I took pity on an old JP Sauer & Sohn SXS hammer shotgun in 16 gauge. It looked like it belonged on a Cracker Barrel wall. Pitted barrels, one good dent and generally unkept. What was good about it? It fits like a glove, extremely light and unlike most old hammer guns, it did not rattle when I shook it. Despite the deplorable condition it is still tight as a drum. Only the trigger guard screws look like they have ever been touched. After many hours spend rubbing, brushing, and fussing; I got the dent out and it looks a lot better. I was about to put some of my 65mm handloads into it but paused.
Could this be a black powder gun? Barrels are not Damascus. There are no "Nitro" markings as there are on all my other Germanic doubles and drillings, postwar or prewar. Both barrels have the crown (in England-Queen's crown), the 1srt & 2nd proof spread eagles, small crown over, S, W, & U proofs, 16 in a circle (2.5"). Both are marked 16/1 which I take for full chokes although one, the right, has been opened up. The left barrel is marked, "nicht fur kugel". I take this for not for slug. Above this mark is - 5..9S. The right barrel marked, "PAPP.16 - 65.4, S.P.28,5 PL".
Wanting to shoot it, I made up eight black powder 65mm shells. As the barrels are very thin, I thought it best to take it easy. I started with 35 grains of Pyrodex under 7/8 oz. birdshot, working up to 38 grains. Worked just fine.
What do I have, black or not? I think it is a Model 6. I would like to know more and when it was made. Can you help?
Could this be a black powder gun? Barrels are not Damascus. There are no "Nitro" markings as there are on all my other Germanic doubles and drillings, postwar or prewar. Both barrels have the crown (in England-Queen's crown), the 1srt & 2nd proof spread eagles, small crown over, S, W, & U proofs, 16 in a circle (2.5"). Both are marked 16/1 which I take for full chokes although one, the right, has been opened up. The left barrel is marked, "nicht fur kugel". I take this for not for slug. Above this mark is - 5..9S. The right barrel marked, "PAPP.16 - 65.4, S.P.28,5 PL".
Wanting to shoot it, I made up eight black powder 65mm shells. As the barrels are very thin, I thought it best to take it easy. I started with 35 grains of Pyrodex under 7/8 oz. birdshot, working up to 38 grains. Worked just fine.
What do I have, black or not? I think it is a Model 6. I would like to know more and when it was made. Can you help?
Comment