No More Thoughtful a Shot
 

https://i.imgur.com/okEeELv.jpg

...than the guy with only one.
Early Winchester Model 20, 410, 26" full choke, hammer.

Every kid should learn hunt with a small guage single shot . 410,28 or 20

So very cool. This is my late father-in-law's very first shotgun, an Iver Johnson Champion, also .410, 26" barrel, full choke, exposed hammer.

I've had it in my gun rack for quite a while but I'm giving it to my daughter who recently said, "I don't have anything of Grandpa's and I'd like to have his shotgun."

https://i.imgur.com/6fkLDMGl.jpg

I love my old single shots. I use the .410s to keep the vermin at bay in my garden and orchard. My old H&R Topper, a 36 inch 12, bought for me while in grad school by my girlfriend-now-wife, was my turkey gun for many years. They will all be part of my estate sale at my demise, as I will not part with them.

Also part of the Junior Trapshooting Outfit
https://traphof.org/artifacts/winche...hooting-outfit

https://jamesdjulia.com/item/1192-394/

https://www.rockislandauction.com/de...or-trap-outfit

Wow! Do you need some sort of support to hold up that 36-incher? :)

I don’t think Garry is that old yet!:)

Ken

My first shotgun was also an H&R Topper 12 gauge but 32” , got it for Xmas when I was eight . If I’m not mistaken it was purchased at Best Products in Richmond VA in 1969 for the massive sum of $32.95 plus tax !

The first shotgun I was allowed to carry was also a .410 single shot with external hammer. It belonged to my oldest brother and in my memory it came from Montgomery Ward so probably a Stevens. One of his sons has it so I’ve asked for verification. I was carrying it when my dog Nip and I got our first pheasant; I wrote a story about it that appeared in Sporting Classics a few years ago.

These long barreled Toppers are so light, they will kick your teeth out when used with turkey loads...which is probably why I'm still a bit goofy.:rotf:

I have no such memories. My folks were of the opinion those little guns were cripplers, and I was started right out with my mother's J. Stevens 12-gauge double that was marked RANGER on the side of the frame. She got it in the early 1930s. The original J. Stevens bent piece of metal trigger guard was rough on her middle finger so a shirttail great uncle of mine who was a gunsmith redid the stock to a straight grip with a quality long back-strap trigger guard. Even at thirteen I had to use a lace-on pad for more length --

Attachment 135586

My favorite single shot. Iver Johnson Special Trap, 32", VR, external hammer. The poor man's trap gun.

https://www.jpgbox.com/jpg/75071_800x600.jpg

I wish I had my Iver Johnson Special Trap again. However my old gun lives forever in the great book written about single trap guns by Frank Conley. I wonder who owns it now.

I have a copy of that book, Bill, and have viewed your old gun often.

I have that book also. Stan I would love to break out that gun at my club; they think my SBTs are weird enough 🤣!

I have always wanted one of those model 20’s. I liked the schnabbel fore end tip and the sleek lines of the gun.

Do you have the serial number. I might know where it is.

Funny how memories fail you; according to this photo provided by my nephew, the first shotgun I carried was also an Iver Johnson Champion. Don't know where my idea it was stamped Montgomery Ward came from, but I haven't seen the gun for probably 66 years; that's my excuse anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/gWD3Me0l.jpg

Mike, the serial number is in Conley's book. I would buy it back for a reasonable price. I guess my single trap collection needs this gun.

Started my grandson on a Iver Johnson 20 & my 3/4 oz loads. He’s 18 now 6’2 and regularly tops me Sporting Clays. His preferred gun is either a VH 12 or a Trojan 20

William

my own story
 

Took me 55 years to figure out I was really left eye dominant.
No wonder I couldn't hit anything - the occasional rabbit was very unlucky indeed.
Massachusetts Arms Company 1940ish Came with the farm.
26" 13 1/2 LOP Full