We specialize in shotgun work for Waterfowl
and Upland hunting.
We offer full gunsmithing services for vintage
firearms, including repair,refinishing, and
restoration.
Over the next few weeks
we will restore this
Vintage Double back to
working condition.
Follow along as we
show you the process.
American Gun Company Hammer Double
16 Gauge
Grand Dads Shotgun
There is another reason to Restore a Vintage Double, and that is to
keep it as a Family Heirloom. Many of us have firearms that were
handed down to us from our Fathers and Grand Fathers. There is
something very special about using a Vintage Gun that has been in
the Family for Generations.
The Double we are Restoring is such
a gun. These photographs are of its
use in earlier days.
There is excessive wear on the forward Lump,this results in a .004
gap at the breech. We will repair this by Welding up the Lump. Then
we will File, and hone it to fit. This will eliminate the excess "play".
There is also a lot of rust that needs to be removed. The barrels will
be refinished and Rust Blued. The receiver and furniture will be
"carded"with care to remove as little of the Color Case Hardening as
 possible. Screws and other pieces of furniture that Loose their Color
will be Reblued by Oil Quenching.
Most Vintage 16 Gauge Shotguns
are "Short Chambered" at 2 and9/16
inches. Modern Shot Shells are 2
and 3/4 inches.
The Long Forcing Cone Reamer does
double duty, cutting the Forcing Cones
as well as Lengthening the Chambers.
The Barrel on the right has a New
Long Forcing Cone , and a Modern
Length Chamber.
As you can see by the Chamber
Gauge,we now have a Proper Length
Chamber.
The barrels have been stripped to Bare Metal, In Preparation for
Refinishing.
Top photo, the barrels after polishing
Bottom photo, the barrels after 40 coats of BELGIUM BLUE
After the Lump has been welded
and built up. it must be honed to
fit. This refits the barrels and
takes the play out of the action.
Notice the gap in between the
barrels and the action
The lump in the process of  being honed to fit.
Why should you bother to restore a Vintage Double? The fact is you can not buy a newly manufactured
gun that is comparable in quality, style, and value to a Vintage Gun. Double Guns such as Baker,
L.C.Smith, Fox, Lefever, Parker, and others are a working piece of history, as well as a fine example of
the Gun Makers Art. In addition there are very few modern Doubles made. You have your choice of the
cheaper models in the 300.00 to 400.00 dollar range, which are JUNK!!! or you can spend from 2000.00
to 5000.00 on a better quality gun and still not get a Double that looks and feels like a Vintage Gun.
Restoring a Vintage Double makes sense esthetically, as well as economically .
LaMorris Labs
We will lengthen the Chambers, and  in the process also lengthen the
Forcing Cones. The Forcing Cones are the Dark Circles at the end of
the Chambers. They act as a "Funnel" to move the Shot from the
Chamber to the  Bore. The longer the Forcing Cones are the
Smoother the Transition. This results in Less Shot Deformation, and
Less Felt Recoil.
As you can tell by the line showing on
the Chamber Gauge, this Gun has
"SHORT" Chambers.
Note the gap between the barrels and the action, after fitting. The
Top snap is in the correct position after the play has been
removed. This project is completed.