Can you identify this shotgun?

[280PLUS]

Sorry, no pix at the present time. I CAN get some. My father in law has a percussion cap type double barrel SG. It's about a carbine length, appears to be ~28 ga. The stock has a cheekpad. The forestock has a brass plate with a rectangular pin through it to hold it to the barrel. On the brass plate are stamped the letters "F" and "M" those are the only marks I can find. The gun is in fair condition, given it's age, however, one of the hammers is missing. The other side still works. Any ideas?

 

[Chawbaccer]

F and M are in reference to the chokes, as for the gun, there were lots of them made here in the US and lots imported. Keep looking for a name on it someplace.

 

[280PLUS]

Does that mean each barrel has a different choke size?

 

[Scoupe]

Yes. One is full and the other is modified. Pretty standard for a field gun.

 

[280PLUS]

Thank you!

 

[280PLUS]

Here are pics... I have looked it over thoroughly without taking anything apart and can find no other marks. It has a ramrod, it appears to be original but who knows?

 

[280PLUS]

more

 

[Dave McCracken]

A couple things....

First, I'm not sure the F and M stand for chokes. Chokes came in at the end of the ML period, most of these were straight cylinder bores. Letters on brass plates were most often monograms of the owner.

Second, chances are good, or bad depending on viewpoint, this is still LOADED!! Many old guns left alone a long time are. Use the ramrod or a dowel to see if the barrels contain anything. Insert the rod all the way down the barrel and mark at the muzzle,. Remove the rod and place the mark at the muzzle, see if the other end reaches the breech.

Third, those are back action locks. All the works are behind the hammer pivot.

Looks like a nice old shotgun. Once certified empty and with that hammer replaced, a good hanger.

HTH....

 

[280PLUS]

Thanx Dave, I have given thought to the idea it might be loaded. The father in law says no but...Next chance I get I'll check.