I was in a local gunshop today and happened upon a snap action .450 Express double rifle that had been bored out to a 20 gauge shotgun. I assume the work was done in the U.S. as the gun had not been reproved after the conversion. The salesperson knew nothing about the history of the gun and the resident gunsmith, who had apparently examined the gun was not available today.

Except for the reboring, the gun seemed in excellent condition. The rear sight slot in the full length rib had been poorly filled and the front sight slot had the rifle sight replaced with a shotgun bead. The engraving was in excellent condition. The barrel markings (Adams & Co. and 450 Express) were both sharp and clear. The barrels were tight on the face with the forend removed and the wood was in excellent condition. Asking price was $1895.

I was thinking that this might be a candidate for either barrel lining back to .450 Express or sleeving to the original or a similar caliber. Have any of you attempted something similar? If so, who would you recommend to do the work? Any idea what it might cost?

Thanks.

Check out this thread. Your answer is here or it will be if you ask.

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=...o=&fpart=5#Post51581

The first step should be to track down whoever ruined a double rifle, by turning it into a shotgun, and then "remove" him from the gene pool!