Another member suggested I post here where there are people more familiar with this type of shotgun. This shotgun has reportedly been in my brother-in-law's family for an unknown number of years. It has been on his mantel for the past 25 years. My brother-in-law is deceased and the history of the gun is murky (non-existent). I hope someone will be able to provide some information regarding its age and maker. Is it a percussion lock? Any other sort of information or places to look for information would be appreciated. Thank You!!
Please help with information on an old (civil-war era or earlier?) side-by-side.
- Thread starter Visor1
- Start date
hawg
Member
It is percussion. Put the hammers on half cock, remove the ramrod and barrel key. Lift the muzzles straight up and they will come out of the stock. Look on the underside for any markings. They will tell what country it's from and maybe a hint at age. The barrel key is the piece of metal in the forearm. Just push it out.
Bazoo
Member
Awesome, old gun, thanks for sharing. I'm interested to know what it is and when it was made.
Risky buisness
Member
It may be a possibility, that this, i presume, shotgun is loaded, as many older firearms are found to be. If, and I can't tell from the photos, there are little copper tubes on the nipples, that upward facing protrusion area underneath where the hammers swing down, make sure as to remove them.
Jackrabbit1957
Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2018
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To figure out if it's loaded pull the ramrod out from under the barrels, run it down the barrel you want to check, mark where it stops. Pull it out and lay it next to the barrel you just checked. Line up the mark you made with the muzzle and see where the other end is at the breech. If it's short of the nipple by a half inch or more it's most likely loaded. You need to proceed with caution from there and get the load removed.
Steel Horse Rider
Member
As Hawg said, pull the barrel and see what is underneath. I have a similar one that was made in New York state. The value is not a lot but it is a great mantle gun.
