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The M1886 and 32 gauge chambering

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steve004

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October 16, 2021 - 2:46 pm

I ran into something I had never seen or heard of before. I suspect it is explained by don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Particularly Wikipedia! Anyone, I thought I’d run it by the group here in case anyone has heard of it. It is intriguing. Here’s what Wikipedia says:

The 1886 was offered, on a custom basis, in the rare 32-Gauge shotshell. These rifles were especially chambered, and barreled for the 32-Gauge shotshell.

Is it possible they are referring to a .50-110 ordered as a smoothbore? I’ve often thought a 32 gauge shell would work in such a rifle, but can’t prove it.

Maverick

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October 17, 2021 - 3:16 am

I don’t think so.

As in I find it hard to believe they would have made a 86 in 32GA, but I suppose anything is possible. It no doubt would have been experimental and should at the very least letter.

I also don’t see how one could confuse the 32GA and .50-110. I don’t think you’ll be able to get the 32GA to chamber.

The 32GA has a base diameter of 0.572 and chamber length 2.5

The .50-110 has a base diameter of .551 and chamber length of 2.40

That’s probably too tight a squeeze.

Sincerely,

Maverick