Pressure and vintage guns...

[Kensal Rise]

Mr. Houde:
Regardless of its proof, please keep in mind that the wood of your gun is at least 115 years old. That means it's dry. And not as strong as it was in 1901. Thus, it may be wise to defer to the gun's age and use 3/4 to 7/8 oz loads for target and no more than 1 oz for game. All at no more than 1200 fps, preferably below. And unless you are required by law to use Bismuth, I'd stick with lead loads.

This philosophy has worked well for my two Purdeys.

[Cold Spring]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

Regardless of its proof, please keep in mind that the wood of your gun is at least 115 years old. That means it's dry. And not as strong as it was in 1901.

I keep reading this old dry wood stuff and methinks that's been written so often it's almost treated as fact, period. I fully understand that oil soaked wood becomes softer, and also that old wood is drier and thus is easier to split (as in another American gun maker's design that creates a wedging force when under recoil). But will someone PLEASE explain the scientific basis for old wood not being as strong under compression, as in a boxlock like a Parker, Fox or other similar design? That would go a long way toward confirming the caution - or dispelling the myth.

[C.O.B.]

Congratulations on your caretaker duties with the Purdy. I shoot a Stephan Grant hammer gun quite a lot at targets using the RST equivalent of 7/8th at 1150 FPS. It's hard on targets and easy on the gun and the shooter. My gun dates to the late 1800's.