Western Field 12 GA Double Barrel Shotggun

[Bedfordtec]

To All,
I have an FFL and support an Estate Auction Company. This week I picked up an old Side by Side Double Barrel 12 GA Shotgun with 32 Inch Barrels. The only name is “Western Field” on the right side of the receiver and “Montgomery Ward” on the other side. Had to dissemble it to see matching serial numbers. Checked all the serialization tables in the Blue Book but too many manufactures and models to individually check. It’s in so so condition and has great patina.
One problem is that when I cleaned the barrels, the right one had a dark spot that would not come out. Upon inspections the barrel was indented where the spot was. It looked like the barrel was dropped on a piece of metal or a metal object like a crowbar was dropped on the. Barrel.
Is it safe to shoot with light loads.m?
Any idea on the manufacturer, model and worth.

Appreciate the help.

Jim Bedfordtec

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

So, the barrel has a restriction due to damage? Are you sure its not a bulge rather than a dent? Bulged shotgun barrels are all too common. A bulge may or may not be a deal breaker depending on location and severity.

If its actually a dent, IMO, not safe to shoot unless you can cut off the damaged portion and have at least 18" of barrel (crown to breech face) remaining.

Pictures would help with ID and valuation, but from what you describe, probably quite low.

 

[12Bravo20]

Photos will definitely help. And there should be a model number/name somewhere on the shotgun also. That will help narrow it down to who actually made it and it's value.

Here is a good cross reference for house brans and who made them: https://www.gunpartscorp.com/brand-cross-reference You will need to know the model too.

 

[starnbar]

Dented barrels can be repaired by a competent smith. The barrel should be checked to see if the metal was compromised i/e rust, heated improperly.

 

[Jim Watson]

Most Western Field shotguns were made for Montgomery Ward by Stevens, but there were other contractors.
Pictures would tell the tale.

Dented barrels can be repaired, Brownells sells the tools (Probably too expensive for one job, though. You need a real gunsmith.)

 

[12Bravo20]

Winchester, Mossberg, Savage/Stevens, and even Marlin made a lot of shotguns for different stores. It will be hard to narrow down without knowing the store model name/number.

 

[d2wing]

Western Field ws the Wards house brand. Existing companies made the guns. I had a 20 Gauge pump made by Mossberg.

 

[12Bravo20]

Western Field ws the Wards house brand. Existing companies made the guns. I had a 20 Gauge pump made by Mossberg.

My dad's old single shot 410 is a Montgomery Wards Western Field made by Savage.

For the OP, seeing photos and know what exact model it is will help.

 

[Bedfordtec]

Gentlemen, I think that it is a Stevens Model 311.

The dent is not that big. The pic of the inside of the barrel shows the black spot of the dent. Slugs may be too much but birdshot may be OK. Thoughts and comments. Thanks. Jim

 

[doubleh]

Personally I would take it to a gunsmith and have the dent "ironed" out if I thought the gun was worth the cost.

 

[PapaG]

Most were Stevens but Laurona and aya also made doubles in Spain for Sears, Wards and others.