I need to find more information on double rifles. I'd like to have one, but I'd really like to take, say, an old side-by-side receiver for a start and build one. Something not too hard to feed, like .30-30.
Yes, I know, like I need one more thing to distract me from- well, crap I really should be doing.
6 comments:
Tikka/Valmet made an over-under shotgun rifle combo, that had over two dozen barrel combinations available. There was a Canadian gunsmith in the '90s who converted Ruger Red Label over-unders to rifles.
IIRC, he stated that shotguns operate at much lower thrust loads against the breech face than rifles. He chose the Red Label because of the strongly built action.
Al_in_Ottawa
That does sound like fun.
7.62X54R barrels are easy to come by. It might be a cheaper way to dip your toe into the water.
Consider a 28 gauge or a .22LR barrel on the other side. If .22, consider a sleeved aluminum tube for weight balance.
There was a gunsmith in the US making double rifles based on CZ shotgun actions. Something I'd like to build is a miniature Express Rifle using .357 Magnum because its proportions are very close to full sized Nitro Express loads. A .410 shotgun action would be about the right size. A side benefit is keeping the shotgun barrels, or building a combination gun. Sabatti double rifles are often sold with shotgun barrels as part of a kit.
Over and under is easier to regulate, regulating side by side barrels is truly an art.
Just my two cents-
We had discussions on building Double Rifles when I was in Gunsmithing School (Trinidad State JR College). Teachers said the issue was thrust on breech face and strength of locking system. The NRA Gunsmithing Guide (1971 Version) has excellent article "Bolting Systems of Double Guns", detailing the difference and strengths/weaknesses. That said, it can certainly be done. Simplest procedure would be to monoblock existing barrels and thread/solder new barrels into monoblock. It saves having to build new breech block. Cartridge selection would be dependent on breeching system and locking strength. Savage did offer centerfire barrels for the 94 series single shot shotguns (i.e 30/30, 219 Zipper, etc), so it effectively was done in the past. Good Luck and please keep us updated on progress.
Thanks for the information, guys. A lot of digging to do before I actually start doing things
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