Hello From Indiana with a project.
 

Hello Everyone,

I recently picked up this 12ga in an auction for little money, so it's project time. I don't think it will end up looking as great as the ones you guys have but I'm hopping to get it to a good shooting state.

So far I have the letter on order and from my research this is a VH 12g on a #2 from made in 1889 with 30" barrels. Everything appears to be original the metal seems to be in good shape just needs a good cleaning. The stock is another matter, right now I'm not sure it can be saved but who knows.

Couple pics. At some point I'll probably start a work thread, I don't think I'll be doing a full factory new restore but more of a refresh/conservation.

Looking forward to learning from everyone. Here are some pics.

https://i.imgur.com/zfRoaKkm.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ioT1pVkm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4Y2m26Sm.jpg https://i.imgur.com/02qTFwvm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zfRoaKkm.jpg
Lockup is tight and the bores look good.

https://i.imgur.com/0gnFMlTm.jpg
Stock is loose and there is a gap between the frame.

https://i.imgur.com/s1RFK0Xm.jpg
Wrist was pinned at some point with a machine screw and a couple nuts on the other side.

https://i.imgur.com/8E4d0LHm.jpg
Not sure what this yellow stuff is but its harder than a rock. I tested acetone, mineral spirits and lacquer thiner and nothing helped. It does flake off if you scrape it.

Welcome aboard sir. From a fellow Hoosier in the Southeastern part of the state I am curious as to where you are located?

Nice vh grade project you have there. Welcome to PGCA, I myself am new with a vh grade needing stock work. Best of luck to you.
Don

Almost straight north. I’m in Fort Wayne. Great to meet another Hoosier!

If you care to do so shoot me a PM with your email address and I will add you to the mailing list for my SxS shoot which takes place in August. We normally have around 50 shooters and it would give you an opportunity to meet some of the local SxS aficionados. Of course there is the Southern which is coming up next month that you may want to consider attending if you have an interest in such things. If you are not familiar with it you can Google it or search it on the forum where you will find lots of information. It's a grand event to say the least.

Welcome.

I suspect you meant 1898. The first Quality VH gun, serial number 88220, went into production in 1898

It looks like the serial number begins with a 5 making it pre-1890.





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You are right I meant 1898. The serial number is 88998.

Thank you.

Apologies- expanding the water table picture on my cell phone turned that 8 into a 5...





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