Introduction.........Hello

[Firpo]

Hello All,

Thought I’d write and introduce myself. I have enjoyed shooting sports since I was about 10 so it’s been 39 years. Yikes! I generally lean toward the older guns, heck, I completely enjoy the novelty and history of older firearms with my oldest being manufactured in 1911. Being from the US that’s where most of mine have been manufactured however in an hour I’m meeting with a gentleman that will launch me in to a completely new area. I’m looking at purchasing a German combination gun 16 gauge X some mystery 32 caliber rifle. A friend that directed me to this website, sharps4590 has been a tremendous aide in educating the ignorant on what to look for. Looking forward to getting to know you all and increasing my knowledge as I work through the puzzle of this gun.

[mike ford]

Firpo,
Welcome, we are glad to have you with us. Sharps4590 is a respected member that is helpful to anyone asking for it. When you have the gun "in hand", post photos of all the markings, especially the proof marks on the bottom of the barrels. We can find out a lot of information from these markings.
Mike

[Diz]

Firpo,

Welcome to the forum. Mike is correct, Sharps4590 is a very respected member and can steer you right with German guns as well as loading information. He is also a black belt in Black Powder shooting and managed to coax me over to the "dark side". It's good fun here and a great depth of knowledge among the members. If you post clear pictures of the proofs, as Mike suggests, you will be amazed at what you can learn.

Thanks, Diz

[sharps4590]

Oh good grief....Mike and Diz and several others on this board are the guru's!!! All of them have helped me a lot more than I've been able to return and I'm eternally grateful....except for the possibility of black powder... But I'm demented and love the stuff.

Mark is good guy, very pleasant to converse with and, I want to welcome him as well. His combination gun is an interesting piece and I look forward to you guys telling him what I either missed or don't know....which is considerable!!

[Firpo]

Thank you for the warm welcome guys. I most certainly will post some pictures of the gun once I figure out your system. Looks like the Guns and Proofmarks section would be the place.