12 Gauge Mini-Shells

Terry G · 07-14-2004, 05:22 PM

I have five boxes of 12 gauge Mini-Shells manufactured by Sport Arms of Minnesota. These are NOT loaded ammunition, but rather a metal, fluted, device about 1 inch long that fits perfectly into the chamber of a 12 Gauge shotgun. The base is able to receive either a .22 LR shell or a 12 Gauge primer. The open end is about .44 caliber. They are very professionally packed 10 to a box. What was their purpose? I have not gotten a specific answer on six forums other than "a sub-caliber device" or "some kind of training unit". That's pretty obvious, but I would like to know specifically what they were for. Any help would be appreciated.******** I'm going to sweeten this pot a bit, whoever can give me the real use for these things, and an approximate value, get's one, free. No s/h, free!!

armedandsafe · 07-14-2004, 05:57 PM

I've seen similar construction in 30-06 and .308 for blanks.

Pops

CountryGunsmith · 07-14-2004, 08:12 PM

Well, I dont think they are subcaliber adapters (they wouldn't be packed in multiples). Besides, the .22LR is rimfire and it looks like the hole is centered. Almost certainly for a shotshell primer.

I have not seen these before and I came up with zilch on the Internet. I have not looked through my print library yet. I am leaning toward some type of hand-reloadable mini-shell, no shot payload, primer-powered only....

gpostal · 07-18-2004, 09:42 AM

look for ,sport flite bloomsfield mi 48308 {zinc bases and gas checks}

i am pretty sure they are reloadable blanks for launching dog birds

kar298 · 07-19-2004, 09:30 PM

i have seen things that look alot like that, they are used to shoot a .44 caliber bullet out of a 12 ga shot gun just have to hand load each shell and shoot.

kevin

wuzzagrunt · 07-21-2004, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kar298

i have seen things that look alot like that, they are used to shoot a .44 caliber bullet out of a 12 ga shot gun just have to hand load each shell and shoot.

kevin

How'z that work? A .44 cal. projectile wouldn't even touch the walls of a 12 ga. barrel--except, perhaps, to rattle down the bore only to exit in a totally unpredictable trajectory. I ain't saying you're wrong ('cause I really don't know the answer) just that it seems unlikely.

My guess is: some type of signal device. I'm betting that the chamber is fluted to prevent firing real shotshells through the flaregun. That round will fit in a 12 ga. chamber but a 12 ga. shotshell wouldn't fit in a chamber fluted to accept the rounds you have.

Xracer · 07-22-2004, 07:16 AM

I'm betting on GP here.....reloadable blanks for dog training.

Put in a shotgun primer, a few grains of Bullseye, and a cardboard wad, and you should have a nice loud blank.

gpostal · 07-23-2004, 02:11 PM

i have seen them that comes with a cardboard disc for blocking the end ,kinda like a cork/cardboard

HappyNanoq · 08-25-2004, 09:38 AM

I see you wrote Minnesota.. can only talk about european counterparts.

I know in Germany, there are various kinds of adapters available, but they're usually slightly longer than these and with a rifled kind of barrel.
They are reloadable allright, but usually only comes in packages of one.
They use those adaptors to kill off wounded animals or practise even - but it doesn't look like one of those - as it has the fluting.
The material seems to be aluminum and might not hold up to the pressures of a CF-cartridge - they're usually steel and no fluting as well as longer than that one.

They also use various kinds of adapters for Salute-shots.
When you just need to go "Boom" (without the dangerous aftereffects) to celebrate something or scare birds away.
Now they use specialized shells or rebuilt weapons to do the Salute-shooting - so if they're old, that might have been the purpose.
10 shot salute in a pack with no worries about handloading it.

If you say it fits with a .22 or Primer - I can't think of any use that would come even close to this and certainly no ammo that would fit it and still be centerfire.

But still, can only talk about european counterparts.

Terry G · 08-25-2004, 05:45 PM

They could well be for reloadable blanks, but why would you need ten? The company, as far as I can find out, no longer exists I guess it remains a mystery.

45Smashemflat · 08-26-2004, 10:08 AM

I wonder if they are for some form of primer-driven load. Like maybe there was a rubber ball of some sort pushed into the front and then fired under primer power. For LTL pest control or something?

Example - I've got a 45ACP system that has solid brass "45ACP" rounds which chamber in a 1911 with no issues. The bullets take a large rifle primer in the base and a .177 calibre pellet pressed into the front of the "bullet." The kit also has a sub-calibre barrel which is held in place with rubber rings just shove it into the 45 barrel. Chamber a round, the bullet presses against the sub-calibre barrel, upon firing the primer generates enough pressure to fire the pellet down the smaller tube. Manually work the action and go again. Works pretty fair - not great, but decent draw and shoot practice. This is made by Convert-a-pell for those interested.

