1890's Remington hammer 12 ga. shotgun

[russellt]

I would like to know some info about my 1890's Remington shotgun,
The serial # :253159. I will post some pictures following. What can you all tell me about this gun? should I refinish the stock? The barrel looks good inside and the action is smooth. Should I shoot it? Any guess on value? Thanks

 

[Notoast]

Model 1889 I think. The following link states that around 1900, the serial numbers changed over to the 200,000 block. I can't help with your other questions.

Rich

http://www.remington.com/en/product-families/firearms-history/shotgun/side-by-side-shotguns.aspx

 

[MikeJackmin]

I would not refinish it, but that's just me, it's a matter of personal taste of course. You gun has a nice honest patina, the wear on the metal and the stock complement each other nicely. It would look less harmonious if the wood were redone and the metal left as it is.

I'm pretty sure the gun would be worth less after it is refinished, if that matters to you.

As for safety, you'd want a knowledgeable gunsmith (easier said than found) to give it a close look. The headspace and tightness of the lockup are important. You also want to make sure that any shells you feed it are the right length (some older shotguns used shorter shells that modern guns do), and lead shot only, no steel. Be aware that shotgun chambers have to be a little bit longer than the shells they accept, to give the petals at the front room to open. Just because a shell fits in the chamber it does not mean that it is the correct length.

 

[russellt]

Thanks for your replys, I've seen some for sale on another site that appeared to have been restored completely for above $1000? I like to redo things but I don't want to hurt the value. My local gunsmith didn't see any mechanical reason not to shoot this gun ( using low brass lead shells) Thanks again.

 

[Jim Watson]

The problem is, you probably could not get it truly RESTORED for $1000.
You could get it refinished and it would look refinished and probably be worth less than when you started. Certainly less than the present value plus the cost of refinishing.
Now if you have the knowhow to refinish it yourself, recutting the checkering, finishing the wood; and bluing the steel (rust blue the barrels) then that would be a fascinating DIY. They made a lot of these and they are not rare and valuable unless in pristine condition.

If it has steel barrels and the action is tight, it is shootable. I don't know the chamber length, so I would give it the old style short shells, usually listed as 2 1/2", sometimes 2 9/16" or 2 5/8". Not 2 3/4"

http://www.polywad.com/vintager.html
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/-2-1_2-2-1_4-Ammunition-/products/188/

 

[Two Old Dogs]

Your Model 1889 was made in 1906. Remington supplied the Model 1889 with both decarbonized steel, Damascus steel and Twist steel barrels. Damascus and Twist steel barrels are not considered safe to use with modern ammunition by many knowledge shotgun people.

Even if the gun has fluid steel barrels, the chambers may be shorter than today’s 2 3/4″ length shells as stated above. If using is contemplated, an evaluation by a competent gunsmith to determine barrel steel composition and chamber length is recommended. Modern 2 ¾” shells fired in a short chamber produces dangerously high pressures and can damage the gun and injure the shooter or bystanders. If deemed safe to use, only light field or target loads can be recommended.

The Model 1889 was produced in seven grades from Grade 1 through 7 with each increasing grade having more engraving, better quality wood and varying grades of Twist and Damascus steel barrels. The grade markings are stamped on the frame watertable to the left of the serial number.

Refinishing would not add to the value and may well reduce it.

Retail value for a Grade 1 gun in the condition shown would range from $150 to $225 depending on mechanical and bore condition.

 

[russellt]

Thanks, again folks, I think I'll just do a good cleaning all over and leave it at that. I think it's a grade 1 based upon the lack of any engraving. I think the original owner may have used it on the farm he lived on as my father did with his old shotgun maybe riding along with him on the tractor in the fall to shoot rabbits for dinner.

 

[russellt]

Does anyone know anything about (my dad's old shothgun) I think it is english it was made by Croft & Co. probably also at the turn of the century. It is hammered and highly engraved. I could find no reference on the net. There is a Croft Co. but started in the 60's I think. I will furnish pic's later. Thanks