1884 10 gauge hammer gun
 

Arrived today. 30” twist barrels, approximately 2 7/8” chambers choked Rt-mod & Left- cyl(?). A light bit of rust just forward of the chambers in both barrels. Taking longer to get the bore cleaning brushes and ammo than the gun itself.

Interesting engraving just forward of the makers mark and steel type on the rib. It reads “The Sinkbox Society Mitchell’s Bay Ontario”.

This should be fun.

A couple more pics

10 guage
 

Mitchells Bay is on the Canadian side of Lake Saint Clare (from SE Michigan). Great waterfowl area to this day.

Original, or some later owner was definitely a waterfowl hunter! Yes you should investigate the society. Nice Top Action hammer gun.

An attractive gun.

The gun is restocked, possibly converted to straight grip from pistol grip. It is worth checking the book at least on that. The barrels are nicely refinished, after the inscription was added.

Thanks for confirming that Brian. The seller thought so too. Sent my request in for a research letter just prior to posting here. Always fun to gain a little perspective on the life it may have led prior.

That’s a nice looking gun. I would like information on how to join the society !

That is a very nice — and cool — gun. Ducks beware!

“Sinkbox Society” hence the reversed chokes.






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Very nice gun with an interesting heritage! They are fun to shoot!

That’s what I concluded too, Dean. Second descending bird, wings folded, being called into a spread of decoys, too late to reverse course. Boom!

Well I was given permission by the Range Master at my local trap range (Twin City Sportsman's Club, Stanwood, WA) to shoot the 10 gauge today. Much hemming and hawing regarding barrels and safety. A fluoroscope was suggested.

I brought along 1 box of RST shells (10) and was a little nervous pulling the trigger for the first time. Breaking the target helped alleviate any doubts. Shot one round each from each station before repeating the sequence with the second barrel. I like it! Shame it will not be used regularly.

Also brought my new (to me) 16-gauge VH for one round of trap, and the Ithaca 4E for another 2.

A rather pleasant afternoon, and ... I still have all my fingers.