I bought this gun with the intent to do some bird hunting after having a gunsmith check it out and even test fire the gun with some Kent Gamebore 2.5" shells. So far it seems that the gun could have been imported by Schoverlings, Daly & Gayles around 1907-09 as shown in Jim Cate's book and from S/N's. The barrels are choked mod/full, have some minor pits, locks up tight, have 65mm chambers and overall there are no visible defects. My real interest is in the markings and proofs on the gun. There is the crown "S", what looks to be (2) crown "U"s, the cavemen and S/N: 122980 all of which I've come to understand myself. I'm wondering if the "39" might be the year of manufacture (March 1909) and whether the "N" on the barrels may be a Nitro proof mark. There is also a "W" on the barrels and an"H" near the S/N on the barrel lug.
At first I was going to have the chambers and forcing cones extended and a Briley thinwall choke system installed but I'm rethinking that one. The chokes would be really useful but I've heard too many negative things about removing metal. I know from reading this forum there are two different schools of thought which is the reason for the gunsmith. Plus I've found 3 different sources for 2.5" shells which should keep me shooting for a long time. Thanks for everyone who replies to help me!
At first I was going to have the chambers and forcing cones extended and a Briley thinwall choke system installed but I'm rethinking that one. The chokes would be really useful but I've heard too many negative things about removing metal. I know from reading this forum there are two different schools of thought which is the reason for the gunsmith. Plus I've found 3 different sources for 2.5" shells which should keep me shooting for a long time. Thanks for everyone who replies to help me!
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