A ver si tomamos nota

He tenido un problema con mi vieja Greener que es muy posible que me obligue a condenarla a la ignominiosa inutilización. Si llega el caso, no quiero estar presente.
El caso es que el siempre amabilísimo Graham Greener, entre otros desanimantes consejos, me ha informado de que en el caso de reparaciones del calibre que necesita mi escopeta, que incluye la construcción de dos piezas realmente complejas, además de prohibitivamente caras, tardarían en torno a CINCO AÑOS, por falta de manos especializadas en todo el Reino Unido.
Parece pues que Eibar no es un caso aislado en cuanto al declive armero de altura.

Aparte de esto, os voy a pegar un escrito que acompaña el señor Greener a sus cartas, con el fin de que se tenga siempre muy presente, sobre todo por parte de extranjeros, menos familiarizados -como es lógico- con la cultura armera británica. Ya podían aprender los vendedores de armas y más que ellos, los que facilitan que en la subastas de armas de la G.C. se siga vendiendo pura chatarra que puede ocasionar un serio disgusto, que a buen seguro alguno habrá habido. Ahí va:

W W GREENER

We cannot provide valuations of guns, nor can we provide quotations for repairs, without inspecting them at our works. This is because the value of a gun can vary so much depending on its condition and whether it is safe to use. External appearance is not always a good guide to value. The wall thickness, material condition and internal dimensions of the barrels together with the correct functioning of the action, ejectors (if fitted), and all working parts, are more important.

To be described as in ‘good condition’ the barrels of a gun should have the internal bore sizes within a three thousandths of an inch of the original bore size in both barrels (for a 12 bore proved at .729 of an inch the internal diameter should be not greater than .732 of an inch) measured 9 inches from the breech end of the barrels. If the bore size of a 12 bore measures .739 or greater then it is out of proof and may be dangerous to use unless reproved at the next bore size of .740 when it will be stamped with the new proof markings. For a 12 bore proved at 13 bore the barrel diameter should be .710 of an inch. If it is greater than .718 of an inch it requires re-proof at 13/1 or .719, it is then OK until diameter reaches .728 when again it would require re-proof. Wall thickness is also vitally important: clearly if barrels have been bored out at any time then their wall thickness is reduced, weakening them. Barrel wall thickness measured 9 inches from the muzzle end of the barrels should not be less than twenty thousandths of an inch. But the policy, of most gunmakers, is not to sell guns with barrel wall thicknesses less than twenty-five thousandths of an inch, for safety. For a gun to be described as in good condition the wall thicknesses should therefore be 25 thou’, or greater. Also the barrels should be straight and have no dents, bulges, pits or rivelling (corrugations usually associated with thin barrels), to be described as in good condition. The breech end of the barrels should be tight against the standing breech when the breech is closed and the gun ready for firing. If there is a gap between the barrels and the standing breech then the gun may require re-jointing. A gun, which requires re-jointing may be dangerous and cannot be described as in good condition.

The action should show some signs of colour hardening with the engraving crisp and not rubbed. The stock should be in original condition with no major dents, cracks, or pieces of wood missing, repairs, scratches or abrasions. The trigger pulls should be 4 lbs or greater and the ejectors should operate, to eject the cartridges, at exactly the same time if both barrels have been fired. All internal working parts should show no major evidence of wear or tear and all should function correctly. There should be no welds, or braising to indicate that parts such as tumblers or levers have been repaired. These repairs may be suspect since it is more likely the original gunmaker would have fitted new parts to replace those which may be broken or worn.

Owners of guns wishing to sell them, or prospective purchasers wishing to buy guns in particular should check all the above points very carefully. It is against the law in the United Kingdom to sell a gun, which is ‘out of proof’ and so sellers and purchasers are advised to have a gun checked by the makers, or a competent gunsmith, before selling or buying a gun.

Many W W Greener guns were proved originally for black powder cartridges only. To fire modern cartridges the barrels need to be proved again to ensure they are safe to use with these faster burning cartridges, which develop greater pressures, and hence put increased pressure on the barrels and action. A reputable gun maker or competent gunsmith should be able to confirm what cartridges are suitable for a gun and whether it is safe to use or not.



Como sé que el personal está fuerte en inglés, no me he molestado en traducir

Pues siento decir que muy a pesar de la magnífica respuesta dada por la fábrica, de la que sin duda debieran aprender otros que se consideran armeros, esto condena a la mayoria de los mortales a usar yerros de usar y tirar.