[dmz4819]

I have a 12 gauge shotgun that I inherited from my father that I think is a little unusual and I would like to ID it if possible.

I can find no ID markings on it, but I believe it is an old French army rifle that was bored out to 12 gauge. It is a steel tube barrel, not a damascus wrap, barrel, with a side hammer. The barrel is 2 feet 9 inches long, to the breech block area. The breech block is getting loose and the last time I fired it, it blew back pretty strongly and needs to be rebuilt before any more shooting. This gun kicks like a mule, even with it planted securely against your shoulder.

I have never tried to get a quote on rebuilding it and thought I would put a inquiry out on this list for help in ID'ing it and also a suggestion on how much it might cost to rebuild it. Also, any suggestions as to someone reliable to do a rebuild or at least to check with as to the cost to rebuild.

If nothing else, it will be kept as a keepsake and handed down to my son as a family keepsake. I would try posting a picture, but am not sure if I could do it successfully.

Thanks for any help in this. The Norseman

 

[CaptainGyro]

It will be much easier for someone to help you if you post some pictures.

 

[bearcat6]

Too many unknowns to give you a good answer, like the capn says pics would be a good start.

 

[Kevin Gibson]

Here's some photos of a Lebel: French Lebel Rifle

Some photos of the Chassepot 1866 rifle: French 1866 Chassepot Rifle - Military Guns of Europe

 

[William R. Moore]

Since the OP mentions a side hammer, I'm kinda doubtful that either of the rifles pictured by Kevin are going to be correct. The OP also notes a breech block, not a bolt.

How about as detailed a description as possible. Markings, dates, type of action (falling block, rolling block, dropping block [Martini], trap door, side opening trap door) etc. I've got a faint memory of some Snyder(?) carbines that converted muzzle loaders to breech loaders using a side hinged breech block and wonder if that might be the case here.

I'm getting the idea that quite possibly someone repurposed some black powder piece-like the Snyder mentioned above. If that's the case, making it a wall hanger would be best. Please remove the firing pin if that's what you're going to do.

 

[bearcat6]

Sounds like a Snyder action to me also.

 

[csmkersh]

Since the OP mentions a side hammer, I'm kinda doubtful that either of the rifles pictured by Kevin are going to be correct. The OP also notes a breech block, not a bolt.

He's also said it was bored out to 12 gauge, or about .70 caliber. O.D. of the barrel would have to be about 1 inch.

 

[Kevin Gibson]

Well he said French, those are the two French cartridge rifles. Without a photo I have not a clue.

 

[Rex in OTZ]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/07/10/identify-guns-zulu-shotgun/amp/