[mykolas]

Friend found this old single barrel (break open) shotgun in the rafters of his deceased fathers garage. The word "HERCULES" is stamped on the side. The serial # 21657A is stamped on the barrel. No other information(like gauge size) is stamped.

Any information is appreciated.


Mykolas

[Domini]

Hercules was a Montgomery Wards brand name, its a Stevens.

[mykolas]

Thanks for the information Domini. But I'm also curious as to why the gauge is not stamped or etched on the gun itself?


Mykolas

[Domini]

Probably means its pre-1968, if there was no serial number as well, but since it has a serial number, I'm not sure why. Pictures would help a bunch.

[Ron James]

80/60 years ago , when this shotgun, { yes. it is a pre 1968 } was made, they assumed that when you brought a 12 gauge { or what ever } you knew it was a 12 gauge and and would use the proper ammo. the instruction manual was only a single sheet showing how to load it, nothing more. This was in the days before litigation became the national hobby.

[mykolas]

Thanks Ron for the explanation. Never would have guessed it was that old.

Domini says it is a Stevens product, any way to cross it to a Stevens model number?


Mykolas

[Domini]

This site says serial numbers on Stevens shotguns ending with "A" were manufactured in 1949: http://www.wisnersinc.com/additional_info/stevens_date_code.htm Its probably a stevens model 94.

[Ron James]

As Domini posted, it is probably the old Stevens standby, the Model 94. To to http://www.e-gunparts.com/ pull up the Stevens 94 and compare.

[mykolas]

Thanks to Domini and Ron James, the shotgun is indeed a Stevens 94.
With the forend missing and the gun pretty ratty looking after so many years up in the rafters, I don't believe it is worth overhauling.

At least he knows what it is.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge,


Mykolas