Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Opening the bore on a 16 ga.

I have a very nice LC Smith featherweight 16 gauge, made in 1919. The chambers have been extended from 2.562" to the standard of 2.750" of today. However, in 1919 a 16 ga bore was smaller then it is now. My bore (per the spec's of the time) measures .650" where a 16 ga. later on and of today measures .662" to .665". This difference poses no shooting problems but I think the recoil is higher then it needs to be.
I talked to Briley about opening the bores but they don't bore 16 gauge, so does anyone know of a good shop that can open the bores to something larger then they are and closer to the .662" spec? If I can do this it should lower the recoil a bit. I will also open the chokes at the same time.

LRF,

I'd give Ahlman's (Morristown, MN) a call: (507) 685-4244.

Do you reload?

JOG - thanks I will consider them
grouseman - why do you ask? No to answer your question.

A lot of 870 and 1100,s have bores measuring .675

JOG~I'm looking to have some different things done and I'm wondering how your experiences, if any, with Ahlman's have been. I only live about 35 miles from the store, so I've been there a few times. Guns always seem overpriced there, but there gunsmithing prices listed on the website seem resonable. ~Brandon

BJ72,

I mainly buy parts from Ahlman's - they always seem to have the stuff I need. I've used them for refinish/bluing work and I've always been pleased. A good reputation isn't everything, but they have one.

I do most of my MN pheasant hunting about 10-miles south of Montgomery.

JOG~thanks for the speedy response. I think I'm going to give them a try in the future.
I've heard from other guys that pheasants were scarce this year. Seems that I saw plenty in the Rochester area, however, I haven't hunted them in years.

I have shot 16 guage doubles for more years than it should be legal. They are my favored upland birdgun on longer shots but I have concluded that most are on lighter frames and with heavier loaded shells do have significant recoil. I would look into backboring if it is a possibility. I know collectors frown on recoil pads but a nice properly installed one can make shooting more pleasant.
For consideration,
Frank

Hi Cracker,
The question is if anyone knows of someone who DOES backboring on 16 gauge guns. Briley does not. And the other suggestion here so far of using Ahlman's is not an option I wish to pursue. (The next good work Ahlmans does will be their first)
Cracker, thank you for your comments. I took the little gun to field last week (first time out), of the 16 birds shot by 4 guys, I took 8 of them with 11 shots. It's a "Crackerjack" gun!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />