James Lang 32 bore

[Elk Hunter]

Just bought this from a friend of over fifty years who's health has failed. He wanted me to have it rather than some stranger. Made by James Lang 18 Brooks St. New Bond St. London probably the late 1880's or early 1890's. She's a 3", "577 EXPRESS" aka 32 bore. Can't wait to try her out. Cape Buffalo beware.

[Kensal Rise]

A fine Lang indeed! Perhaps actioned by E.C. Hodges? Look for his ECH stamp on the flats. Or go here for more potential information:

http://hodgesgunmakers.yolasite.com

[C.O.B.]

That's sweet. A double rifle is on my wish list. I have a Stephan Grant back action 12 bore actioned by EC Hodges so I appreciate the link John.

[Opening Day]

That's one pretty rifle. You are one lucky man !

[wayne goerres]

Very nice rifle. Hope you got everything with it to load with. Is it a cordite round or a BPE gun.

[Double Trouble]

32 bore ? Dumb question - but isn't 25 bore closer to 577

[C.O.B.]

I believe it's a Black powder Express rifle or BPE. You can load smokeless powder in it as there is a conversion factor to substitute black powder for smokeless. A 750 gr bullet is one big chunk of lead no matter what the propellant is.

[Elk Hunter]

Originally Posted by John Mazza

32 bore ? Dumb question - but isn't 25 bore closer to 577

You're right, I use 24 gauge brass shotshells to make cases for my Snider.

Some days my old thinker doesn't work as well as it should. Old age is a high price to pay for maturity.

[Kensal Rise]

If you do choose to load smokeless in your cartridges, please do NOT fill empty case space with Dacron. Use cotton! Otherwise, you risk ringing a chamber/barrel. I know this from sad experience. A noted writer uses Dacron, but it is only a matter of time before a ring appears for him. Cotton is not expensive, naturally combustible and is totally safe. Especially for the number of rounds you may shoot in this .577.

[Elk Hunter]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

If you do choose to load smokeless in your cartridges, please do NOT fill empty case space with Dacron. Use cotton! Otherwise, you risk ringing a chamber/barrel. I know this from sad experience. A noted writer uses Dacron, but it is only a matter of time before a ring appears for him. Cotton is not expensive, naturally combustible and is totally safe. Especially for the number of rounds you may shoot in this .577.

Thanks for the warning. I do use Dacron and have for years in many older larger caliber rifles including my Cogswell & Harrison 577 which I have fired many hundreds of rounds through. The well known writer you speak of is probably the same one I call a friend and who emphatically warns against using foam wads as they will cause chamber ringing. Wherein is the truth of the matter? I certainly don't know. Cotton may work well but I suspect it would be much the same as Dacron and would be expelled from the muzzle as Dacron is pretty much unchanged rather than consumed.

Please don't feel I'm being critical, I do appreciate your concern, I just wish there was some definitive answer to what really does cause chamber ringing.

Best regards,

D. Jones aka Elk Hunter