[RPKESQ]

I would add to targa911's post, that it should apply to non-European shotguns. In Europe every country has a Proof House. This is the official testing organization for barrel strength and soundness. EVERY gun must be tested and pass proof.

America never developed an official Proof House and there are two negatives to this situation. First, gun-makers had to make the guns heavier to ensure they did not fail. And, in my opinion, more importantly, used guns were never properly tested to ensure they were still safe.

A two barrel (or 3 or 4 or 5) shotguns are a distinctly different breed from single barrel guns . Shotgun barrels have much thinner wall thickness to make them livelier and better balanced then rifles. On a single barrel gun it is easy to test wall thickness all around breech to muzzle.

On a multiple barrel shotgun this is not possible without disassembly of the barrels (desoldering the ribs and barrels breeches). So how do you know that the barrels are safe (even if there is no visible pitting internally or externally)? Rust occurs in between barrels and under ribs too.

Well we have x-rays and ultrasound; But only a Proof Test is cheap and effective.

All guns sold as usable in Europe must pass Proof. I have shotguns that date to 1854, 1888, 1894, 1898, 1902, 1905 and 1911. Most with Damascus barrels. All have been reproofed. I use them all as do millions of other European shooters. All are safe with use of the loads they were reproofed with.

In America, one does not have such standards for testing or safety. You can send guns to Europe for reproofing. PM me if anyone wants that information and details.

Try finding a gun from the UK. There are many dealers. Let me know if you need help with importing or finding the gun of your dreams.