New 16 Trojan

[Cold Spring]

Just my opinion and I know it goes against the grain of purist collectors but so often it seems gents take the tact of trying to sustain a 99% museum piece even though not warranted. If the gun isn't in very high original condition what's wrong with PROPERLY opening the tight choke(s) on a 26 or 28" double gun that its owner wants to use for serious upland hunting? No I'm not talking about some shade tree gunsmith using an adjustable reamer from the muzzle ends and going to something like Cylinder and IC for spray & pray shooting. But in 16b something like 12 and 20 thou choking (Lt Mod and I-Mod) is the nuts for a good upland and clays combo. And the more you shoot clays with that gun the better you and it do when out hunting.

Again all this is my opinion but it's based in part by seeing so many gents at shooting events doing upland-oriented courses with tightly choked vintage double guns and coming back in tearing up their cards and with excuses galore. Net they own a gun that might be good to look at and show around at events or in the gun room, but is a handicap where it counts. And often that's the opposite of their intent in buying the gun.

Surely there are different perspectives on things and I value that. This is mine from a lifetime of shooting and upland hunting with double guns.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Frank Srebro

Just my opinion and I know it goes against the grain of purist collectors but so often it seems gents take the tact of trying to sustain a 99% museum piece even though not warranted. If the gun isn't in very high original condition what's wrong with PROPERLY opening the tight choke(s) on a 26 or 28" double gun that its owner wants to use for serious upland hunting? No I'm not talking about some shade tree gunsmith using an adjustable reamer from the muzzle ends and going to something like Cylinder and IC for spray & pray shooting. But in 16b something like 12 and 20 thou choking (Lt Mod and I-Mod) is the nuts for a good upland and clays combo. And the more you shoot clays with that gun the better you and it do when out hunting.

Again all this is my opinion but it's based in part by seeing so many gents at shooting events doing upland-oriented courses with tightly choked vintage double guns and coming back in tearing up their cards and with excuses galore. Net they own a gun that might be good to look at and show around at events or in the gun room, but is a handicap where it counts. And often that's the opposite of their intent in buying the gun.

Surely there are different perspectives on things and I value that. This is mine from a lifetime of shooting and upland hunting with double guns.

I appreciate that perspective Frank. I don't know if I've posted this within this or other threads but I'm not quite sure I even know what a "collector" is. I belong to the PGCA but I don't consider myself a collector. I'm more of a "user" and "preserver." I have a friend who has several Porsche's and Corvettes in those damn blow up garage bubbles to keep them absolutely pristine. They are fine cars, but none of them are likely to increase in value much (ie he doesn't have an original 959 there or 968 Turbo S.) Personally I think I would get more enjoymnent driving them (the Porsche's anyways not the Vettes). So my point is, what is a collector? I don't think either is wrong since I don't control other's pocket books. But I would surely check with folks on here as a sounding board if I were to alter a gun before I made a potential mistake.

[Andy]

Well this just in. Hung up with the dealer to discuss another matter and it turns out this Trojan came from a collection in NC and was at Hausmann's in 2019 with it's owner. It was examined by Doug Turnbull who said he believed it was an untouched gun (as to finish and bluing) and the dealer said his feelings are that it is untouched as well and not enough exists to say it was ever refinished. So I guess others on here will have to look at it.

[Alfred Greeson]

I would bet on Doug's opinion. I think I had looked at that gun on line before seeing your pics, it is a nice Trojan. One to be proud to own. I'm like mentioned earlier, not a collector as such but really like my Parker's. When you start shooting them, you will understand why they are sought after and they just fit. Like all the discussion on the 0 frame 16's, they may have been special order, but they are great, especially when you find one that feels like it was made for you.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Alfred Greeson

I would bet on Doug's opinion. I think I had looked at that gun on line before seeing your pics, it is a nice Trojan. One to be proud to own. I'm like mentioned earlier, not a collector as such but really like my Parker's. When you start shooting them, you will understand why they are sought after and they just fit. Like all the discussion on the 0 frame 16's, they may have been special order, but they are great, especially when you find one that feels like it was made for you.

This gun may or may not have been listed on line, he couldn't remember if he had. I have no further information on the history of the gun but will request a letter if one if available.

[David Noble]

Originally Posted by Andrew Sacco

I have no further information on the history of the gun but will request a letter if one if available.

There are factory records for this gun according to the "Research Letter" tool on the home page of the PGCA. Being a Remington era gun the info may be scant since Remington used IBM cards rather than hand written entries in their log books. However, Chuck Bishop was able to find quite a bit of additional and interesting factory records on a Remington era GHE 16ga Skeet gun I possess. I recommend you get the letter.

[Mike of the Mountain]

I agree 100% with Frank’s comments.

[Researcher]

What about Parker Brothers games -- Monopoly, Risk, Pit, Clue, etc? Parker pens?

[Mike of the Mountain]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!! Good call Dave!

[John Davis]

I believe, if this was my gun, I would quit worrying about whether it's in original condition or not and just enjoy it.