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Well, just got home - it is a 16 bore - .660" land to land- even number of lands and grooves - 10, with a 48" twist.

At least it isn't 36" like some. It will shoot 3 drams quite nicely, I'm sure. It will likely do well to about 4 drams max - about 110 - maybe 120gr. which will be fine with a 17 (.650") or 17-ish bore ball. If a true 17 bore mould is ordered, it will cast about .648".

Got the story on it as well - well most recent story, that is.

This rifle has been in 2 gun shows here in BC or Alberta- maybe Calgary. A friend of ours who used to built rifles & go general Gun Smithing here in PG & who had Taylor working for him building Hawken-type Rifles back in the 80's, saw it at a show and 1st time - it had not a single mark on it. The dealer who had it wanted too much money for it.

Couple years pass and it was at another gun show where it now had handling marks, slightly damaged nipple from dry firing, along with marks and dents around the barrel wedge from prying with a screw driver, etc. Don couldn't stand to see it damaged this way - and bought it on the spot, and showed it to Taylor some time ago. My bro bought it just recently, but would not have it shipped or mailed, simply drove the 8 hours to get it & visit some relatives down that way.

The Joseph Lang weighs 10.14 pounds (4.61 Kilos), barrel is 1.790" at the breech, 1.120" at the muzzle and a mere 1" in the waist.

The rifling is clean and sharp (appearing unfired, actually) to the breech - with a slight choke at the muzzle.

There is some roughness from people shoving their f---king fingers into the bore - WHY do people seem to HAVE to do that- automatic - blooody hell?

Sorry for the rant.

At least it's only just a bit rough, not pitted YET and with some shooting it will smooth out due to the patches and cleaning.

A mould will be subsequently ordered from Jeff Tanner of the UK.

The engraving is quite nice, tiny scrolls & pictures. The checkering is perfect and borders are perfectly parallel, no overruns or booboos - REALLY nice to see and hold. Points like a dream and sights come up instantly aligned on what you are looking at as the rifle is raised to the face and shoulder.

Sight leaves, 100(point blank), 150 and 200, same as mine now on the 14 bore.

Current condition and finish is as-original - not refurbished or re-finished in any way.

The ram-rod and entry pipes are huge - over 1/2" & appears to be perfectly straight rose-wood - maybe stained green-heart (I've heard was used) - don't know for sure.

I would not be surprised the gun is unfired from Lang's facility.

It is VERY nice indeed. Too bad an idiot asshole had it before Don rescued it.

It has No. 769 engraved behind the guard on it's finial. Don figured 1853 for a date of mfg.

Oh yeah - single set trigger and the lock clicks like a 1st rate rifle's lock should. The 1/2 bent safety is really special as well.

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Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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