The Firearm Blog

There is ‘big bore’ and then there is the 2 bore. Schroeder & Hetzendorfer make a cartridge called the S&H 2 Bore Blackpowder Express.

These photos are amazing

.700 nitro express next to 2 bore and 3500 grain bronze solid

.500 S&W, .45-70, .700 Nitro Express, 2 bore

The caliber equivalent of 2 bore (’bore’ is generally interchangeable with ‘gauge’ in regard to caliber) is 1.326″ or 33.68mm! The bronze solid bullet weights 3500 grain / 1/2 pound / 226.80 grams!

While technically fired from a rifle these are more like massive shotgun slugs: a heavy projectile at a low velocity. The 2500 grain bronze solid leaves the barrel at 1500 ft/s and with 17487 ft·lb of energy.

Apart from the nerve destroying recoil, heavy rifle, heavy ammo and expense these big bullets slow down dramatically after entering the game and hitting bone. A problem when hunting elephant.

They even come bigger than this. The 1 bore has a caliber of 1.67″. The A Guage/Bore, about 2″, was used for punt guns.

More info at Schroeder & Hetzendorfer.

ACE has an interesting article on the 4 bore.

UPDATE

Jay Schroeder emailed me the pricing for for the brass and bullets:

Cartridge Cases are $495.00 per 10 pack shipped.

Copper FN Solids are $295.00 per 10 pack shipped.

All components are USA made by Americans from American material.

Although it may seem expensive, you are probably not going to purchase more than one set of brass.

Sean @ Everything Hunting has reviewed the Benelli Nova 12 Gauge Shotgun

The Benelli Nova 12 gauge shoots up to 3 1/2″ shells and cycles smoothly and with little effort. The pump handle is not loud and sloppy like most other shotguns priced just below this one.

The gun is very comfortable to handle and priced in a range that even poor folk like me can afford it with a little saving. Academy Sports has the black matte 20 gauge for $329.99… I believe that I paid about $350 for my 12 gauge, in Realtree APG, at Bass Pro Shop last year.

Read the review here.

SRM Arms have developed a semi-automatic shotgun that has a 16 round detachable rotating magazine that takes 2 3/4 or 3″ shells.

The overall length is 34″ with 18″ barrel. The NFA version has 12 or 9 inch barrel with a magazine capacity of 12 or 8 rounds.

18″ barrel version. Picatinny rail included.

12″ barrel NFA version

9″ barrel NFA version.

With detached magazine.

The only thing that would make this cooler is a bullpup version, although I do not know if that would be possible with the magazine.

More info here.

Hat Tip: DRTV

Mossberg and Taser have teamed up to produce the X12 23 guage shotgun that can only accept non lethal rounds such as the TASER XREP (Extended Range Electronic Projectile), a wireless taser like projectile that fires from a 12-gauge shotgun.

I think a regular shotgun loaded with a couple of XREP projectiles followed by shot makes more sense for cops. That way if the fancy electronic projectiles fail they have a backup.

The video:

Introducing the TASER XREP – the eXtended Range Electronic Projectile. XREP is a self-contained, wireless projectile that fires from a standard 12-gauge shotgun. It delivers the same Neuro-Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) bio-effect as our handheld TASER X26, but can be delivered to a distance of up to 100 feet, combining blunt impact with field proven TASER NMI.

The press release:

TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR), a market leader in advanced electronic control devices, today announced it will debut the new TASER X12 LLS Mossberg(r) shotgun during the 2008 SHOT Show in Las Vegas to be held February 2-5, 2008. The TASER X12 Less Lethal Shotgun (LLS) is a fully integrated less-lethal platform manufactured by Mossberg that has been optimized for the TASER eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP), while providing for integration of the TASER(r) X26 electronic control device (ECD) for close-in engagements. The TASER X12 LLS includes TASER Radial Ammunition Key technology (patent pending) to prevent the system from accepting lethal 12-gauge rounds in order to remove the possibility of end users loading a lethal round in a less-lethal system during high stress situations.

