Possible purchase, does this seem ok?

[Drew Hause]

From the beginning, unless requested otherwise (and so stamped) 12 gauge hammer and hammerless L.C. Smith chambers were 2 3/4".

A 1898 Crown Steel Pigeon Gun



2 7/8" & 3" chambers were not uncommon on guns for Live Bird and Inanimate Target shooting - not for more powder or shot but additional wadding.

Unfortunately the 1890 - 1913 Hunter Arms shipping records, unless for a high grade gun, have limited information and are unlikely to document a special order chamber length.

It is not uncommon to find barrels with lengthened forcing cones that have had the chambers lengthened in the process

[Peter A Van Tassell]

Thanks for the education. There were no such markings on the gun in question -- only the serial, and "field". As it is, I went with a different gun, which seems to have everything correct and original.

Originally Posted by Drew Hause

From the beginning, unless requested otherwise (and so stamped) 12 gauge hammer and hammerless L.C. Smith chambers were 2 3/4".

2 7/8" & 3" chambers were not uncommon on guns for Live Bird and Inanimate Target shooting - not for more powder or shot but additional wadding.

Unfortunately the 1890 - 1913 Hunter Arms shipping records, unless for a high grade gun, have limited information and are unlikely to document a special order chamber length.

It is not uncommon to find barrels with lengthened forcing cones that have had the chambers lengthened in the process

[Drew Hause]

BTW the barrel material changed on the No. 1
Until at least 1894 or 1895 the barrels were Twist
1895 to about 1898 Laminated Steel
1899 2 Rod Damascus and thereafter
Special Steel was offered in 1907

A few No. 1 gun have been found with what I think to be "Bernard Ribbon"

[Drew Hause]

Something is wrong Peter.
Field grades were not introduced until 1913
The SN could also be c. 1920

I think you made a wise decision.

[Peter A Van Tassell]

Originally Posted by Drew Hause

Something is wrong Peter.
Field grades were not introduced until 1913
The SN could also be c. 1920

I think you made a wise decision.

Thanks for the confirmation. I don't know all the details like you guys do, but I do know just enough to get in trouble. Perhaps more importantly, I'm very aware of what I don't know. It's not that I'm new to doubles or shotgunning; just the vintage end of the sport is new to me. I do so love the craftsmanship, though!