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[Drew]

I downloaded the measurements of the 16 ga chamber and shell. The outside rim diameter of the shell should be .819". The shell i have been testing with is .819". Next, the chamber rim recess should be .820". Mine is .813" see attached picture. The part of barrel assembly that locks the firearm closed is very close to the chamber. I have attached a picture of that as well. I live in Henderson, KY. Great place to live but not many gunsmiths if any. My third cousins wife said this belonged to her dad. He landed on Normandy and was captured at some point. He was a doctor so the Germans put him to work caring for the German people. A German family gave him this firearm along with a few other items he brought back to the US. It has a great story behind it.

[mike ford]

Drew,
It is pretty clear, from your measurements, that the rim recess needs adjusting. If you can't find anyone else to adjust it, Larry Schuknecht at Dutchman Wood Works (www.dutchmanwoodworks.com) can do the work. Considering the effort required to ship the gun to someone, it would be worthwhile to find someone within driving distance, if you can. This wouldn't have to be an actual gunsmith. A hobby machinist or machine shop with an interest in guns, can also do it. The work required will not actually affect the chamber, itself, so would not be unsafe. I have done similar adjustments ( for rifles, not shotguns) by taking a slightly larger "piloted counterbore", grinding it to the proper diameter with a toolpost grinder, making a new pilot to fit the rear of the chamber, and making the "cut" by hand with a large tap handle. A shell would be used as a "go" gauge and the padded barrel held in a vise. Of course, with my own guns and equipment, I could be responsible. But not having control in this case, neither I nor the GGCA can accept responsibility.
Mike

[Drew]

Thanks. I am wondering if the shotgun side has ever been used. Do you think that period ammunition from the 1930s would have fit in this? Maybe a shell never fit in it. I will do some checking around to see what gunsmith options are within a 100 miles or so. Again thanks for the information. I will keep you posted on the progress.

[mike ford]

Drew,
Great. I have some period US shells, but no German. I do, however, have guns from the period, and considerably earlier, but have never experienced this problem. Maybe Axel will see this and have the answer. There is no doubt that if you "hang in there", you will finally be able to enjoy the gun. BTW, a 9.3x72R with Express proof and set up for that weight bullet is not very common, either. Good luck.
Mike

[Diz]

Just a thought here. Try putting the shell in base first to see if it will fit. It does seem that by your measure it will not work but better to try before you cut any metal. I might add that the correct length 16 gauge shells are available from RST here. Very nice combination gun, good luck. Diz

[sharps4590]

Another thought. If your neighbor had loaded 16 bore shells perhaps he has some empties. If he would sacrifice one you could cut it to length. Of course that assumes that it having been fired it will chamber in your gun. If he reloads, sizing the base would cure that.

[Diz]

Maybe I should try to rephrase that. Try putting the cartridge in base first to see if the RIM actually fits in the GROOVE not the whole shell of course. I should have read it again before I posted. Vic is right, a shortened and RESIZED shell should fit. Thanks, Diz