My dads favorite shotgun, which he shot since 15, and all my life (I'm 60) with high brass loads, has a problem. While cleaning it, I really looked at it for the fist time in my life. Damascus barrel. After some internet digging, probably late 1890's and yep Damascus.

I and my son know the problem, but to prevent some (other) fool from making a mistake in the future, remove the firing pin? Is that good enough? Thanks.

No it isn't if you really want permanently disable it. Run a bead in each chamber with an arc welder. Or weld a plug in each chamber. Or weld the barrels to the frame, which is not necessary, but would do the job.

Great idea, I will also put a puddle over the firing pin hole.

I would check to see if it has any value before destroying it. There is a growing fraternity of dirty fuel burners that might put it to good use for another 100 years. Also, after all this time I would say it's probably nitro proved with the misuse that it's had. LOL

Growing opinion, backed by proof does not condemn a barrel just because it's a Damascus or twist. Have an expert look it over before you do anything

I have been shooting Damascus for the last 20 years or so. I work on and re-finish damascus guns regularly. If the gun is sound, no pitting, tight etc. Then low pressure 2&1/2" shells that the gun was designed for should be fine. The proper shells are available from Polywad and RST among other sources.
Steve

There is reloading data that well give you black powder pressures.

I would not disable it.

I just shoot low pressure loads in it.

Destroying your dads weapon is not the answer . It survived this long . Another option would be to have a liner installed .

Remove the firing pins.

Place an advisory "warning" note in both barrels.

Hang it back on the wall.

Don't destroy the past.

Sorry guys it is just a clunker. A for the trade Worthington (Crescent) single barrel. Dad always felt that a double, pump or auto was just too heavy to carry. They stayed home and he carried the single. If you could have see him fire 3 quick shots (two between fingers on his off hand) you might have agreed that it was no handicap. Maybe worth $50 to $100, it looks rough. Loose (with an oval pin in an oval hole on the barrel lug) and two pins (well done) to stop splits in the stock. It was just his favorite and he could hit what he shot at. He got his money out of it, $15 when he was 15, paid for with coal miner dollars. During WWII nobody checked the age of coal miners. Since 2 3/4 shells fit just fine, I am tending towards a fix instead of a warning.

Thanks all for the suggestions. I am not sure what I will do. I just hate to hurt his joy (not pride, even he thought it was ugly). However, I do not like leaving a booby trap for future generations. Meditation time, or is that medication, a wee dram, time.

remove firepin, tap the hole, screw in a set screw, and leave it for another generation to resolve - it's "perm" but not final

At the most remove the firing pin (which may require far more effort than originally thought) and place it in an envelope in the barrel with a "DO NOT fire warning".

Or just leave it alone and put it up on the wall (with a note of caution on a piece of paper in the chamber) which seems to be the simplest solution.

I certainly would not damage it in any manner.

An opinion of course and you know what they say about opinions

quote:

Originally posted by Arniet:
My dads favorite shotgun, which he shot since 15, and all my life (I'm 60) with high brass loads, has a problem. While cleaning it, I really looked at it for the fist time in my life. Damascus barrel. After some internet digging, probably late 1890's and yep Damascus.

I and my son know the problem, but to prevent some (other) fool from making a mistake in the future, remove the firing pin? Is that good enough? Thanks.

That is what you probably want to use for cowboy shooting, firing low power black powder loads. It probably still is useful.

Thanks for the help. I decided to remove the firing pin, and then go old Navy and spike the firing pin hole. The spike can be drifted out, so it could be returned to shooting the proper shells. Note is enclosed with the firing pin in the chamber. Thanks again.

Make sure you hide the pin in the buttstock under the butt plate. Otherwise you are likely to lose it; even if in the chamber. Leaving the note in the chamber is a good idea and a copy in the butt stock is good backup.

quote:

Originally posted by Arniet:
Thanks for the help. I decided to remove the firing pin, and then go old Navy and spike the firing pin hole. The spike can be drifted out, so it could be returned to shooting the proper shells. Note is enclosed with the firing pin in the chamber. Thanks again.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobster:
Make sure you hide the pin in the buttstock under the butt plate. Otherwise you are likely to lose it; even if in the chamber. Leaving the note in the chamber is a good idea and a copy in the butt stock is good backup.

quote:

Originally posted by Arniet:
Thanks for the help. I decided to remove the firing pin, and then go old Navy and spike the firing pin hole. The spike can be drifted out, so it could be returned to shooting the proper shells. Note is enclosed with the firing pin in the chamber. Thanks again.

We have done this.
Firing pins and springs on the stock bolt hole and a note stamped on copper shim stock in chamber.