Early EH

[Mike Poindexter]

I have been looking for a 32 inch 10 and I found several interesting things on this EH. The first thing that caught my eye was the side plate engraving--wasn't in the typical oval. Second, the roll pin was small compared to others. I looked in TPS and read about the May, 7, 1889 patent, which means the gun has non-rebounding strikers and was in the "first" issue of hammerless guns in 1889. Locks up tight, on a 2 frame, weighs 9lbs 8 oz and fits, so, I got it. Bores mic at .791 and the chokes are .776 right and .766 left. Chambers are 2 7/8 with a distinct step at the end into the cone. From what I read, this appears to be a common early bore and cone configuration for the use of brass hulls. Havent patterned it or lettered it, but they appear original and I'm betting it prints modified and full. Minor pitting throughout the bores, but about .040 MWT so I'm not concerned. Stripped and cleaned it because the right hammer fall was gummy, and found the sear spring stud was broken. Searched for a while, and had a very good gunsmith make a new one by hand from .070 spring stock. Works like a champ now. Hope the geese see it that way next winter.