DHE .410 Repro on 00-frame - do they exist?

[Bill Murphy]

Bill, I ordered a BHE .410 when only a prototype had been built. My BHE and a BHE ordered at the same time by a friend were never delivered. I doubt that 100 were built, 33 being a more realistic total. The prototype was a really nice gun and I offered to buy it at the time it was being shown. The Skeuse representative would not sell it to me.

[Wild Skies]

As hard as I've tried, I find it impossible to believe that 33 is a realistic number of 0000-frame .410 Repros built when we have this:

[Bill Murphy]

We, or I, would like to hear more about this gun.

[Richard Skeuse]

Hi Guys ,Where did this photo come from and where is this gun? Anyone know? Thanks

[Wild Skies]

Well, I copied the pic from a FOR SALE listing, the seller is apparently from Florida and it's #52 of the reported 133 0000-frame .410 Repros that were started when the factory closed. It is also the 2nd BHE .410 on a 0000-frame to be found having DHE style engraving. This one has "PROTOTYPE" and "NFS" stamped on the barrel flats. The other rare, odd and unusual BHE/DHE engraved .410 4/0 framed gun, which I have held and examined, doesn't have these additional stampings.

[Bill Murphy]

Rumor was always that the unfinished 0000 frame guns were held by the Skeuse family. Some came out one at a time to Geofroy Gournet's shop for engraving and finishing. I don't expect Mr. Skeuse to confirm this information unless his family has plans to market these guns.

[Bill Mullins]

I find it is interesting to see a gun with a serial number of 52 being labeled
PROTOTYPE and NFS. One would normally expect to see that nomenclature
on the first one made, or a very low serial numbered gun, no number at all, or a "pxxx".

[Tommy Neely]

I purchased a repo 410 barrel years ago and have shot on my repo 28ga gun. This barrel is 0000 frame size with serial no. 410- 43826 choked Q1 & Q2. From what I’m reading on this post, the 0000 barrel should not fit on a 00 frame 28 ga. Note that when assembled on the 00 frame there is a small amount on play when unbreached., locks up tight when breached. Am I asking for trouble pairing these two together.? Also how do you explain the high serial number?

[Bill Murphy]

Pin separation of the two frame sizes is not identical if the 0000 marked barrels are actually 0000 frame barrels. Most are actually mismarked 00 size and should fit a 28 gauge Repro just fine. 0000 size barrels are unheard of not attached to a gun.

[Tommy Neely]

Thanks Bill. Do you know the pin separation on a 00 frame and a 0000 frame.