I had the opportunity to purchase this grade 1 straight grip 12g. Lifter No. 3832. Made in 1874. 30" Stub Twist barrels on a small 1 frame. The gun weighs in at a very nice 7-1/4 lbs. The condition of this gun is great. The photos don't really do full justice as to how much case color is remaining on the gun. Original checkering is clean, all screws are great.
The gun is equipt with rebounding locks.
The 1866 patent date is hand engraved on the trigger plate which is a little different for a grade 1. Also, the trigger guard has the serial number engraved on it. Many guns earlier that this one did not have the humber engraved on the guard bow.
The gun has very modern and shootable dimensions of 14-3/8' LOP and 1.5"/2.5" drops. Chambers measure at just over 2-5/8" and have longer forcing cones indicating being chambered for paper shells originally.
The bores in the gun are near perfect.
Mr. Hoover would get a kick out of this. The bores are both even tapered from chamber to muzzle. Right starts (at 4" from breech) at .7305" and Left at .7270". At 28" Right is .7235" and Left is .7200" There really no noricable choke in the barrels. Maybe a quick .002 or .003" in the last couple inches.
The bore diameters gradually decrease the whole length of the barrels by about .005" - .010" every couple of inches.
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