Springfield Arms, Chicopee Falls, Mass Double Barrel

[nathan]

A friend of mine has acquired from his deceased uncle (Korean vet) an old Springfield Arms 12 G Double Barrel made in Chicopee Falls, Mass. The barrel has been shorten to 18.5 inches long and the wood stock turned into a pistol grip with finger grooves. Overall length is within ATF regs of 26 1/4 inch long from muzzle end to tip of pistol grip. Bore is smooth of course. The end of the barrel has a bead installed, appears to be done by a gunsmith .
Now since he has no knowedge about shotguns , are these particular modifications legal on this shotgun? BTW the gun is a display piece accdg to his aunt who just gave it to him. Thanks

BTW by my research, this particular shotgun were made back in the 1920-1930s time frame. The finish is bare rough dry and brown more of antique looking.

 

[trueblue1776]

yes, legal.

 

[nathan]

Thanks ,
These are sample pics of an unmodified shotgun (same model).
http://san1.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/085760000/85760959/pix307531109.jpg

http://san1.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/085760000/85760959/pix307531062.jpg

 

[nathan]

Are these ok to dry fire? We notice the shotgun is hammerless. The tang safety switched to safe when loading hot, i guess thats the design of this. Also theres two triggers, does the first one farthest from the pistol grip shoots the left side barrel?

 

[Okiecruffler]

Snap caps are cheap, replacing firing pins on these guns is not. Trust me, I did it, ONCE. Never again.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Front trigger should fire the right barrel....

 

[nathan]

BTW is it okey to shoot 3 inch shells on this one. We are planning to try it this weekend. Thanks

 

[Okiecruffler]

Is it Okay to shoot 3 inch shells out of a SXS with a pistol grip? How you set for insurance? Is it chambered for 3 inch shells? Even if it is, that's an old gun. I'd want to have it checked out real good before putting a modern 3inch mag thru the tube. And regardless, I can promise you this, it's gonna hurt.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I suggest trying some light 2 3/4" loads before uncorking the barnburners.

Trust me on this.

 

[SASS#23149]

Since you sound a bit on the less knowledgeable side.....no offense...I'll warn you to NOT try longer than 2 3/4" shells just because the longer ones may fit.
It's AFTER they fire that they and the chamber length must be the same,or high pressures may damage the gun,and the shooter.

and firing long heavy duty shells with just a pistol grip ain't for the laides nor the faint of heart.whooooeee!

 

[nathan]

Thanks for the heads up. 2 3/4 is in order.

 

[Okiecruffler]

and firing long heavy duty shells with just a pistol grip ain't for the laides nor the faint of heart.whooooeee!

Well just call me a faint of heart lady, cause it ain't for me either.

 

[scout26]

Nathan, please do not post a picture of this....this..... this gun.

I don't want to cry.....

 

[nathan]

It was cold today so we didint go to test fire it.

 

[rhubc]

Double Barrell

I think I may have the same rifle that is being discussed here. It was my great grandfathers gun and was left to me by my father. We took it out just yesterday and fired about a dozen rounds through it. We were using 12gauge reloads that a gunsmith friend of mine had packed. The gun performed beautifully and I am not the least bit sore from handling it.
It has not been modified in the ways described, it is still in its original condition and is in amazingly good shape.