Hercules Wards

[Fat Boy]

I am looking at a Hercules Wards Model 10, 12 gauge single shot...my question has to do with whether or not I can safely shoot factory loads (non-steel) in the gun, and possibly slugs? S/N 78x or 784, I'm not sure

Thanks for the help!!

 

[Dave McCracken]

Made by Iver Johnson, pre WWII. May have a short chamber, and that number is probably an assembly number, rather than a serial number.

As will all old shotguns, a smith should check it out before firing.

It's probably OK with light loads, but let the smith find out for sure.

Slugs? Most of these have tons of choke which does little for accuracy. You may have an exception though.

It will kick. Guaranteed.

HTH.....

 

[Ron James]

My understanding ( thanks to Bill Goforth ) that is it's a Hercules only then it was probably made by Stevens, If it's a Hercules Grade then it was made by Iver. Could be wrong, been wrong before. However, same good advise applys.

 

[Fat Boy]

Thank you both for the replies- last question; how do I find a good gunsmith in my area? I know Gander Mountain has gunsmiths, but the last one I talked to there seemed to know less about the subject than I did- Is there some type of directory available?

 

[MCgunner]

My old 16 gauge Hercules is tight, tight. I used it with heavy loads on geese up until about 1971 when I got a 12 gauge double with 3" chambers.

 

[Dave McCracken]

FB, call your local gun shops and check at the range. Smiths are out there.