Old Crescent Double Barrel

[Ponderosa2]

Just looking for opinions. My dad inherited quite a few guns from my great uncle. A couple of them are Crescent Arms 12 guage double barreled from around 1890. They are both original and are in good shape. After doing some research, it seems they are worth basically nothing. One functions and shoots, the other needs just a couple of parts and it will be good to go. My dad is a self taught gunsmith and is thinking of cutting the barrels down to 18 inches, cleaning them up, and making them into "coach" guns. Half of me thinks thats a neat idea, and wants him to go for it. The other half of me thinks they should just be cleaned up and stuck in the safe, and left for future generations to hold on to as reminders of our family's past. Any thoughts?

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

If they are Damascus barreled shotguns, that sort of project should be approached with caution and a willingness to handload using black powder.

Personally, I'd relegate them to wall hanger status but that's just my opinion.

[BigDogatPlay]

Damascus barrels and 2.5 inch chambers is what I'd be checking for. If the gun is actually 1890's vintage there is no way I'd shoot loads with smokeless powder.

[Ponderosa2]

Thanks guys, yeah we definitely have to get all the info before he proceeds. I vote to clean them up, make them look pretty, and call it done. If he's not careful, we could end up with a pile 'o junk instead at least a couple of interesting looking pieces.