TASER International will be in booth number 22117 in the Gold Hall outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center this weekend. Mossberg will be in booth number 4751 in the central exhibit halls (C1-C5.1).

“In speaking with our customers and law enforcement experts, we found that many law enforcement agencies would prefer dedicated 12-gauge systems for less-lethal use only,” commented Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer of TASER International, Inc. “However, none of the systems on the market today actually prevent the operator from inadvertently loading a deadly round of buckshot or slugs. The TASER X12 LLS is designed with the important safeguard of precluding the possibility of lethal accidents through round mis-identification.”

The TASER X12 LLS provides a dedicated less-lethal platform based on the proven Mossberg 500 shotgun which is the only 12-gauge system to attain Mil-Spec certification.

In addition to the TASER Radial Ammunition Key system, the TASER X12 LLS also provides the following features:

* A high twist, rifled barrel system that is optimized for the lower velocities of less-lethal projectiles. Whereas standard Mossberg rifled barrels have a twist of 1 in 36 inches, the twist ratio for the TASER X12 LLS is 1 in 18 inches This higher twist rate provides enhanced projectile stability at the lower velocities used for less-lethal projectiles such as the TASER XREP projectile.

* A Picatinny Rail system with the X-Rail mount pre-installed. The X-Rail mount allows the user to mount a standard TASER X26 ECD to the system. Together, the TASER X12 LLS with TASER X26 ECD integration gives the operator the ability to engage subjects across the full range of engagement distances, with the TASER X26 ECD optimized for engagements within 20 feet, and the TASER XREP projectile for subjects beyond 20 feet.

* TASER-Yellow coloration of the stock and fore-end of the shotgun for immediate identification as a less-lethal system

* A ghost ring sighting system

* Collapsible tactical stock

“We are very excited to be partnering with TASER International on the manufacturing and development for the TASER X12 LLS system,” said A. Iver Mossberg, Jr., CEO for Mossberg. “Teaming Mossberg’s vast array of product knowledge and experience with TASER International’s pioneering less-lethal technology will only enhance our continuation as the market leaders in firearms innovation.”

TASER International will begin training the agencies involved in the pilot programs in February and will release the TASER XREP into pilot programs by the end of the first quarter. The TASER XREP is a wireless Neuro Muscular Incapacitation projectile designed for a 12-gauge platform. The XREP which contains miniaturized TASER technology as well as groundbreaking flight stabilization and microprocessor-controlled intelligent electrode selection technologies, weighs only 14 grams, or half an ounce, and has a maximum range of 65 feet or 20 meters.

TASER expects to complete pilot programs and release the TASER XREP product and the TASER X12 by the end of 2008, pending results of the pilot programs.

Photos and video of the TASER XREP and TASER X12 are posted at www.TASER.com/XREP.

Beretta has launched the new SV10 PERENNIA over-and-under shotgun.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel Length: 26”, 28”, 30”
Accessories: Case, 5 chokes with spanner, sling swivels, plastic pad
Weight: 7.3 lbs

It also features the new Kick-Off hydraulic recoil system:

The new patented Kick-Off® mechanism (on select models only) was conceived to significantly reduce the felt recoil to the shooter’s shoulder.

Thanks to Kick-Off®, the recoil energy is gradually dissipated through two oil hydraulic dampeners integrated into the design, with obvious better comfort to the shooter.

More here.

There is an interesting discussion over at rec.guns about the best way to deal with a squirrel chewing on the roof. It is worth a read.

“Pumper Hinkle” sums up the options:

Hmmm. I understand your problem better now. For the squirrel to be
chewing on your roof, though, he must be sitting still for at least a
little bit.

I believe that if it were happening to me, I’d get a night vision scope for
the bolt-action .22 and sight it in using BB caps. I’d then set up a
sniper position and be patient. Once it stands still, bang.

Or, well, you could get a .410 shotgun and some light loads, and figguring
on patching the roof maybe.

