Muzzle loader gunsmith

[cavalierowner]

I inherited an 1863 Springfield percussion from an uncle a few years back after he passed away; he told me that it was his father's (my grandfather's) gun way back when. At any rate, it appears to have been converted to a shotgun, 12 ga. as near as I can figure by measuring the bore. In reading a bit online, it appears this was somewhat common quite a few years ago. It's been hanging on my wall as a family heirloom since I inherited it because it's in very good condition from outward appearances.

 

At any rate, it's starting to drive me crazy seeing such a nice gun sitting there and doing nothing. So I would like to get it checked out by a gunsmith to be sure it's actually safe to shoot. Does anyone here know of any gunsmiths within an hour or two of the Twin Cites with a reasonable amount of experience with black powder guns?

[leechlake]

I'd feel confident that any good gunsmith could handle this.  In my minds eye I'd think it probably is safe to shoot but having a gunsmith check it out may discover some issues that may not arise until you shoot it a few times and then you could get hurt of damage the gun.  

Congrats on wanting to shoot it and seeing that value in the gun rather than being a trophy on the wall...after all it can be both!

[monstermoose78]

Ahlman's is where I took my great grand fathers 40-72 to have it check to see if I could shoot it

 

[cavalierowner]

I had thought about Ahlman's, I just don't know what experience they have with black powder. Maybe monstermoose78 is correct in that they don't necessarily need a lot of black powder experience. I think I may give them a call on Monday and see what they have to say.

The other place that occurred to me is Track of the Wolf in Elk River. It seems to me TOW told me when I was in there once that they have a gunsmith they work with. I'll give them a try Monday too.

[cavalierowner]

Update: I was finally able to talk by phone to Track of the Wolf. They do have a gunsmith that they farm out their work to. But because the nipple (in my opinion) will probably have to be drilled out, they thought I would come close to spending as much fixing it as I would buying a used double barrel replica from someone like Pedersoli. So now I'm really on the fence about doing something with it. I'm still leaning toward fixing it and shooting a piece of our family history. But, man is that double barrel Pedersoli a nice shotgun!! Sure wish I could afford to do both, maybe a part time job to supplement my Social Security....

[leechlake]

couples suggestions;  one is deal directly with a gunsmith for a few reasons.  Direct contact with him will make communication easier and two most business add a little $ to the transaction when they are brokering/farming out a deal.  Pick up the phone today and make two phone calls to gunsmiths.  Google it, yellow pages whatever is easiest for you.  I can't imagine fixing a gun could cost as much as buying a replica but I don't know what a Pedersoli is.

Finally, I'd fix the gun and not get a replica.  You mentioned you're leaning that way.  I had some things done to a rifle my Uncle brought home from WW2 and used it hunting off and on.  The things I think about sometimes when using the gun wouldn't be the same with a replica. 

[Ufatz]

Just keep in mind the minute you drill any holes in that firearm you have substantially changed it's value as a collectors piece. If that does not bother you then do what you want to do. But be careful and realize that weapon was not built to withstand the pressures of anything modern.

Have fun!!

[RebelSS]

Hoo boy...please leave it alone! Like Ufatz said, the value on that goes out the window the minute you alter it in any way. People "spiff" up old guns by merely doing a quick polish on the barrel...and there goes the natural patina and value. It's a family heirloom, IMO, I'd treasure that and leave as is. Just for reference, check a few out..

.http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=1863+musket

Edited December 17, 2015 by RebelSS

[cavalierowner]

This is the  Pedersoli double barrel shotgun I have been looking at: http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/scheda-prodotto.asp/l_en/idpr_129/rifles-muzzle-loading-side-by-side-shotguns-side-by-side-shotgun-classic-standard.html Cabella's has them for about $850 new, so it would be nice to find a used one in good condition. I currently own a Pedersoli 50 cal. Frontier and love the quality. More research is definitely necessary before I make a decision.