Do not attempt to shoot this one.

 

[68wj]

It is center fire. I dropped 9mm Luger into the chamber and it fell out the other end too (I know it is rimless but wanted to check the diameter). Still thinking a .410 or similar.

 

[68wj]

Any more info on the action then?

 

[19-3Ben]

The Flobert action has only slightly more strength then Superman after a Kryptonite enema.

Wow that's a great line!!!!!!! Genius.

 

[303tom]

Its a Flobert action garden gun, has German Proof Mark & says 12mm right on it, its a .410, don`t shoot it !...............

 

[SDC]

Actually, this particular type of action is known as a "Warnant action", but it's still not considered safe to fire. A Flobert action uses the face of the hammer to close the breech, while these at least have a little bit of a stronger breeching system to handle the larger-calibre rimfires. People who have tried to fire these with modern ammo usually end up having the sheared-off breech-piece pulled out of their head at the hospital.

 

[Ron James]

And using Modern ammo in a Flobert action ( which uses the weight of the hammer as a breech block ) converts the gun to a " self ejecting" action. Be very afraid of what direction the self ejected brass is going.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Warnant is the "least weak" of the Flobert series of cheap single shots.
There are untold thousands of these floating around, usually in rusty condition.
This one is unusual in that it carries a brand name, most are anonymous and generic.

12mm shot is kind of a prehistoric .410 with a 2" shell and a light shot load over black powder.
Smokeless .410 would be dangerous.

 

[68wj]

Thanks all. I didn't realize the number stamp was for 12mm

 

[Deer_Freak]

It's a shame it's not safe to shoot. That gun would look good in a young shooters hands.