Remington 20 Gauge Rolling Block Shotgun

[glenbully]

My brother has in his possesion, a Remington 20 Gauge Rolling Block Shotgun.
Willing to part with it, but have no idea what such a gun is worth.Don't want
to ask to much or to little for it. On the Trigger guard is stamped REMINGTON
ARMS COMPANY, Ilion N.Y. Then various patent dates (1864-72-73-74). On the left side of the barrel ,right next to the receiver, is stamped a D. Another question- can 3 Inch shotgun shells be fired in this 2 1/2 inch chambered gun?

 

[Jim K]

A Remington RB shotgun is pretty rare compared with the military rifles, but is not a high ticket item. There were two basic models, designated, with Remington's usual imagination, "No. 1" and "No. 2". They were made on the large rifle action with both plain and Damascus barrels of 30" and 32" length. The No. 1 was made from about 1877 to around 1893, when the No. 2 was advertised. I think production stopped in the mid-1890's but will welcome more accurate information. Both were chambered for either 16 gauge brass or 20 gauge paper shells.

No, don't shoot 3" shells in that gun. Stick to what it was made for, or hang it on the wall. In fact, I recommend it not be fired at all, and certainly not with smokeless powder loads. The action is plenty strong, but after so many years the barrel might not be up to higher pressures. Those with Damascus barrels definitely should not be fired, IMHO.

Top price would be in the $700 range if in near perfect condition.

Be advised, though, that a fair number of shotguns were made up on RB actions by other parties, often involving no more than reaming rifle barrels by local gunsmiths. Those are of little value and are even more to be considered in the wall hanger category as the barrels will be very thin.

Jim