Colt Army Special

[Bob Sheppard]

Any ideas on 2 guns we have. Family history says that they belonged to my wifes grandfather who was a revenuer. Family history says that he was shot by a friend that he had arrested and gave a buggy ride to a few week later.

Do the guns sound like a reasonable fit.

First is a Colt Army Special 38 revolver, last pat. July 04, 05. Serial 405478.

The Shotgun is a Winchester 1912 pump, 16ga. Serial 173614.

There is another shotgun double barrell, Hunter Arms, which appear much older, but most of the info is worn off. Do not see a serial #. Looks like THE FU(E?) ? (o?) ?

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The serial number on your Army Special puts it mfg'd in 1915. Condition is everything with Colts, we'll need good pics to give you a valuation.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Your Winchester dates to 1918.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Hunter Arms sold LC Smith shotguns, you might have a fancy shotgun there.

Pics are a must.

http://www.simonds.cc/company/history11.php?menu=../mnu/mnuCompanyHistory

 

[Bob Sheppard]

Tks Dr. Rob,

Looks like the dates would probably match up with family history. Values not a big thing. Probably would not get rid of them. Hunter Arms has repaired, if you want to call it that, stock. Would not try to shoot it. Winchester in very good shape except for the loose pump.

The 38 is in good condition except for a chip on the grip. Shoots well.

Thanks for the reply

 

[MMCSRET]

The Winchester 1912 in 16 ga. will be chambered for the obsolete 2 9/16th" ammunition. Do not put modern 2 3/4" ammunition in and fire it. The chamber is short. I know, I have one built in 1915. It was after 1920 that they chambered 16 ga at 2 3/4". 2 9/16th" ammunition is out there but sometimes hard to find. I have built up a good supply by going to gun shows and being observant. Some times it is pricey. Some guns have been rechambered and had the ejection port relieved to allow use of modern ammunition. Have it checked out by a gun smith.

 

[waidmann]

Check out RST for the shotgun ammo. FYI in 1926 the Army Special was re-named the Official Police.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I don't know much about the guns, but I do know that friends don't arrest friends. That probably had something to do with your wife's grandfather getting shot.

The fact that he was a revenuer apparentely didn't help matters either.

 

[awgrizzly]

Break down (pull off the fore stock, it snaps off, and open the barrel so it can separate from the receiver) that Hunter Arms shotgun (actually an LC Smith) and look at the part of the gun near where the barrel attaches. I believe you will find the serial number there, along with a code indicating the shotgun grade. We would like pics of these guns!