Genuine armory steel barrels?

[Curator]

I have an old side-hammer shotgun that has passed down to me from a relative. It was bought new in 1910. It is one of the "generic" shotguns made by the Cresent Arms Co. for the hardware trade marked "U.S.Arms". The barrels are marked "genuine armory steel." They do not appear to be damascus, and the gun locks up tight and the barrels ring like a bell. There are no proof marks anywhere. I suspect it has been fired many times over the years with "low-brass" cartridges. There are no competetent gunsmiths in my area who will even look at it. (beneath their dignity and not enough money involved) I would like to give it to my son-in-law who is certain it is safe to shoot with light smokeless loads. Any have actual experience with one of these guns?

 

[Onmilo]

I have owned two Cresent Firearms side by sides with "Genuine Armory Steel" barrels.
As you noted, the barrels are made from fluid cast steel and are not damascus laminate in composition.

That said, remember, these guns were made during the time the Titanic ship was built and metallurgy was a long way off from being perfect.
Note that Springfield 1903 rifles from this era were having issues with blowing up because the heat treat wasn't quite right.

That said, if the barrels check out and have no pitting or very, VERY, light internal and external pitting and the lockup of the barrels to the receiver is tight, the gun should be safe to shoot with loads not exceeding 3 1/4 dram powder equvilent 1 1/8 ounce shot loads.
You will find the springs in the sidelocks will likely cause you more problems than the barrels will.

I fired both my guns with loads that i will not mention and do not recommend and they held together fine.
Sold both for a handsome profit when the Cowboy Action shooting craze took off and i know for a fact one of the guns is still being used for that purpose since the buyer was a personal friend and an active participant. HTH

 

[oneounceload]

You might try calling Art Lawson in Ocala - 352.622.5831

He's mostly retired after spending about 65 years as a gun smith - he might be able to help or direct you to someone, or even possibly check it out for you