inherited guns
2016/7/22 9:04:49
Question
Dear Mr. Gage, I looked up the serial numbers on the other guns.
#1. Winchester Arms Co., New Haven Conn., October 16, 1860, Hexagon barrel, lever action.It has Kings Improvement patent March 29, 1866 , 32 wfc Model # 1873, 409953B. #2. Hexagon barrel, 22g pump Model 1890. June 26, 1888, December 6, 1892, November 2, 1906. On back of the sight is patent date January 29, 1901. 3434002 on the left side is 2. #3. Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle works 20 g. Champion, CTHC Fitchburg Mass. #4. 1897 Winchester 12g. 493783 2
Like before, I know nothing about these guns. I would like to know how to clean/store them. I just don't know what I have and would like to know more about them. Thank you.
Answer
Hello Kim.
Your #1 is a Winchester Arms Co. Model 1873 in caliber 32-20 Winchester. Your serial number puts it's manufacture date at 1892-93, with 36,598 being made. It is the 'Third Model' with the dust cover rail being built into the frame. It is for BLACKPOWDER LOADED CARTRIDGES ONLY! DO NOT FIRE MODERN SMOKELESS CARTRIDGES in it! All Model 66, 73, and 76 were stamped Kings Improvement Patent. The 'B' following the serial number, may give the time frame of production.
Your #2 is a Winchester Arms Co. Model 1890, manufactured in 1908-09 with 33,850 being made. Not sure what the '2' stands for. It is the 'First Model Takedown'. If it is marked .22Long caliber, do not shoot .22Shorts in it. It will have a 24" barrel.
Your #3 is a Iver Johnson Champion Model 36. The 20ga. was manufactured between 1909-41. The name 'Champion' was changed to 'Champion Single Barrel Shotgun' in 1913. Do not know what the 'CTHC' stands for.
Your #4 is a Winchester Model 1897, manufactured from 1912-13, with 31,781 being made. If the information is stamped on the slide bar, it is for blackpowder cartridges only. If it is stamped on top of the barrel, it will handle modern smokeless cartridges (provided it has been approved by a competent, licensed gunsmith). Still, not sure what the '2' stands for.
I suggest you find the information on cleaning and storage on the Internet.
I hope this helps answer your questions, and thank you, again, for asking for me. Charles Gage
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