I may owe JJ Perodeau more money

[Altitude sickness]

This week I received a late 1800s Scottish built 28 bore I purchased from JJ Perodeau. I took it out for a stroll today, fired 3 shots and killed two rabbits and a squirrel.

What ever “IT” is, this gun has it. Apparently those Scott’s could build a SxS.
This thing is a joy to carry, shoulder and shoot. Turns out my large bore culling belt works perfect for 28 gauge shells.

So I may owe JJ some more money. Hopefully he doesn’t read this

 

[Daryl S]

What length are the chambers?
Nice gun & good shoot!
Those look like 2 3/4" hulls.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Yes 2 3/4”

I mistakenly posted in the classifieds.

 

[Daryl S]

Tks- must be quite late 1890's, I suspect, or if not dated, early 1900's?

 

[Skshyk]

Forum rules say you have to add a price! lol

 

[Altitude sickness]

I am far from even a novice, let alone expert. I am under the impression “Not for Ball” was between 1875 & 1887 ?

 

[Daryl S]

I don't know, but what I was referring to was the longer chamber length. I didn't know they were that long, that early, however maybe they were, in 28 bore?
And, I have to wonder why not for ball. Are the barrels choked?

 

[rookhawk]

This week I received a late 1800s Scottish built 28 bore I purchased from JJ Perodeau. I took it out for a stroll today, fired 3 shots and killed two rabbits and a squirrel.

What ever “IT” is, this gun has it. Apparently those Scott’s could build a SxS.
This thing is a joy to carry, shoulder and shoot. Turns out my large bore culling belt works perfect for 28 gauge shells.

So I may owe JJ some more money. Hopefully he doesn’t read this



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It's a stunner, but it hardly matters. The readers have to remember the worst 28 bore stinking turd from the UK is extremely valuable anyway. Roughly 94%-96% of all British guns ever made were in 12 bore. 2-4-8-10-14-16-20-24-28-32-.410-9mm make up that tiny, tiny remaining amount.

Beyond rarity, why is it a treasure that is beloved by collectors and wingshooters? The weight. A British 28 bore should be just over 5lbs. You can carry it all day and shoot it like you're holding a feather.

Congrats @Altitude sickness on a truly rare, unique British gun.

 

[rookhawk]

I don't know, but what I was referring to was the longer chamber length. I didn't know they were that long, that early, however maybe they were, in 28 bore?
And, I have to wonder why not for ball. Are the barrels choked?

The chambers were lengthened. 2.75" chambers didn't exist in that era. Even if you buy a brand new Best Quality British 28 bore today, you're going to get 2.5" chambers.

 

[Daryl S]

OK - thanks for that note.

 

[kpoynter]

This is a stupid question but those old hammer guns will strike a modern shell with no problems?
I always thought they didn’t strike a firing pin but relied on a percussion cap or something

 

[rookhawk]

This is a stupid question but those old hammer guns will strike a modern shell with no problems?
I always thought they didn’t strike a firing pin but relied on a percussion cap or something

That's a modern gun. When he pulls the trigger, a shell goes bang. Classic 1880s-1890s hammergun.

Hammerguns continued all the way into the 1920s in 12 bore for Live Pigeon shoots. Those were tremendously lucrative prizes and when you're shooting for what might amount in modern dollars to a quarter million dollars a shot in the final round, you would never trust a hammerless gun that may malfunction. They wanted to feel the spring cock the hammer and to see the hammer at full cock before standing in the ring for those level of prizes at Monte Carlo.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Thanks for the additional info gentlemen

 

[Altitude sickness]

It takes getting used to a hammer gun. But there is a feeling of assurance or certitude when cocking them.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Now looking forward to getting a couple Rook rifles into the rabbit briar


Today’s first rabbit was in a heavy Briar patch He’s laying there dead waiting for me to venture in

 

[K-man]

Gotta love a well made ancient hunting gun. They almost always have thar "it" factor. I wonder how many rabbits and snows that gun has seen.

 

[Hedge774]

Are those Damascus barrels? They are gorgeous! I've never seen the like.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Hedge, The 28 bore shown above is the first one shown in this article below . It discusses where the misinformation started on Damascus being inferior and unsafe. An interesting read. And cool tidbit of history on my 28. If you care to you can match the Damascus pattern of mine and the pattern pictured In the article.

I am merely the next caretaker. This thing will outlive my grandchildren.

https://www.grayssportingjournal.com/damascus/

 

[Daryl S]

Good article. Now I have to check my "Field" London gun for proofs. The bores shine like new and I only use it (no chokes) for shooting trap at Black Powder rendezvous. 2 1/2" chambers.
Just checked. BP proofs only. Same Stubb twist barrels, though.
I think mine is an earlier gun.

 

[Hedge774]

That's incredible.