Amon458
AH veteran
What are you guys opinion on buy a sxs shotgun that has been converted to a double rifle?
Amon458,
There is a book for sale out there somewhere in Cyber Space regarding this very subject.
It might be called "Building Double Rifles From Shotgun Actions" or words similar to those.
The shotgun action selected needs to be properly stout (best quality steel and proper heat treating, such as some of the German, Austrian and Belgian actions can be, plus three bites are desirable - such as 2 under lugs and Greener crossbolt).
The Merkel series of SxS rifles appear to be built on one of their very strong shotgun actions.
Butch Searcy used to build them on the Browning BSS Model, SxS shotgun actions, when he first began making double rifles.
Another thing that is critical for safety is that they probably should not be chambered for large capacity/small bore high pressure cartridges, such as the 7 MM Remington Magnum, etc (never ceases to amaze me the wacky ideas we humans come up with for rifle projects).
Last but not least, it needs to have been built by some reputable Gunsmith who has had some schooling on this subject, mostly for your safety but also, to be reasonably sure it was regulated properly.
For my two pennies worth, if I was simply gagging for a double rifle but, could not afford a Chapuis, Merkel, Verney-Carron, etc., I would rather buy a stoutly made 12 gauge double barreled shotgun, then I'd have a proper Gunsmith cut off the chokes, (leaving me with about 25 to 26" barrels), and then express sights installed.
My experience with just such a weapon, except that it only had a large front bead, and no proper express sights, was perhaps beginner's luck but it had no regulation problems, putting all slugs into about 6" at 50 yards, not bad for a double barreled smooth bore IMO (lost it when I flipped my canoe in a fast river, so now it sleeps with the fishes).
For under about $4,000.US, I'd have a fine close range double with Brenneke slugs, not to mention handy grouse/quail gun in the deal - a proverbial "Paradox Gun" aka "Ball & Shot Gun", once very popular with explorers, prospectors and adventurers of Old Africa.
If I ever get around to having another "ball & Shot Gun" made for me, I'd like to use a Pre-War JP Sauer SxS, because of the above described strength plus, they usually are found with oval cheek piece stock which I think adds a touch of class to any double rifle.
Pre-War shotguns with semi-pistol grip almost always fit me like a glove and that is very important with any fast handling firearm.
Cheers,
Velo Dog.