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I have a single barrel Foerster and wonder if someone can answer some questions I have. There are first (eagle) and final (eagle and crowned U) and rifle (crown and G) proofmarks, 703 proofdate, 878 (which appears to be proof log number),and caliber (108,49 ), BUT there is no nitro proof mark, and no powder charge or jacketed bullet designation. No chamber cast has been done yet. My questions: Is it likely 9.3x74R? likely for lead bullet and black powder? ( Prior owner successfully fired jacketed 9.3x74R factory loads with good result.) One other question--there are initials, EB, in scroll on the barrel near the lug--is this the barrel maker? If so, any idea who? Thanks for any and all info that might help! Jack L
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JackL,
To be sure, a chambercast should be made and the bore slugged. I suppose it could be 9.3x74R, but I would bet against it. The rifle was proofed in July 1903, in Zella Mehlis. The 9.3x74R was introduced in the early 1900s, but I doubt as early as 1903. Also, you say it wasn't nitro proofed, which means lead bullets, and I believe the 9.3x74R was always avaliable with Jacketed bullets. I think it is more than likely that it is 9.3x72R instead. The bore dia.of 108,49 will fit either cartrige and several others also. In conversation it is very easy to hear 9.3x74R when 9.3x72R is intended. It wouldn't be nearly as easy to mixup 9.3x74R and 9.3x82R or 9.3x57R/360. If you or your gunsmith measure the case head diameter, in the chamber, with a caliper, you can quickly differetiate between the two. A 9.3x74R chamber should be .468-.473", whereas a 9.3x72R chamber should be around .427-.433". As a side note, 9.3x72R ammo is loaded to accomodate old rifles with differing groove diameters, using jacketed bullets. I will leave the ID of the barrel maker to my "betters".
Mike -
Thanks, Mike. I suspected the 9.3x 72R due to the date. I do plan to cast the chamber and will slug it. Still hoping someone has an inkling on the EB initials! Jack L.Comment
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