Elgin Arms Shotgun

[KDBG42]

I have an Elgin Arms Co. 12ga. Double bbl side-by-side. What I need to know is how to tighten the action on it. Any one have any suggestions on how to do this.

 

[Smoke Rizen]

I have had success with Peening(sp) the parts for a better fit. This is not easy,as it's up to you to decide the point to work on. The reason actions become loose is wear. By changeing the shape of the lugs and relief areas you can effect the fit. If it's a side hammer and you decide to sell it let me know,as I use them in Cowboy Shooting,and they're hard to find. Good luck! S.R.

 

[Jim K]

BADSBSNF81 posted this on May 7th, 2003:

Made by Crescent for Fred Bifflar & Co., Chicago IL.. Crescent (Norwich, Conn. 1892) was purchased by H&D Folsom in 1893 and assimliated into Stevens Arms and Tool in 1926. Stevens became a subsidiary of Savage in 1920. Elgin was one of a couple dozen trades names marked on single and double bbl shotguns.

I did a Google search and a couple of sites mention other brand names used by Bifflar; there is also a question on the spelling (Bifflar or Biffar?).

The Crescent guns were decent quality and a fair value, but were not top grade. Most shotguns of that era were hard used and most are well worn. The low overall value, the wear, and the lack of parts makes repair of the old guns infeasible. I suggest retiring the gun to wall hanger status.

Jim

 

[KDBG42]

How do you ping the action on an Elgin Arms Shotgun

Thanks for letting me know what to do to the Elgin Arms Co. shotgun, but I need to know is how to ping the lugs on the action of this shotgun. Please give me all the details on how this is done. The action does tighten up only after you put the shells into it.
Oh by the way the Elign Arms Co. shotgun that I have is hammerless, is a side-by-side with 30" bbls on it, one is full and the other is modified.

 

[Jagermeister]

From SXS of the World 2K by Charles Carder.

Elgin Arms Co was a registered trade name of the Fred Biffar & Co of Chicago, guns were also imported brom Belgium for Strauss & Schramm gun dealers in Chicago 1920-1935. for Fred Biffar of Chicago from 1920 to 1935. The Crescent guns were made from 1910-1930

JM

 

[Jim K]

I think what is meant is "peening" the action lock. This involves striking the locking lug with a hammer in such a way as to spread out the metal and take up some of the wear. (Where to do this depends on the particular gun.)

Peening has to be done carefully or it can make things worse and, in any case, is a very temporary repair since more shooting will just flatten out the peening and leave the lugs as they were, if not worse. It is sometimes used by unscrupulous sellers to "tighten up" a gun and get a better price for it.

Jim

 

[Smoke Rizen]

Fitting

I'm not familiar with the hammerless model of Cresent. My first shotgun was a Springfield,bolt .410. When I was 14 a family friend loaned me an American 12ga. really nice engraving and checkering. When in college I bought a Knickerbocker(sp) 20ga.that I gave to a friend when I went in the Army. I now shoot 200-300 rounds a year at Cowboy shoots,90gr. Triple Seven FFG in a 12ga. Enders Royal Field Grade,exposed hammers. All three of these guns were exactly the same. I've heard Cresent made actions through 1900 and sold them unfinished to several gun manufacturers who took them to varied degrees of quality fit and finish. My Ender fits well and is a very solid double, after a few adjustments, I plan to use it for a few more years before I need to "Peen" again. S.R.

 

[johnringo]

Shotgun

Hi all .I'am new to this list. I wonder if anyone can help me. I was given a shotgun today,a side by side,exposed hammers. The only name I can find is"T Bladen& Son". At least that is what it looks like,as it is well worn. Thanks in advance.