Enders Special Service

DoubleBarrelPaul · Aug 20, 2020

Earlier in the summer I got a shotgun at a garage sale. $50 for a dirty but workable double barrel shotgun, of course I had to pick it up. Brought it home, cleaned it up and turned it into a very nice gun. Here’s what I know from my research thus far: Made by crescent arms for shapeleigh hardware in probably 1926, 16 gauge armory steel barrels, 2 3/4 in chambers (I determined by cutting a piece of cardboard to the diameter of a 16 gauge shell and sticking it down the chambers), ic and modified chokes, shiny bores and locks up TIGHT. It’s missing the front bead and it has a horrendous trigger pull, but it has better blueing than my single shot. I’m wondering what you all think about using it as a hunting gun, I’ve heard a lot of folks say they should just be used as wall hangers but it just seems a shame to only use the gun as decoration. I’ve been shooting standard federal game-shok loads through it, and I put two Remington sluggers through the right barrel (not smart I know, I learned that after the fact). Basically I’m wondering if you think it’s ok to continue with the federal shells or if I should invest in some of these http://www.rstshells.com/store/p/113-16-Ga-2-1/2-Lite-Vel-1200-1-oz-Load-Box.aspx (I shouldn’t say invest they’re almost the same price). I also have some federal 16ga buckshot, how do you all think that would go? I’d love to use this gun on rabbit, pheasant maybe.

cdb1 · Aug 21, 2020

Shouldn’t cost very much to have a new bead installed. I don’t expect shotgun triggers to be like rifle triggers but I do like them 5 pounds or lower. Depending on the gunsmith it might not cost a bundle to get the trigger worked. Or if you are handy there are things you can do yourself to clean up the pull, like lighter springs for example.

With the caveat there are some unknown variables I’d probably shoot modern loads with the exception of steel since you’ve stated the shotgun is in good condition. The shotgun I started hunting with in the early 70’s was a Monkey Wards SxS 16 gauge with the same approximate vintage as yours. Never had issues.

In the same vein I’ve heard tell many times that some ammunition was loaded hotter back then than it is now. The first thing that comes to mind is .38 Special. Supposedly standard .38 Special ammunition back in the day was loaded to the same velocity as +P is today. I do not have a clue whether shotgun shells in the 20’s were loaded hotter, weaker or the same as they are today.

Janos Dracwlya · Aug 21, 2020

I have an Enders Royal Service. I had my gunsmith glass-bed the inside of the grip to strengthen it, as that thin wrist is a little fragile. The only problem I've had is a firing pin breaking, but that happens sometimes with a gun that's almost a hundred years old, and Numrich has replacements.

whughett · Aug 21, 2020

Beads are available for modest money thru Brownells. I installed one on my 1894 Remington. Available in several heights diameters, materials and installation methods.

If “armory” steel is the same as “ ordnance” steel I’d say you were good to go on just about any shells used in a modern gun.

eastbank · Aug 23, 2020

why work it to death, any small game animal will die with a ounce of # 5-# 6 shot.

Enders Special Service

DoubleBarrelPaul

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cdb1

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Janos Dracwlya

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whughett

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eastbank

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