In search of a 12 gauge donor action

[aminkus]

I am kicking around the idea of building a 400/450 double rifle and i am looking for a good donor Box-lock, with Ejectors and small bushed fire pins? All help and suggestions is greatly appreciated.

 

[KHohertz]

I have had 2 different ones built by Aaron Little. Both were on Simson 12 gauge. Older pre war Sauer would be good as well. take a look on Simpsons website. They have a lot of used older box locks that are affordable. Message me if you have any questions

 

[rookhawk]

I am kicking around the idea of building a 400/450 double rifle and i am looking for a good donor Box-lock, with Ejectors and small bushed fire pins? All help and suggestions is greatly appreciated.

I think you'll need a 20 gauge frame for a 450-400, not a 12 gauge. To build an unremarkable 450-400 set of barrels, regulate them, time ejectors to it, and just slap it on a 20 gauge shotgun frame, you'll spend $6000-$8000 in the end. Your gun will be worth less than $3000 complete.

Good luck in your search, but I highly recommend abandoning this endeavor. If you're not a master gunsmith you're going to be astounded just how difficult all the steps are in making a double rifle.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I agree with Rookhawk... BUT I have often thought how sweet it would be to have a set of rifle barrels for my Fox 16 bore in 348 Winchester or 405 Winchester. Prolly not gonna happen.

 

[aminkus]

I think you'll need a 20 gauge frame for a 450-400, not a 12 gauge. To build an unremarkable 450-400 set of barrels, regulate them, time ejectors to it, and just slap it on a 20 gauge shotgun frame, you'll spend $6000-$8000 in the end. Your gun will be worth less than $3000 complete.

Good luck in your search, but I highly recommend abandoning this endeavor. If you're not a master gunsmith you're going to be astounded just how difficult all the steps are in making a double rifle.

Thanks for the honesty

 

[ianthompson]

I have a book, I believe the title is 'building double rifles on shotgun actions'. I read it and determined that it was not a cheap way to go. You build one because you want to build one. I ended up buying a 450bpe by purdey and an old Holland and Holland in 450 400 for the same cost as building one. I picked up a Chapuis 12 gauge with folding rear sight and a fully rifled right barrel for 2k on this forum. If you shop around you can find a real double rifle probably for less. I like my Chapuis, I shot a black bear with it last year. They make true double rifles as well.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I have considered the same thought of getting a set of double rifle barrels to use on a double barrel shotgun.

After several responses from forum members and a couple of discussions with other gunsmiths the conclusion is to get a set of shotgun barrels to go with a double rifle. Reasons being double shotgun barrels are not as finicky to regulate, double shotgun barrels are slightly less expensive, the double rifle receiver is stronger than a double barrel shotgun receiver and aside from costs vs resale value I think it would be handy to have the opportunity to use either or set of barrels for a 1 gun battery for a PG/BG and waterfowl / upland bird combination hunt.

Just my 2 cents.