Age old question about RFI .410

[aspen80]

Hello again & again,

Would someone (Jim/Peter) give me an answer about the RFI 410?
I've looked through some old threads about the RFI .410 but here is my question...
I have said rifle and it will chamber a 2 1/2 " .410 shell but not a 3"..Converted?
Is it the diameter or length or both that make a "conversion"?

Thanks for your time

Gil

Information

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[Sunray]

It was converted from being a .303 Brit rifle to being a .410 bore shotgun.
Indian police, game wardens and prison guards got 'em. So did native troopies in Africa in the 50's.

[aspen80]

Sunray, I want to know in the conversion if a modern 2 1/2 " 410 shell will chamber, but a 3" won't.

[browningautorifle]

if a modern 2 1/2 " 410 shell will chamber, but a 3" won't.

The original chamber was based on a blown open .303 cartridge and had little to do with an actual .410 shotshell. Then many were re-done with a .410 chamber ream to the shorter. The 3" mag would be one more step I think. You'll be able to slip it in to a point...
Does that help?

[aspen80]

I got it Jim. Mine has been reamed out to accommodate a 3" shell.
So, the hunt is on again. This gun is immaculate and has cartouches and all, just been modified.
Thanks for the info.

Gil

[Aragorn243]

The original was for a specific brass cased solid lead ball cartridge loosely resembling a 410. Ammo not readily available in the US so many importers altered them a second time to the 410 shot shell. And now suddenly the original ammo is all over the place and dirt cheap. Mine also has been reamed out for the shotshell. Pretty sure it also will handle the 3 inch shells.

[browningautorifle]

Pretty sure it also will handle the 3 inch shells.

I know they'll fit when live but will they open properly when fired? That's all I'd worry about.

[Howard]

I have a .410 that was converted in 1935 has not been changed to modern.410.
My question is, does it have more collector value as original.410?
I have a small pack of original shells but a whole sealed case is only about $75.

[browningautorifle]

My question is, does it have more collector value as original.410?

I should think so but more value on a little is not much. They aren't worth much to begin with...

[Brian Dick]

Springfield Sporters was the original importer in the 1980's and they offered them with both unaltered chambers and reamed to 3" for standard U.S. mfg. .410 shot shells.