20 gauge side by side

[Hungry Horse]

 I was given a 20 gauge double barrel percussion shotgun yesterday. It is made in Spain, and is just like one a friend bought many years ago from Dixie Gun Works, except the Dixie gun was in 14 gauge, not 20. This one, like the earlier one, has a small shell shaped cap box. Oddly enough they put a cap box in the gun, but didn't put a butt plate on it. Has anybody had any experience with these guns? This one needs a lot of cleaning, and a new set of nipples.

                    Hungry Horse

[greybeard]

My personal feelings is to go slow and be very carefull.
Pics would help .
Find a knowledgable smith to check it out.
               Bob Reader

[smokinbuck]

From your description it sounds like one of the old $39.95 Mexican bird guns that used to be on the market, with an extra barrel. Take the advice you got earlier and check it out good, and then check it again.
Mark

[Longknife]

HH. My first SXS percussion was one of these guns in I think about 1976.  It was in rough shape also. I honed the barrels, replaced the nipples, and then proofed it. I then refinished it, added butt plate, entry pipe and an english type cap box. I then shot many a clay birds, squirrels and rabbits with it. I sold it after I got an original 12 ga. SXS.  A few years later my brother called and told me a friend had an old ml shot gun for sale, wads and shot included for $30.00 I went to take a look and it was also one of these Spanish guns but in MUCH better shape. I brought it home and shot it a few times, it still resides in the back of my gun cabinet.....Ed

[Hungry Horse]

 Ed;

  This sounds like the one I have. Was the stock as straight as a stick? This one will have to have a lot of wood taken off the comb to even get down on it. Since this one was shot, and left dirty, and finding someone to take it apart and check it, would be expensive and nearly impossible up here in Northern California, I intend to do as you did, and proof it. The bores are rough but not unsalvageable. Really nothing a little emory paper and kerosene can't smooth up.

                     Hungry Horse

[Longknife]

HH, Yep its pretty straight probably only about 1 1/2 inch drop at the comb, but then its not a Purdey is it!!!!!

[Hungry Horse]

Ed;

  It ain't a Purdey, and it ain't pretty either.  It does have nice hand cut checkering, and nice blueing as well. The stock stain looks like bear fumunda applied with an artichoke leaf, over I suspect birch, or maple. And the forearm is simply cut off at an angle, with no entry pipe. No shortage of proof marks though, everybody in Spain got a whack at this gun.

                      Hungry Horse

                       

[Acorn Mush]

HH, I just read your post regarding your questionable old double, and your need for a 'smith here in northern California. I can recommend a fellow who might be able to help you out if you are interested. 

[mountainman70]

Bear furmunda,huh?Most of my friends believe I am the author and main distributor of such Bear Furmunda,thas why my nickname be RedBear.Interested in the Shell cap box.
My mentor in ml building found one years ago in Friendship trader row,and found it again last year,and built a fine iron mtd longrifle around it.When he showed it to me,I went home,fired up ebay,and dang if I didnt find one like it,and bought it for 50 bucks.I then proceded to build an iron mtd long rifle using orig 38 cal barrel,converted Golcher  lock,orig triggs and handmade guard.Only bought buttplate and pipes.Havent got pics into the Bukkit yet.
Dave

[Hungry Horse]

Acorn Mush;

  That sounds like a handle from Pomo country. That's where I live. Yes I am always interested in regional gunsmiths, or craftsmen. Please let me know.

                       Hungry Horse

[Hungry Horse]

Mountainman70;

  If that cap box is about the size of a half dollar, that's the same box. Mine is nicely made, anchors with a screw through the bottom of the compartment ( it is cast with the  cap container, instead of just being just a cover, and door). Mine is poorly finished, but works well, and only needs a little cleaning up and polishing, to make it look good.

                 Hungry Horse

[mountainman70]

h/h,I will get some pics up afterwhile,of the rifle and capbox.Yep,same size and mine has 2 screwholes.Cute thing,really.I saw a silver one on a fancy double on some site a while back.I imagine these are Belgium,and the loose ones we found probably came from old Dixie Gun Works.No tellin,tho.Later,Dave
tHIS RIFLE WAS BUILT TO APPEAR AS IT MIGHT LOOK TODAY WITH THE PATINA INTACT.jUST AN AMATUER endevour.Shoots really well,375 rb,015 patch.Barrel is choke bored,opens up about 10 inches below muzzle

here are pics of Old Parts rifle

[Hungry Horse]

 I do seem to remember seeing some early Dixie Gunworks guns made in Spain. Many more were made in Belgium. Old Turner had a knack for finding warehouses full of gun parts long forgotten by the rest of the world. My powder horn plug has a very fancy wood screw with a turned head, that was a sling screw for some sort of Jaeger rifle, or high end fowling piece, Turner turned up somewhere. I bought two of them way back when, for a dollar apiece, and know now I should have bought them all. I think Turner supplied some of the parts for the early guns he had manufactured, so Spanish guns could have had a Belgian cap box.

                  Hungry Horse