Backyard Proof House

[Rod N. Gunn]

When I put a chamber gauge in it, the gun measures exactly 2-7/8" but a 3-1/2" turkey load will drop right in. I figured if it can handle a high pressure load, it can surely handle an RST shorty.

Rich - Since Desrty's proof house seems to be temporarily shut down, maybe I can ship it up to you for proofing... where there's plenty of room for conducting such experiments.

[Richard Flanders]

The load may drop in but when the crimped part extends it will go way way into the forcing cones and overpressure the chambers. The chamber length is for the fired shell length... I don't think you want to do that. Feel free to send it up though..... I'd get it back to you in a year or two... I'm an astute student of the "Dunkle school of gun borrowing" and could use some practice.....

[10 bore]

Originally Posted by Richard Flanders

The load may drop in but when the crimped part extends it will go way way into the forcing cones and overpressure the chambers. The chamber length is for the fired shell length... I don't think you want to do that. Feel free to send it up though..... I'd get it back to you in a year or two... I'm an astute student of the "Dunkle school of gun borrowing" and could use some practice.....

"Dunkle's school of gun borrowing" i like that scott

[Autumn Daze]

How do you enroll in said school?

[Dean Romig]

You'll get no go ahead from me!

And if you choose to go through with it you'll get what you deserve!

[10 bore]

hi john old buddy

[Chuck Heald]

Originally Posted by Dave Fuller

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.

1) Can you? Yup! Got flak jacket?
2) Probably. Don't bother with the bungee, just dig a hole and burry it.
3) Look for cratoring (see ABOVE)
4) Sounds like it should work great in your next gun.

[Dean Romig]

[Rod N. Gunn]

Thanks Chuck... very helpful

[Chuck Heald]

Sorry Dave.
Ill try to do better.

A high pressure load, even a proper proof load, without the knowledge of the proofhouses, is risky and could be catastrophic. I don't believe, and I'm sure I have company, that what you propose is reasonable, safe, or productive for your needs. I and others are recommending you seek a qualified person to assess the gun instead. If you aren't comfortable with that course, sending the gun to a proofhouse in Europe is an alternative.