Backyard Proof House

[Rod N. Gunn]

I have a new/old 10ga, 0 grade, twist-barrel, hammer gun (pictures posted on other threads) that I want to turkey hunt with. I grew up in a house where shooting a "damascus" gun was tantamount to Russian roulette. I don't harbor that view but I would like to "proof" my gun so to speak. I thought I'd use a long string and a safe seat behind the engine block of my Chevy. The gun is a 3 frame with meaty walls and 2-7/8" chambers. Very light pitting. Smith says should be fine with low pressure loads. Here are my questions:

1) Can I cram a 3-1/2" load in there and light it off a' la Sherman Bell (just for proofing not hunting).
2) Have others done this? Should I just bungie it to a tire?
3) What should I look for in the way of damage post-test? I have a bore mic and a wall-thickness gauge.
4) What do folks think of 2-7/8" RST #4 Hevi Shot as a turkey load?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts on these questions.

[C Roger Giles]

Dave;

You should consult with skinney ol Destry as he and one of his cronies from down home opperate a proof house and I think some sort of still as they need vast amounts of spirits to obtain a reliable and bone fide result.

Roger

[Labowner]

The problem I see with proofing with the 3 1/2" shell is you don't know what damage the shell has caused. I would load a few shells to the higher pressures in the reloading data and test with them.

[Jim Kucaba]

Originally Posted by C Roger Giles

Dave;

You should consult with skinney ol Destry as he and one of his cronies from down home operate a proof house and I think some sort of still as they need vast amounts of spirits to obtain a reliable and bone fide result.

Roger

I have it on good authority that Destry's Proof House is located in Lynchburg Tennessee ... Jack Daniel's Single Barrel ... 94 Proof !

Jim Kucaba ... AriZOOna Cactus Patch ... Email: JimKucaba@aol.com

[Dean Romig]

Dave - Why attempt to "damage" the gun with potential overloads?

As you describe it, the gun is a robust ol' gun chambered for 3" shells so I would suggest using the RST 2 7/8" loads but with #6 shot for turkey - with #6 you'll get a much denser pattern for those head and neck shots (which is the only shot that should be taken on a turkey anyway).

[Ed Blake]

If you have miked the bores and measured wall thickness, and you are satisfied, shoot the RSTs. The only thing you'll accomplish by stuffing a big nitro load in there to "proof" it is potentially damaging the gun. I bet that thing has digested in the past more nitro loads than you will ever put through it.

[Rod N. Gunn]

Good points all, thanks. I guess I agree that overloading it may just cause damage and prove nothing... as would sending it out to Destry's still hideout for proofing. Just because it comes back with a 94 stamped on it really means nothing. My goal is to be comfortable with it just in case I get the odd chance at a Tom. I have enough trouble holding still and getting my gun steady without worrying about blowing my fingers off.

[George Blair]

Dave, buy some RST's, strap your 3 frame to a tire and have at it. Bet when you see it still in one piece the confidence will be there to hunt with it next season. I grew up in the same house you did when it comes to damascus guns. Now I have two 10 and three 12 Ga damascus Parkers and don't worry a bit about my fingers. Good luck, George

[MarketHunter]

The Proof House is located in my buddy Gerald's back yard shed down in Southern Illinois. We are currently not operating because he has "taken the cure" due to some domestic difficulties. I'm sure we will be back in operation come fishing season though.

Destry

[Richard Flanders]

Dave: Why would you put a 3-1/2" shell in it? Are the chambers that long? I agree with others; just shoot it with moderate loads and don't worry about your fingers.