Being not familiar with installing liners into a shotgun, I am seeking advise from the experts.
Up here in Canada this pre-1898 shotgun would have been considered antique class and not subject to registration and licensing, i.e. anyone can own it, as long as it's not in the common gauges (10, 12, 16 etc down to 410 bore).
I own a lower-end BP sxs shotgun with damascus barrels that was made pre 1896. If I could have permanent liners installed, that would do the trick: get me an antique class firearm, shootable with smokeless.
So I talked to Mike at TJ's. He stocks .795 12ga shotgun liners in 45 calibre with 1:16 twist.
One thing is that .795" is still a tad smaller than the 0.811" chambers.
For the Canadian authorities to consider conversion permanent, I have to either solder or weld the liner in. Epoxying or locktighting them would not be good enough.
1. Would the existing barrels be soldered together? Is that how the guns were made in the late 1890s? If yes, would it still be possible to solder the liners in somehow, w/o messing with the alignment?
2. Would it be Ok to fill the 0.008" gap between the liner and chambers with soft solder?
3. Another question: the barrels are 30". The liners cost $4.95 per inch, so quite a few bucks to line both barrels.
Can the liners be shorter than the barrels, 20" for example?
4. To what diameter would I have to turn down the liners, if the bore diameter is .716?
So please talk reason into this confused one or talk me out of this project - everything appreciated!
Thank you!
OTM