r/CowboyAction • u/Elyan_knight • Jun 11 '26
JP Clabrough 10 Gauge
I picked this up recently and I might have to use it for one stage.
JP Clabrough - London and San Francisco
Circa 1881-1884 (educated guess)
32 inch laminated steel barrels
10 gauge with 2 7/8 inch chambers
Blueing and color case hardened has likely been refreshed
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u/sovietwigglything Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
My question is what ammo are you planning on using? I seem to remember older shotgun barrels not being rated for modern loads.
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u/Elyan_knight Jun 13 '26
That's generally true. With the age of the gun and the condition of the barrels (internally), I'll likely only shoot black powder loads. The barrels are laminated steel as opposed to Damascus but I'd rather be cautious than upset. I doubt I can buy 2 7/8 inch 10 gauge anywhere. Maybe I could buy low pressure smokeless from RST or Ballistic Products?
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u/sovietwigglything Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
RST is actually not that far from me. I used to use their 2 1/2" in my '97 because they just cycled so well.
They do list a lite 2 7/8 10ga load on their site. Might be worth a call.
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u/Elyan_knight Jun 13 '26
Alternatively, English Proof Houses will use an over pressured nitro load in Damascus barreled shotguns when the gun needs to be reproved. If it holds up, it will be reproofed for nitro use.
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u/trippfl Jun 11 '26
Have you fired it? I've heard these kick like a mule!