Mell What are the gauge marks on a Belgian gun?
The gauge or bore is typically indicated by a “12” or “16,” often accompanied by the chamber length (see Kennett’s no. 33 below). Here is Lee Kennett’s complete listing of Belgian proof marks in his “A History of Proof Marks: Gun Proof in Belgium,” published in the 32nd edition of The Gun Digest (1978), 129-138.
Where was the Belgian Browning Auto 5 made?
The earlier guns made by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium are amongst the most prized both for functionality and for quality of manufacture. The guns were also made by Miroku in Japan for a while and the Japanese made guns were well made but tend to be heavier than the Belgian FN made guns.
Are there any good guns made in Belgium?
The other side of the coin is that quality can indeed be there in Belgian guns: The Belgian Browning Superposed were all fine guns, while firms like Francotte, Dumoulin, or Lebeau-Courally could make guns of very high quality indeed. Thanks! Very helpfull once again.
Are there proof marks for smokeless powder in Belgium?
The one on the far right is the definite proof for nitro, or smokeless powder. Lee Kennett did a fine survey, “A History of Proof Marks: Gun Proof in Belgium,” that was published in The Gun Digest (1978). I’ve reproduced Kennett’s numbers in the complete list at the end of this post:
What was the maximum service load for a Belgian shotgun?
Valid Type of Proof 1897-1903 Maximum service load for shotguns having Mark identifying the Belgian Proof House 1924-> Applied to all guns made but not proofed 1924-> Applied to all gun not made in Belgium b
Where are the proof marks on a British breechloader?
But if the gun is a British or Continental breechloader, it should have proof marks on the water table of the receiver and on the barrel flats near the breech. The first on the left and the fourth (the one that resembles a candlestick) indicate provisional proof. The second and third indicate it was proofed at Liège.