Spring Turkey with original German ML shotgun

[Ironramrod]

Rick, I certainly will. The jug choke was created in the barrel w/ a special reamer by removing steel from the barrel interior to create a shotgun choke (forcing cone for lack of a better term) starting just behind the bell at the muzzle and ending about 12-13" down the barrel. The bell, of course, is there to allow easier starting of wads down the barrel, and there is no need to remove that. Mr. Olson told me the maximum amount of choke that could be put into the barrel was determined by the barrel thickness; they would remove barrel steel so that the thickness in the "jug area" was not < 0.040". Then they would create a gradual taper (spanning 2-3") just behind the muzzle bell from the "jug area." The thicker the barrel steel the more choke they could put in the barrel. Mr. Olson told me that he had a jug choked 10 ga. ML that he loaded w/ 120 gr. FFg and 2 oz. of BB shot. When hunting geese he said he could stand by 1 REA power pole and shoot geese flying by the next one (100 yards). It doesn't surprise me, because I've shot geese at 70-80 yards w/ the 12 ga. guns I have. One can get a lot of opportunities to use a shotgun up here in the Dakotas.

The jug choke was put into the barrel(s) w/ a special reamer developed by Mr. Starr that was operated by hand (I think) from the back of the barrels. This then required that the shotgun had removable breech plugs or this apparently was not possible. I can also say the machining was done perfectly w/ nothing 2nd rate anywhere in the entire procedure; Mr. Starr and Mr. Olson were precision machinists to be sure. I have a short publication about jug choking barrels somewhere in the gun room. If I can find it I'd be glad to mail you a copy of it, if you're interested.

I wouldn't be surprised, if something is unclear; feel free to ask questions.

Additionally, if I remember correctly you run a buffalo hunting operation in your area. If that is correct, where can I read more about it. As an older boy, if I'm ever going to do something like that, I better get the lead out. I have several Shiloh rifles and 1 Browning highwall that thrive on live targets.

Regards
IR