12 bore "3" frame

[TxHuntermn]

I have measured multiple times, definitely 1 3/16ths, plus compared directly with a 2 frame, they are 1/16th about wider at the pins. The frame across the flats the same story. The "3" is about in the right place, you can only really see the top bow of the 3, it is poorly struck, when shading with graphite on white paper it becomes totally visible, and looks correct.

The barrels have quite a bit of swamp to them, and ring more like upland tubes than waterfowl tubes. There is an ivory mud bead, with a silver bead at the muzzle. The diemsions are really high also, so I am starting to think pigeon gun.

[TxHuntermn]

The other clue that the gun was a pigeon gun is the condition. Although checkering worn flat and quite a bit of receiver polish, the gun has little "field" wear (dings bumps scratches etc), and little evidence that it was ever routinely wet. In fact the table, flats and forend iron exhibit 100% colors and blue, as thought the gun mainly spent its time put together.
Cannot wait to get the letter, hoping it will shed some light to this interesting gun!

[Mike Franzen]

Welcome back Mark. I was wondering what happened to you. Looks like you've been busy.

[TxHuntermn]

Thanks Mike, my volunteer commitments and my professional commitments got pretty thick. I have still been collecting, but just not taking time to discuss it much.

[TxHuntermn]

Okay. finally got a few measurements.
Bore R..730 L..730
Choke R..685 L..660
Wall Thickness at end of forcing cone. .114 both barrels
at Muzzle . .048 both barrels
Minimum Wall .030
Chambers are 2 3/4

[OH Osthaus]

.070 choke in the left?

[Bill Murphy]

Something is wrong with the yardstick used to measure the chokes.

[TxHuntermn]

You could be right Bill.

[TxHuntermn]

Triple checked, and i will say that the left barrel is .675, so still .055. Tighter than "dicks hatband!"

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by Mark Ray

Triple checked, and i will say that the left barrel is .675, so still .055. Tighter than "dicks hatband!"

Yup

But sounds more believable