[351 WINCHESTER]

A good friend has a revelation 360 double 12 ga. 2 3/4" chamber that he wants to sell. The barrels have been cut to about 18". It has double triggers and a vent rib. No ejectors. Bird dog on the right of receiver. It has real cut checkering too.

Any idea who made this gun, appx. date of mfg. and appx. value. Gun locks up tight and is in really good shape except for the barrels being cut down. Might make a nice h/d gun.

Thanks to all.

[sheepdog]

...can't prove it yet by the model number but I think it's a high-end Fox made for Western Auto...Stevens made for other companies but it seems you have a better model than the old 311...I'd bet either Fox or Savage...I'm trying to find an old resource that went into whomadewhatforwho.....

...here's some Western Auto history that mentioned Savage made for them....might try through Savage...Stevens is making guns again and might have records archived...under parent company Savage Arms...

[351 WINCHESTER]

Shouldn't the gun be marked somewhere with the actual manufacturer?

[Ron James]

The Western Auto 360 is a Fox Model B { Savage }. Before your friend took a hack saw to it, the value was over 800 in excellent condition, now, I wouldn't give you doggy do for it but some people might feel it's worth 200 if it really is in good condition. BTW, better stick a wooden dowel down the barrel to make sure it is at least 18 inches. Too many people like your friend try for a exact 18 inches and wind up with 17 and 15/16 inches. That 1/16 of an inch is good for free meals and lodging at Club Fed. If he's stupid enough to saw off a fine shotgun then he's stupid enough to make it too short. JMHO about stupid people. Most trade name firearms will only have the retailers name and a retailers model number and in some cases ( Sears ) a manufacturers code. The Model B was introduced by Savage in 1939 and kept in production until 1988. Serial numbers were required on all long arms in 1968 so it was made between 1939 and 1968.

[351 WINCHESTER]

Ron, I appreciate your input except for the part of calling my friend stupid. He's actually a genius. This shotgun was cut down by a professional gunsmith as he carried this shotgun while on duty as a Special agent, U.S. Customs Service. He's long since retired and resides, sadly in a nursing home. Thanks again for your input.

I just measured the barrels and they are about 21 1/2". He told me that he had them cut so if he was standing over a bad guy the barrels would be just above their head. That's his story and knowing him it's true. He never killed anyone, but was in several gun fights in Laredo and Detroit.

[351 WINCHESTER]

I think I found it. I looked on gunbroker for a Fox model B and looked at several. While they were similar my gun is plainer, has a bird dog on the receiver, has hand cut checkering but the wood is not walnut. I'm thinking it was a savage 540 as I found a cross ref. chart which states that the revelation 360 is either a fox b or savage 540. I realize it has little or no collector value, but means a lot to me as it was one of his duty guns. He's been in a rehab/nursing home since Feb. this year and sadly he's not comming home. They just moved him to a different room with different nurses. He has a better view with an oak tree just outside his window. Tomorrow I'm going to put up a squirrel feeder so he can have some amusement.

Thank's for everyones help.

[Ron James]

Sorry I ruffled any feathers but I hate to see a fine old shotgun ruined (MO). As far as being a genius, well not saying anything about your friend, because I don't know him, but I've known quite a few brilliant people who didn't have common sense of a goose. Sorry again abut your friend and calling him stupid, perhaps unthinking would be a better term ( on my part ). In his case, at the time it seemed like a good ideal and the gun was probably free ( confiscated ).

[351 WINCHESTER]

Ron, I too hate to see fine guns ruined. I really don't know if the gun was confiscated or not, but he would never butcher a fine gun. He had a thing for preserving military firearms and others. He gave me an Italian rifle with a very long barrel. One day he called me up and left a message on my cell phone telling me not to cut the barrel as it had gain twist (he knows my liking for carbines).

I sincerely appreciate your apologly and wish you and your family well.

His Dad was an agent too during prohibition until the late 50's and saw a lot of action.