Original firearms and material degradation?

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dromia
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Original firearms and material degradation?

Post by dromia » Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:47 am

I came across this on the BP-L forum:

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/BP-L/message/40163

Does this mean that I must stop shooting all my Martinis, Sniders, Enfields, Rollingblock and Trapdoor as they are unsafe?

Should I have been shiting myself on the firing line at the Trafalgar this year wreathed in BP smoke surrounded by such rifles giving their best?

The author Dick Trenck seems to be a US agent for Pedersoli, the post's of his I've seen in the past indicated a reasonable individual so I think its not just crass marketing.

Anyone got any views on this?
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belgmart
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Post by belgmart » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:28 am

It won't stop me from shooting my originals - however, I won't shoot 'experimental' stuff in them, like duplex loads or nitro stuff.

Even taking into account age embrittlement, don't forget these rifles were designed with a serious safety margin, so I rather regard it as a theoretical danger, and a warning as to using vintage rifles for experimental work...
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Aughnanure
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Post by Aughnanure » Thu Mar 01, 2007 4:12 pm

Doing some catching up.

The answer Adam is 'YES' and as soon as I can arrange the necessary permits and Customs' clearances I'll let you know when the container is arriving.

I'm always willing to help fellow shooters with these sorts of problems.

(note the lack of 'emoticons' this is a serious business).
Self Defence is not only a Right, it is an Obligation.

Eoin.
KCLRPC
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hmm

Post by KCLRPC » Thu Mar 01, 2007 4:20 pm

I haven't accessed this, as I'm not a member, but I am curious. My Metford was obviously designed for black powder, yet I know it has been nitro proofed in 2002. how would this stand?

Nick
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Post by belgmart » Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:34 am

Nick,

We most certainly would have to see some pics before passing judgment.... :D
KCLRPC
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Well...

Post by KCLRPC » Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:03 pm

I don't know I can photo the proof marks, but I could try and trail it down to Bisley at some point. Have just today had some made up MkVI, so I have to go and experiment. :D

Nick
DoubleD
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Post by DoubleD » Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:42 am

Based on what they say over there about material degradation, your gun may be proofed and still be unsafe.

Of course that is the fallacy of the Proof system. It simply proves that rifle proofed didn't fail the day it was fired, nothing more. Doesn't prove the rifle is safe.

Of course if the material degradation theory the gentleman is putting forward were entirely correct these old guns would be coming apart right and left...they aren't. There still is something missing from the equation.
Douglas
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