Mooore & Harris Percussion Double

[Cold Spring]

I’ve had black powder in my blood since my early ‘teens ….. early on I made simple muzzleloaders with hardware store components and later got into more authentic ones, shooting them for fun and primitive hunting. Over recent years I’ve been looking for an unmolested English percussion double-gun with good finishes, one that’s never had its bores honed, never been apart for refinishing, and with wood that’s still proud of the locks, tangs and other metalwork. That doesn’t sound too difficult but really it is, as most of these guns have been redone over the 150+ years since made. That quest came to an end last month when I found a Moore and Harris 12-gauge gun at the Allentown Forks Gun Show. Bores and locks are absolutely perfect, and based on the serial number she was probably made at the tail end of the M&H business run from 1838-64. Engravings are superb and I assume she was a higher grade offering. Those shiny plugs you'll see on the sides of both breeches are platinum and protect against severe overload pressure. The only mod I’ve made is to replace the original cap nipples with modern made SS nipples. The originals are good but I’ll be shooting this gun and I want to keep them that way for posterity.

Here she is getting ready for some test firing yesterday. She’ll be out hunting later this fall and will be a time travel machine back to my Junior year of High School when my friend George and I were hunting rabbits with his Father’s classy English caplock double-gun, with homemade black powder, newspaper for wadding, steel air rifle BB's, and a tiny bit of impact sensitive mix in foil for caps. His Dad told us that gun was a bar room buy for 35 bucks.

[Double Lab]

She's a beauty Frank

[George "Scott" Davis]

Stunning!!!

[James L. Martin]

Frank, nice find. Good luck with her.

[Jeff K.]

I wonder where that gun has been hiding all these years!

[Chris Pope]

The ramrod original also? I'm facinated by them. She's gorgeous. When you take some birds or game with her send more photos. Thanks.

[Donald McQuade]

You sure do find some nice ones Frank. The condition on that gun for its age is amazing. Looking forward to hearing how she shoots and pictures of her with some birds. Keep us informed.

[Jay Oliver]

That is gorgeous! I am getting more into muzzleloading shotguns myself. They are such works of art. I hope you have fun with this one. Please post some some hunting pictures when you go...

[Double Lab]

Frank, just curious. Will you be hunting/walking with the hammers cocked or will you cock on the flush?

[Mike of the Mountain]

Having handled that gun I will attest to its quality!