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So, yesterday I picked up a Crescent Arms Victor -- a 12 gauge break-top single-action, single-shot shotgun. It is likely about 100 years old, given that the manufacturer went out of business in the 1930s.
It was a very inexpensive purchase -- about $100, plus a few bucks for gas money as the guy delivered it to me I was chained to my desk with a lot of work, he was eager. . . guy probably needed rent money. . . Honestly, tossing him $20 was probably cheaper than driving to meet him in the 35 year old lifted v8 monstrosity I call a van.
I have nicer shottys of course -- figured I can't go wrong for $100. This one was intended as a doorjamb or truck gun. Something that wont break my heart if it ends up stolen or (god forbid) in a police evidence room.
So, what I know is:
1) The "Genuine Arsenal Steel" stamped on the barrel (supposedly) indicates it was a later production steel barrel (not the really old Damascus style) intended for use with smokeless powder, so I *should* be able to fire modern ammo in it, so long as I don't go too crazy. But it is really really old. . .
2) At some point someone cut it down to the current 18.5" barrel length as they never left the factory that way. They did a halfway decent job, and even installed a brass bead sight. So it is legal short barrel, completely un-choked and thus pretty much only suited for doorstop/truck gun close-range, "social work" or unruly animal type situation.
3) it actually seems mechanically sound and stout -- really not much wear at all on the inside, locks up tight, no rust, most bluing and case hardening is still there. Appears to function fine. Even has a rebounding hammer "safety." Nice simple mechanism. And I like the "patina of age" that 100 years of rural service imparts to a weapon.
So questions for the wise folks hereabouts:
1) The barrel is marked "Genuine Arsenal Steel" and I can load whatever shell size I want -- there is no headspace issues. . . But I'm thinking no slugs or magnum buckshot. . . I'm guessing I should stick to relatively weak loads like 2.75" heavy dove. . . Opinions? anyone with any experience shooting similar guns?
2) Should I cut the stock down and make a poor-mans Lupra? I'm kind leaning this way given that the barrel is already cut down I can do it guilt free. Probably would make it pretty rough to shoot, but I also think it would look pretty cool, and be pretty small. . . anyone with experience here?
3) It it too likely to go from boomstick to KA-BOOMstick? And should I just hang this on the wall next to the .45 cal muzzle loader?
thanks NWFA!
It was a very inexpensive purchase -- about $100, plus a few bucks for gas money as the guy delivered it to me I was chained to my desk with a lot of work, he was eager. . . guy probably needed rent money. . . Honestly, tossing him $20 was probably cheaper than driving to meet him in the 35 year old lifted v8 monstrosity I call a van.
I have nicer shottys of course -- figured I can't go wrong for $100. This one was intended as a doorjamb or truck gun. Something that wont break my heart if it ends up stolen or (god forbid) in a police evidence room.
So, what I know is:
1) The "Genuine Arsenal Steel" stamped on the barrel (supposedly) indicates it was a later production steel barrel (not the really old Damascus style) intended for use with smokeless powder, so I *should* be able to fire modern ammo in it, so long as I don't go too crazy. But it is really really old. . .
2) At some point someone cut it down to the current 18.5" barrel length as they never left the factory that way. They did a halfway decent job, and even installed a brass bead sight. So it is legal short barrel, completely un-choked and thus pretty much only suited for doorstop/truck gun close-range, "social work" or unruly animal type situation.
3) it actually seems mechanically sound and stout -- really not much wear at all on the inside, locks up tight, no rust, most bluing and case hardening is still there. Appears to function fine. Even has a rebounding hammer "safety." Nice simple mechanism. And I like the "patina of age" that 100 years of rural service imparts to a weapon.
So questions for the wise folks hereabouts:
1) The barrel is marked "Genuine Arsenal Steel" and I can load whatever shell size I want -- there is no headspace issues. . . But I'm thinking no slugs or magnum buckshot. . . I'm guessing I should stick to relatively weak loads like 2.75" heavy dove. . . Opinions? anyone with any experience shooting similar guns?
2) Should I cut the stock down and make a poor-mans Lupra? I'm kind leaning this way given that the barrel is already cut down I can do it guilt free. Probably would make it pretty rough to shoot, but I also think it would look pretty cool, and be pretty small. . . anyone with experience here?
3) It it too likely to go from boomstick to KA-BOOMstick? And should I just hang this on the wall next to the .45 cal muzzle loader?
thanks NWFA!