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Shooot! It's a holiday weekend. I'd be takin' that sweetie to the range! You have an amazing amount of discipline. I couldn't let it go without heating it up first. | |||
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This gun was proofed at Liege in 1927. The Controller of Proof was Lambert Alexandre who worked as a Controller 1927-1953. While the gun was made by Francotte, the barrels are steel by Lochet-Habran. The firm of Lochet-Habran had been a major supplier of damascus barrels for the American shotgun makers such as LC Smith, Fox, Lefever, Parker, etc. Though by this date, they (Lochet-Habran) no longer produced damascus tubes. The 11.7 is the bore in mm, which equals .4606 inches. Pete | |||
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Ok, I surrender to the sharp witted, on the ball posters, amd I stand corrected. I should be stringhaultered and gil flurted for my sinfull mistake and lack of knowledge on the history of such a famous firearms company. I have only used the later guns that Francotte built. The guns I have liked were made in the 1930s to 1950s as best I recall. Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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Well, it's a done deal. Spoke with JJ last week and the gun got his stamp of approval. Some specifics: Gun was made in 1927 and has seen very little use. Everything on the rifle is original, including case colors and stock. The barrels slugged .474". The barrels are in excellent condition, with one exception: JJ said that there is a "very, very slight" showing of rifling on the outside of the barrels. He said that it was so slight that unless you are trained to look for it, it probably wouldn't be noticable. And since the barrels slugged at .474" he said this isn't an issue, nor will it become an issue if you take care of the rifle. The only other fault JJ found was a small crack in the stock near the breech bolt. (I think I remember the term correctly.) JJ said this is a simple fix that two hours of work will repair. Those were the only issues with the rifle. The inner mechanics, JJ said, were in excellent condition. After hearing this and speaking to a few of you fellows, I have decided to keep the rifle. It is 80 years old and in great condition for the age. I'm going to have JJ increase the LOP 1/2" to 14.5" so it fits me better. 577NitroExpress Double Rifle Shooters Society Francotte .470 Nitro Express  If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming... | |||
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Glad to hear that you have found a keeper.  Keith IGNORE YOUR RIGHTS AND THEY'LL GO AWAY!!! ------------------------------------ We Band of Bubbas & STC Hunting Club, The Whomper Club | |||
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I hope it gives great service to all living and future Hawks!  Paul Jr, siting JJP:
What made the rifling "show" on the bbl exteriors, some one fired A-SQUARE or other improper solids?
Does this mean to use correct bullets, or is there more to it than that? [Of course you'll give it proper care/lubrication, etc.] Jack OH GOD! {Seriously, we need the help.} | |||
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And really, it was cheap. | |||
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Outstanding! Kind of like Doc. SCI Life Member DSC Life Member | |||
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B5J: It is unknown what caused the rifling to show, but one may assume it was from shooting monolithic solids in the rifle. (This is an assumption, because I have not spoken to previous owners.) Regarding taking care of it, as long as we do not shoot mono solids through the gun, the stressed rifling should not get more pronounced. With that being said, I only intend to shoot woodleigh softs through the gun. If a DG hunt is planned, I will work up a solid load, but will do so only after extensive due dilligence with the proper solid bullet. Showbart, it was listed for $17,000. I got it for less than that. For an 80 year old gun, in original condition with no significant issues, I have to agree with you that I got it for a great price. Since purchasing the gun, I have been told that in today's market, a person could easily get $20,000 for that rifle. I think they may be right - it's a damn fine rifle. 577NitroExpress Double Rifle Shooters Society Francotte .470 Nitro Express If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming... | |||
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Let me think, from that country the only better maker is Lebeau-Courally. I'm cheap so I would probably seek out pre-war Frenchie like Verney-Carron.  The price is actually staggering when one considers that equivalent 12br shotgun from that maker would set one back $2000 to $2500. If you keep shooting that gun it ain't going to be worth 20K. It has potential for appreciation, but only if you handle it with "white gloves". PS. Cabela's actually had fair price on that piece. How did they manage to do that? | |||
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Paolo9,5x73, You are way off track. Jack OH GOD! {Seriously, we need the help.} | |||
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Un update, for all those who are interested... Heard back from JJ this morning. The gun is ready to come home! He lengthened the LOP and shot the rifle. At 25-30 yards, JJ said that he put four shots with the rifle, off hand, into the bull's eye!!!!! That sum bitch shots AWESOME!!!! Getting the loads that JJ shot with to confirm the grouping that he said. Will post more info and updated photos when I get the rifle back. 577NitroExpress Double Rifle Shooters Society Francotte .470 Nitro Express If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming... | |||
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Now that's the kinda news we like to hear!!!  Jack OH GOD! {Seriously, we need the help.} | |||
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Great news and a super find! Guess Doc is warming up the reloading presses. As for your comment:
Also fantastic news. No barn's broad side will be safe! SCI Life Member DSC Life Member | |||
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Paul, Here's to many great years with your new double. Doug | |||
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This is great news. You will really enjoy your rifle. Congrats again! JPK  Free 500grains | |||
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JPK: I should have the rifle back this week. JJ said the loads he used in the rifle to shoot it shot well, so I think I have a good starting point. We need to organize a local shoot with "highbrass" in the coming weeks to help him with his DR selection. Doug: Thanks for the note. My new mistress is 80 years old, but she is a damn fine, sexy broad! 577NitroExpress Double Rifle Shooters Society Francotte .470 Nitro Express If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming... | |||
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