My Dads 16 Ga. shotgun

Question
I am wondering what you can tell me about my 92 year old Dad's shotgun.
What I know:

I am 62 years old and Dad has had it as long as I can remember
Pioneer Arms Co. on the side of the gun
16 Ga.
Single barrel
Breaks open to load
Numbers next to the trigger guard:
595
60

Answer
Hi George,

Thanks for your question.  Between 1890 and 1930, Crescent made a broad range of shotguns that were sold by hardware and department stores under their own brand names.  Pioneer Arms was a 'house brand name' that was used by Crescent Davis Firearms.  The Pioneer Arms were made for the Kruse and Baklmann Hardware Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio.

For the most part, the guns made by Crescent were inexpensive, utilitarian shotgun that were good shooters, but not really considered to be collectable.

Your gun should not be confused with those made by a current company called Pioneer Arms that manufactures a line of old west replica shotguns.

It is impossible to date the gun since they didn't keep good serial number records and Crescent was purchased by Universal Tackle and Sporting Goods in 1954.

You have a nice sentimental piece that probably should not be fired at this point.  The guns made in the early part of the 20th century were not built to withstand the pressures of modern ammo.

Sorry I can't tell you much more...but I hope this helps you out.

Best regards,

Doug Little