07-14-2004, 05:22 PM	#1
Terry G V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 120	12 Gauge Mini-Shells I have five boxes of 12 gauge Mini-Shells manufactured by Sport Arms of Minnesota. These are NOT loaded ammunition, but rather a metal, fluted, device about 1 inch long that fits perfectly into the chamber of a 12 Gauge shotgun. The base is able to receive either a .22 LR shell or a 12 Gauge primer. The open end is about .44 caliber. They are very professionally packed 10 to a box. What was their purpose? I have not gotten a specific answer on six forums other than "a sub-caliber device" or "some kind of training unit". That's pretty obvious, but I would like to know specifically what they were for. Any help would be appreciated.******** I'm going to sweeten this pot a bit, whoever can give me the real use for these things, and an approximate value, get's one, free. No s/h, free!! Attached Images __________________ "An Armed Society is a Polite Society." --> Last edited by Terry G; 07-15-2004 at 05:59 PM.. Reason: Picture

07-14-2004, 05:57 PM	#2
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells I've seen similar construction in 30-06 and .308 for blanks. Pops

07-14-2004, 08:12 PM	#3
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells Well, I dont think they are subcaliber adapters (they wouldn't be packed in multiples). Besides, the .22LR is rimfire and it looks like the hole is centered. Almost certainly for a shotshell primer. I have not seen these before and I came up with zilch on the Internet. I have not looked through my print library yet. I am leaning toward some type of hand-reloadable mini-shell, no shot payload, primer-powered only.... __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

07-18-2004, 09:42 AM	#4
gpostal Former Guest Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 4,552	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells look for ,sport flite bloomsfield mi 48308 {zinc bases and gas checks} i am pretty sure they are reloadable blanks for launching dog birds

07-19-2004, 09:30 PM	#5
kar298 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: johnstown, pa Posts: 180	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells i have seen things that look alot like that, they are used to shoot a .44 caliber bullet out of a 12 ga shot gun just have to hand load each shell and shoot. kevin

07-22-2004, 07:16 AM	#7
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells I'm betting on GP here.....reloadable blanks for dog training. Put in a shotgun primer, a few grains of Bullseye, and a cardboard wad, and you should have a nice loud blank.

07-23-2004, 02:11 PM	#8
gpostal Former Guest Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 4,552	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells i have seen them that comes with a cardboard disc for blocking the end ,kinda like a cork/cardboard

08-25-2004, 09:38 AM	#9
HappyNanoq V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lives in the northern Jutland, which is where I grew up. Jutland is a part of Denmark. Posts: 329	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells I see you wrote Minnesota.. can only talk about european counterparts. I know in Germany, there are various kinds of adapters available, but they're usually slightly longer than these and with a rifled kind of barrel. They are reloadable allright, but usually only comes in packages of one. They use those adaptors to kill off wounded animals or practise even - but it doesn't look like one of those - as it has the fluting. The material seems to be aluminum and might not hold up to the pressures of a CF-cartridge - they're usually steel and no fluting as well as longer than that one. They also use various kinds of adapters for Salute-shots. When you just need to go "Boom" (without the dangerous aftereffects) to celebrate something or scare birds away. Now they use specialized shells or rebuilt weapons to do the Salute-shooting - so if they're old, that might have been the purpose. 10 shot salute in a pack with no worries about handloading it. If you say it fits with a .22 or Primer - I can't think of any use that would come even close to this and certainly no ammo that would fit it and still be centerfire. But still, can only talk about european counterparts. __________________ Now.. don't do anything I've allready done - that would just be plain stoopid. I learned the hard way. Only way to get stoned.??? - Whisky on the rocks.

08-25-2004, 05:45 PM	#10
Terry G V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 120	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells They could well be for reloadable blanks, but why would you need ten? The company, as far as I can find out, no longer exists I guess it remains a mystery. Attached Images __________________ "An Armed Society is a Polite Society." Last edited by Terry G; 08-25-2004 at 05:51 PM.. Reason: Photo

08-26-2004, 10:08 AM	#11
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Re: 12 Gauge Mini-Shells I wonder if they are for some form of primer-driven load. Like maybe there was a rubber ball of some sort pushed into the front and then fired under primer power. For LTL pest control or something? Example - I've got a 45ACP system that has solid brass "45ACP" rounds which chamber in a 1911 with no issues. The bullets take a large rifle primer in the base and a .177 calibre pellet pressed into the front of the "bullet." The kit also has a sub-calibre barrel which is held in place with rubber rings just shove it into the 45 barrel. Chamber a round, the bullet presses against the sub-calibre barrel, upon firing the primer generates enough pressure to fire the pellet down the smaller tube. Manually work the action and go again. Works pretty fair - not great, but decent draw and shoot practice. This is made by Convert-a-pell for those interested.