What to do with this one.

[Dolk]

Not a big expert in shotguns at all, so ....

I have an old Damascus barrel sxs with external hammers. Seems tight on lock up and hammers are tight and work well. I got this shotgun from my Dad years ago. Nothing special. I think it is made in Belgium.

I think it used to use black power ammo, but I'm not sure.

Now for the "stupid" questions!

Can it be fired, or do I get a nice set of wall brackets for it?

Also, I was thinking of having it cut down (over the 18" mark) and made into a coach gun. Stupid idea?
If I did, I'd re-blue it also.

I have an idea that that damn Damascus barrel might be a problem? Am I right?

It not worth a lot of money as it sets, so.

DB

[Garv]

Pictures will be helpful.

[JagerDog]

Wall hanger for me.

There are some who shoot damascus guns with low pressure nitro shells. Condition is everything and damascus can be tricky to assess.

[Dolk]

Yeah, I don't have access to it today.

It's is pretty rough shape and is why I was willing to cut it down.
Normally, I won't touch an old firearm unless it is so bad.

Maybe the wall brackets are a good idea?

[bigbossman]

Really curious about what the gun is....... Eclipse, maybe? I have an old Belgian Eclipse, and do shoot it occasionally with low power (2 Dram) black powder loads. Mine is not Damascus, but I have shot Damascus shotguns. They are a lot of fun.

Like JagerDog advises, Damascus are tricky to assess.... So you won't get a "shoot it' recommendation from me. I thought long and hard before shooting mine, but in the end I just had to know. I nibbled all around the internet searching for info and took as many precautions as possible.

I'd love to see some pics.

[ceh383]

Not cheap, but RST makes low pressure shells for old guns.
I'd have the barrels checked to make sure it would be safe to fire.

[whutsup40]

Would love to see a pic!

[bigbossman]

You might find this discussion interesting:

https://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1688722

['ol shooter]

Wall hanger, post pics.

[johnthomas]

If Biden gets his way, those will be the only type allowed in America. Then they will be worth a mint. lol

[bigbossman]

Wall hanger, post pics.

Impossible to say, without more info. Dismissing it out of hand just because it is Damascus is a mistake, IMO.

[JagerDog]

Yeah, I don't have access to it today.

It's is pretty rough shape and is why I was willing to cut it down.
Normally, I won't touch an old firearm unless it is so bad.

Maybe the wall brackets are a good idea?

If "pretty rough" means any significant corrossion to the barrel set, then it's probably not a shooter anymore. Damascus has millions of nooks and crannies where damage can be hidden. While individuals can "take a chance", I doubt you'll find a reputable source that will say it's OK. Some might say "I'd shoot it, but can't advise you to".

Now one that's been taken care of and shows it, different answer.

I'd only think of cutting it down if the end of the barrels saw corrosion and that was it. I'd think that a unique case.

[bigbossman]

I'd only think of cutting it down if the end of the barrels saw corrosion and that was it. I'd think that a unique case.

Yeah - if the intent is to hang it on the wall, I wouldn't cut it. If you do cut it, there will be repair necessary to the front end because now the space under the ribs will be exposed and will need to be filled. And, if the rib solder is old, weak, or damaged, the ribs might partially or fully break free. The only reason to cut it would to be to remove an obviously damaged front end, in the hope to make it safely shootable.

We'd all still love to see some pics.

[plumbum]

What about some kind of gauge reducer, like the inserts that allow you to shoot .410 from a 12 gauge and so on?

[M1NM]

Consider it a fragmentation grenade that you'll set off right in front of your face - then decide if it will be a wall hanger.