Or, I believe you can fire .45 colt cartridges in a .410 shotgun, and I
believe you can get .45 snake loads.

As you’ve observed, the .22 snakeloads don’t cycle in autos, and the rifling
disperses the shot too much. I believe I once heard of a smoothbore .22,
which would give better range.

But I assume you don’t want to buy another gun, especially some sort of
specialty gun. So, back to first suggestion, night vision scope on the
.22.

From komotv.com

SOUTHWORTH, Wash. (AP) - A man trying to loosen a stubborn lug nut blasted the wheel with a 12-gauge shotgun, injuring himself badly in both legs, Kitsap County sheriff’s deputies said.

The 66-year-old man had been repairing a Lincoln Continental for two weeks at his home northwest of Southworth and east of Port Orchard and had gotten all but one of the lug nuts off the right rear wheel before getting frustrated Saturday afternoon, Deputy Scott Wilson said.

More here

Ride Fast & Shoot Straight snapped a shot of an Irvine PD scooter mounted shogun.

More here.

GunPorn wrote a post on this very interesting shotgun. It is a reverse pump action bullpup shotgun invented by a South African company.

From what appears to be the official website.

Neostead Features

* Selectable twin tube magazine
* 13 shot capacity
* Overall length is 27 inches with full length barrel of 22.5 inches
* Totally ambidextrous as all controls are centrally mounted
* Pump action is reversed
* Straight line stock with magazines above barrel
* Negligible muzzle lift
* Intergral carry handle houses ghost ring sights
* High stength polymers for main external components
* Boltless design
* Sling swivels on top

Safety Features

* Trigger safety locks trigger positively
* Pump handle operates trigger disconnector
* Pump lock
* Firing pin positive return
* Out of battery firing prevention
* Reversed pump action

Wikipedia has this to say

The NeoStead 2000 (NS2000) is a type of shotgun developed by the South African company NeoStead. Along with the Pancor Jackhammer, it is considered one of the most technologically advanced shotguns ever created. The NS2000 has been used in trial runs for a few years by special forces like the British SAS and there are hopes at NeoStead that larger weapons manufacturers will license the production rights. Production of the shotgun began in 2001 and the first models were made available in October of that year.

The NS2000 is a 12-gauge pump action shotgun weighing in at just over 3kg, designed primarily for security and civil disturbance situations.

The firearm includes a 22.5 inch (572mm) barrel despite the overall weapon length of just 27 inches (686mm). The short length makes the weapon easier to handle in close quarter situations however, unlike most firearms of this type, it can still remain accurate at relatively long ranges. The long barrel length is achieved by using a bullpup configuration, with a rear-fed tubular magazine.

Another aspect of the NS2000 is its dual six round magazines. The selector switch can be set to left, right, or alternating. For example in riot conditions less-lethal flexible baton rounds can be used with standard rounds in reserve.

A possible production variant of the NS2000 has an 18 inch barrel in a weapon with an overall length of 22 inches. The shorter length reduced the magazine capacity to 5+5 rounds and makes the weapon easier to import or license in many countries.

Its pump mechanism operates in a forward-back motion, due to its rear-load configuration. This is different from conventional pump methods as the pump action is achieved by shifting the hand forward-back, as opposed to the standard back-forward motion of the non-trigger hand.

Some more photos

This photo makes it look a bit like a side by side shotgun. The two cylinders next to each other on the top are the magazines.

Patent application drawings:

This shows how the magazines are inserted:

The golden rule for firearm safety is usually attributed to Jeff Cooper.

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

I was reading the book “Cautions to Young Sportsmen” by Thomas Frankland, which was published 207 years ago. The golden rule has not changed.

You can read the book here.

The SPS slug gun:

Its solid, dependable action makes it America’s favorite, and our continual upgrades, including this year’s new ShurShot™ ambidextrous pistol-grip stock, make it the most lethal, well-rounded family of pump shotguns around. Along with continually evolving designs, this shotgun’s superiority is a matter of rugged dependability, great pointing characteristics and versatility. In fact, the Model 870™ has been the standard for slide-action performance for more than 50 years.

