Sister bought a shotgun

[bobbo]

Hi all. My sister and I were in the local gun shop earlier today (I needed a cheap sling and another Ruger 10/22 clip), and she saw a single-shot 12-gauge Springfield Arms Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass. shotgun on the rack for $65. Well, she is now a gun owner.

Can anyone tell me about this firearm, like when it was made? There are no patent dates (just a W.W. P.T. mark on the barrel), it says "Bore and lug forged in one piece (not a Damascus barrel), and the serial No. is 983xx. The only other mark on the gun is a triangle with a line sticking out of each side.

Thanks for any help.

EDIT: I know now it was a Stevens/Savage brand. Any idea when this gun is from?

 

[Jim K]

It is a modern gun, and probably chambered for 2 3/4" or even 3" shells (the barrel should be marked). I am not sure what she will be using it for, but it would be OK for small game hunting and home defense (within its single shot capability). There has been some nonsense written about a shotgun for the latter purpose (no need to aim, a "cloud of shot", etc.) but a 12 gauge will have a shot spread across the average room of only about 4 inches, so aiming or at least accurate pointing is necessary. And, again contrary to what has been written, a shotgun will penetrate drywall and pose a hazard for persons in a home if the shooter is not careful.

I recommend you take your sister shooting, so she can become familiar with the gun. Do not criticize her purchase. If she later decides the gun does not meet her needs, you can help her choose something else, but let her make that decision.

Jim