Old Single Shot 12 Gauge

[huntinhound8]

I have an old single shot 12 gauge that says "Bay State" and under that "Worcester, Mass.U.S.A" The condition is horrible and it's sawed off to 20". On the tp of the barrel it says "Made in U.S.A 12 GA Choke" What is the age of this gun and will it be safe to fire a 3" shell through it?

 

[Border Hopper]

I have a gun very similar to yours, sawed off a little crooked to a barely legal length. Mine is a side-by-side, made by "Bridge Gun Co."

These are wonderful wallhangers, creating an atmosphere of steels of yore and long-gone days.

A 3 inch shell????

Not on my life.

Best wishes anyhow.

 

[Jim K]

Google "Bay State shotgun" for more info than I can give you here.

But do NOT fire that gun with 3" shells, even if you can force them into the chamber.

Jim

 

[Matt018]

Well If it is chambered for 3 inch shell you can do it, But if it is not then you shouldn't I would just shoot a typical low brass field load.

 

[huntinhound8]

I once fired a Remington 3" shell through it, but I feel that I am just lucky it did not explode...I shoot Winchester slugs through it now.

 

[rcmodel]

Bay State = Trade name used by the Harrington and Richardson Arms Company.

If the gun is as old as I think it is, even shooting 2 3/4" shells is pushing it.

It is most likely chambered for the old 2 5/8" shells.

rc

 

[huntinhound8]

Well, how old do you think it is then?

 

[huntinhound8]

What could I do to identify the date?

 

[Ron James]

I would guess the date to be between 1920-1940, That's about as close as you are going to get. Theres no way to date these old " Trade Names " firearms.