Information on 10 gauge frame size 4?

[Zac Gallus]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Many graded 4 frame guns are 11 pound pigeon guns, made at the maximum weight under early competition rules. Some are lettered to known shooters. Order a PGCA letter to find out.

That's an interesting fact, I was looking into ordering a letter and debating on doing it or not

[Drew Hause]

At the 1894 GAH (and GAHs thereafter) guns were limited to 12 gauge and 8 pounds. Prior to then the limit was not weight but shot charge; 10g being allowed 1 1/4 oz.

At the First DuPont Grand Smokeless Championship Handicap Live-bird Tournament October 1895 all guns were 8 pounds or less, and the usual load was 1 1/4 oz. shot with 3 1/2 Dr.Eq. Bulk Smokeless powder; gauge was not specified.

The 1898 “Trap Shooting Rules” by the American Shooting Association (courtesy of Randy Davis) listed the following rules:
Charge of powder was unlimited
Shot was limited to 1 1/4 oz. by “Dixon’s measure”
Weight limit:
10g - 9 lbs. 4 oz.
12g - 8 lbs. 4 oz.
16g - 7 lbs. 12 oz.
20g - 7 lbs. 8 oz.

[Bill Murphy]

The 11 pound maximum weight was a relic of the 1880s. Things change. Reverend Drew, I will try to get a reference, but my library is a bit cluttered right now.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by ZacharyGallus

That's an interesting fact, I was looking into ordering a letter and debating on doing it or not

We do have info on this gun in the factory records.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Late to the party, 10 gauge 1886 Lifter, frame size “4” on barrel lug.

[Zac Gallus]

Originally Posted by Bruce P Bruner

Late to the party, 10 gauge 1886 Lifter, frame size “4” on barrel lug.

Awesome, you’ve got two! Does the “L” on the one mean laminated?

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by ZacharyGallus

Awesome, you’ve got two! Does the “L” on the one mean laminated?

Yes, one gun, 32” two barrel set.

[Zac Gallus]

Originally Posted by Bruce P Bruner

Yes, one gun, 32” two barrel set.

Oh dang, seems only a little over 2000 laminated frames were ever made and throw in that frame 4s weren’t super common it would appear you’ve got yourself a pretty rare frame there!