Posted by Tom Archer on July 2, 2012, 9:36 pm, in reply to "Ruddy In Pensacola Built These"
174.131.182.254
For whatever this comment may be worth, Smith barrels were proofed to withstand about 18,000PSI; and while it has been proven that most shotgun barrels will absorb even higher pressures, neither the barrels, the bolt, or the breech balls of the Smith action were EVER intended to absorb center fire rifle cartridge pressures. And while one might get by shooting only the lightest 45-70 loads intended for the vintage, and very weak, 45-70 Springfield rifle; one must also consider the possible outcome and end result should someone unknowingly attempt to fire one of today's high-pressure 45-70 cartridges loaded to near 458 Winchester Magnum ballistics? And besides, is it not reasonable to believe that the makers of LC Smith, Ithaca, Parker, Fox, and other vintage guns would have produced at least a few examples of such double rifles on their standard double gun frames had they had been convinced such a gun could be used safely? I personally shutter at the thought of actually shooting such a cobbled up double rifle; and would thus run, not walk, away from such a gun! Just my thoughts.
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