What Postman said is true to some extent, but was more true 20 years ago.

We now have well-built double rifles from reputable makers being currently made at affordable prices. Merkel, Krieghoff, Blaser, and Chapuis to name a few.

I am a collector of top quality double rifles, but I also own a Merkel .500 NE. There's no question it is a strong and safe double rifle built to modern standards. A brand new Merkel doesn't cost so much.

I'm a lawyer, and I can tell you if you convert a shotgun to a rifle and it later blows up you are going to be liable for any injury or damage it causes under U.S. law. You manufactured an unsafe product. It was not designed to take the pressures of a rifle cartridge. End of story. Dewey Vicknair is absolutely correct on this one.

I also believe if you buy such a conversion and then re-sell it you will be liable in the event of a blow-up even though you didn't do the conversion.

There is a group of gunsmiths who do these conversions and they have a lot of pride to protect in this argument, but huffing and puffing doesn't change the law.

Mr. Little, let me ask you whether you have liability insurance to protect yourself and your business in the event of a products liability lawsuit? If you have such coverage, would you kindly consult with your insurance representative describing your work in converting shotguns to rifles and ask whether the insurance company would defend a products liability suit arising from a blow-up and pay any resulting judgment? I would be interested to know answers to this inquiry.

This thread is bordering on anger and incivility. We do not tolerate that behavior on NitroExpress.com. Discuss these issues like gentlemen. Personal attacks on Mr. Vicknair for what he has said are not appropriate.

Curl