Tube inserts/liners (what ever the process is called)?
 

Hypothetical question: guy picks up a nice 20 ga non-ejector gun but there is deep pitting in the barrels to the point where it may not be able to be polished out without compromising the integrity of the barrels. One option would be to have permanent inserts installed taking the gun from a 20 to a 28. Is that a viable option and, if so, what is the approximate cost?

Other than sleeving, what other options are available and relatively cost effective?

Thank you,

JDG

Jay: I don't believe anyone is lining now. It didn't work our for Teague
https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/magazine/barrel-lining

Briley could of course fit full length 28g ultra-lite tubes and permanently epoxy (I assume) in place like their chamber sleeve
https://www.briley.com/c-418-fitted-tube-sets.aspx

The Companion drop in tubes are much less expensive, but only come in 12g
https://www.briley.com/c-416-compani...tube-sets.aspx

If you have not had the gun assessed by a true expert, this is something to consider. I recommend Kirk Merrington. He can tell you if the pitting is "too deep." And... sometimes, it's possible to tolerate a bit of remaining pitting after a decent hone. As long as barrel wall thickness is not compromised, the pits may be not be much of a problem. Of course, a lot of that potential depends on where the worst pits are and how deep they are. Kirk will sort it out.

Balance will be shifted forward with tubes added

Gentlemen;

I appreciate the thoughts so far. Rest assured, if there is any way to safely shoot the gun with the existing barrels (checked and re-checked, of course), I will do so. I'm not looking for ways to spend money, unnecessarily.

My question is, assuming that they are NOT safe, what are my options?

Best,

JDG

Jay, can we presume it's a Parker?

Can we presume it has fluid-pressed steel barrels?

There are orphaned barrels out there and some guys have had some pretty good luck fitting such orphaned barrels to their guns.





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Damascus barrels; the reason for the fuss. It would have to be s really special fluid steel gun for me to give one with pitted barrels a second look.

Briley tubes are the best alternative and you don't have to do anything to your barrels to prepare, except to clean them. .410 Brileys are a bit more robust than the 28s, especially the extractors. Make sure Briley bores the .410 chambers to 3". Discount through most gun clubs and many retailers.

I would send your barrels to Merrington. He should be the one to determine if the barrels can be shot safely with light honing.





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I think Briley sub gauge tubes would be the least expensive option. One of the members here took a nice graded Ithaca 20 with damaged Damascus barrels to a 28 using Briley tubes. I believe it was Mark Kertchner you might PM him and get his input.