H&R M48 Topper

[Beezerchris]

Greetings. New to this forum, but not to shooting. Like many people I have joined whilr researching a question. I inherited a 1952 Topper in 20 gauge. There are no stamps on the barrel indicating the length of shell it was made for. (just 20 gauge/choke) In with the gun was a box of very old 2 1/2 ", slugs. It's such a common old farm gun so I'm hoping someone knows if they will take 2.75 safely without unfolding into the forcing cone. Not good for the old thing!

I also got a nice little Stevens. 410 but happily it has 2 1/2 & 3" stamped right on it.

Thanks and good to find this place.

 

[dprice3844444]

contact h&r for details

 

[WestKentucky]

My .410 topper takes up to 3" so I'm betting your 20 does too. If you have calipers you can probably check to see how deeply it was bored so that you can figure it out that way.

 

[Beezerchris]

Thanks. It was made under license in Long Branch, Ontario, Canada. That threw me off and it didnt occurr to me that there would BE anyone to contact. New to shot guns. I have emailed them today.

 

[rcmodel]

Any 20 ga made in the 1950's for U.S. Sale would be chambered for 2 3/4" shells, at least.

12 & 20 ga have long been 2 3/4" here.

It's 16 ga that age you may find chambered for 2 9/16" shells.

rc

 

[Beezerchris]

Thanks.

Thanks. That's what I was hoping but I knew ONE gauge fell shorter. Appreciate your reply.

 

[*Kemosabe*]

@ Beezerchris - Welcome to THR. There are many folks here that will make your stay educational and enjoyable.

I can’t be of help on your particular Topper since mine is stamped for 2 ¾” and 3” shells. I can tell you that I have taken more squirrels with it than all my other shotguns combined. I keep it as a broom-closet gun for easy access when I look out the window and see a tree rat… several hundred to date.

I paid $70 for it about 12 years ago and I was going to cut it down for a diminutive shooter, but now I’m glad that didn’t happen. Girlfriends come and go, but guns almost stay with me forever!

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Keep you head hard on the stock and follow through. Shooting 3" shells in my Topper gives me plenty of reason to shoot 2 ¾” shells.

 

[Beezerchris]

Yeah the phrase "kicks like a mule" springs to mind, and I have had guns and horses to compare lately for surprise kicks. I plan on keeping this gun and passing it on to my kids.

 

[RMc]

A 1952 Topper in 20 gauge would have been chambered for 2 3/4" shells.
Winchester introduced the 3" 20 gauge to the shotshell market in 1954.