The Model 870 SPSâ„¢ ShurShotâ„¢ Synthetic Fully Rifled Cantilever shotgun puts exceptional accuracy and swift handling characteristics in the hands of left- and right-handed deer hunters. With its cantilever mount, adding optics couldn’t be easier, and its fully rifled 23″ barrel maximizes reach with today’s high-performance slug loads. The stock and fore-end are dressed in Realtree® Hardwoods HD.â„¢ When it’s time to add a sling, the swivel studs are built-in for your convenience.

12 gauge, 23″ fully rifled barrel

Standard Express finish on barrel and receiver

Synthetic stock with integrated sling swivel attachment

Realtree® Hardwoods HD™ camo stock and fore-end

Shoots both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells

New ShurShotâ„¢ synthetic pistol grip stock

I am not a huge fan of camo guns, but this one is not to bad. I like the ShurStock.

The most dependable slide action of all time super-tuned to bring the strut to a grinding halt. The specialized turkey shotgun is fully covered in Realtree® APGâ„¢ HDâ„¢ camo and deliver a 3 1/2″ Super Magnumâ„¢ payload with lethal authority at the longest ranges. Now featuring our new ShurShotâ„¢ synthetic pistol-grip stock, the updated Model 870â„¢ SPS ShurShotâ„¢ Synthetic Turkey offers both right-and left-handed hunters the pinnacle of lightweight shooting comfort and handling ease.

23″ rifle-sighted barrel

TruGlo® fiber optic sights

Wingmaster HD extended Remâ„¢ Choke (Turkey)

Receiver drilled and tapped for scope mounts

Realtree® APG™ HD™ camo

Black sling included

Molded in rear sling swivel stud and front stud included in magazine cap

Featuring Remington’s new SuperCell® recoil pad technology.

More here.

Remington’s new turkey gun:

Its solid, dependable action makes it America’s favorite, and our continual upgrades, including this year’s new ShurShot™ ambidextrous pistol-grip stock, make it the most lethal, well-rounded family of pump shotguns around. Along with continually evolving designs, this shotgun’s superiority is a matter of rugged dependability, great pointing characteristics and versatility. In fact, the Model 870™ has been the standard for slide-action performance for more than 50 years. Our new Model 870 express® ShurShot™ Synthetic Turkey is optimized for the turkey woods with the revolutionary ShurShot™ synthetic pistol-grip stock.

It’s contoured to accommodate both right- and left-handed shooters, while offering an incredibly steady-aiming platform that handles like lightning and aids in lessening felt recoil. This shotgun’s shorter 21″ barrel adds to its superb maneuverability, and the Turkey Extra Full Remâ„¢ Choke channels maximum payload to the sweet spot. The receiver is drilled and tapped, so adding optics is a cinch. Mossy Oak® Obsessionâ„¢ coverage on the stock and fore-end keep you concealed.

12 gauge, 21″ vent-rib bead-sighted barrel

Standard Express finish on barrel and receiver

Supplied with a Turkey Extra Full Remâ„¢ Choke

Synthetic stock with integrated sling swivel attachment

Mossy Oak® Obsession™ camo stock and fore-end

Shoots both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells

Drilled and tapped receiver

New ShurShotâ„¢ synthetic pistol grip stock

More here.

Rifled slug gun:

With our new Model 870 express ShurShot Synthetic Fully Rifled Cantilever, the buck stops a lot farther out than you ever imagined. It features the incredible stability and comfort of our ambidextrous ShurShot stock and a 23″ fully rifled barrel.

23″ fully rifled barrel available in 12 and 20 gauge

Standard Express finish on barrel and receiver

Synthetic stock with integrated sling swivel attachment

New ShurShotâ„¢ synthetic pistol grip stock

More here.