The condition of the barrels is the most important consideration for these old guns. Metal thickness and internal pitting can render these guns unusable. It is often necessary to clean the barrels with a stiff bore brush to reveal pitting. Have someone knowledgeable measure the barrel wall thickness for you. Check the receiver of the older gun for cracks in the metal at the corner of the fences where there is a sharp instead of rounded shape, as that is a weakness in the older guns of that vintage. I have an 1875 10 ga that I shoot frequently. If you decide to buy# 4639 you will find that the chamber length is 2 5/8", unless someone has lengthened the chambers (not recommended) and you will need to load your own shells. I had Rocky Mountain Brass make 50 shells to fit my gun and they are terriffic. David
Last edited by David Hamilton; 10-03-2009 at 09:14 PM..
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