Chamber Measurement

[Cookiemann]

I have an old 16ga Riverside single shot.  Is there a cheap way to measure the chamber to see if it is 2 1/2 or 2 3/4?  Really dont want to spend a bunch to check it out if I am not gonna be able to shoot it.  It's too old to spend the $$$ to have it machined, if even possible, to shoot 2 3/4 shells.
Any ideas, Gander wants $25 as he would have to make a casting. 

Cookiemann

[bluebayou]

This is a potentially dangerous reply, but you seem like a sensible guy.  A customer had a 2-1/2" chambered double gun (I have forgotten the brand) and I physically could not close the chamber on the shotgun with 2-3/4 shells.  The forcing cone was very tight.  So...IF you had a chamber and forcing cone with tight tolerances then you could rule out short chamber this way.  This would not give me much piece of mind because the shotgun is probably old and sloppy anyway. 

I looked at an old Handloader article about "farm guns" and it just says vague things about checking the chamber size.  They also stress that 2-3/4 shells will potentially chamber in the shotgun and fire, but that the forcing cone will slow the wad coming out and raise pressure. 

Brownells shows shotgun chamber guage for $20.  If you have someone who will cast the chamber for $25 then it is probably the best choice.  Otherwise, buy some Cerrosafe plus some other goodies from Midsouth or someone. 

[PA-Joe]

If you look in the chamber do you see and edge? What is the length from the rim to this edge? Then subtract 1/2 inch to get the shell length. There has to be enough room/length to hold the expanded hull with the crimp end expanded out So a 2 1/2 hull will need 3 inches and a 2 3/4 will need 3 1/4.

[Cookiemann]

Thanks for the help, guys.  I certainly will NOT be firing a shell through this barrel until I know for sure what I have.  You hit it on the head, btw, I am reasonably sure this gun was a catalog order from Wards many years ago, for the farm.  I am fairly certain, also, that it is for 2 1/2" shells.  Just want to be sure.  Thanks again.

cookiemann

[gunnut69]

This IS a dangerous question but can be solved. The ring or edge the prior poster talked of is the end of the chamber. Measuring to this edge will give you the chamber length. Do not subtract a 1/2 inch. A 2 3/4 shell measures 2 3/4 inches, fired. It measures LESS when unfired!! I have seen in print that it is not dangerous to fire 2 3/4 in a 2 1/2 inch chamber but strongly reccomend you DO NOT do that.. A depth calipher will measure the chamber length readily.. Good luck and be safe..

[bluebayou]

That's a good point about 2-3/4" length AFTER firing.  I had forgotten that.

[Cookiemann]

Not to worry...I caught up with an ole smithy I knew and he had the right gauge.  He gave me the OK to use 2 3/4 shells.  It's OK.  He did say I should stay away from slugs and heavy shot since it so old.  That's OK.  I have other tools for those chores.  Listen to me...CHORES...how can it be chores when it's so much fun.  Anyway, I am happy.  Now I have a 16 to shoot, too.  If I really enjoy it I may just have to pick up a Pard/Topper 16ga.  I would just hate to have that happen.