I have my great grandfather's Colt 1878 Hammer 12 gauge shotgun. The mechanism still functions perfectly. However, the barrels are badly pitted on the insides, so I do not want to run the risk of shooting even black powder loads through it. The last time it was shot was at least 30 years ago, which is when I acquired it from my grandfather. He had at some time before then fired very light smokeless hand loads in it.
Would it be possible to resurrect this shotgun by having the barrels sleeved to 20 gauge? I know Briley makes tube sets, but I am more interested in making this a permanent fix. How would it be done? Bore out the existing barrel to accommodate steel sleeves?
Yes, I know it would be expensive and thoroughly impractical to do this.
Regards,
Jon
Would it be possible to resurrect this shotgun by having the barrels sleeved to 20 gauge? I know Briley makes tube sets, but I am more interested in making this a permanent fix. How would it be done? Bore out the existing barrel to accommodate steel sleeves?
Yes, I know it would be expensive and thoroughly impractical to do this.
Regards,
Jon