Crescent Arms 12 gauge ideas

Giomancer · Jun 20, 2025

As it happens, I've come into posession of an ancient "Victor" Crescent Arms 12 gauge. I haven't stripped it down to inspect it yet, but seeing as it's fairly beaten up on the surface, I might have to do a bit of work on it.

So I figured, if I'm going to have to do a bit of work on it, I'd like to modify it.. but I'd like ideas/advice. Keep in mind, however, that I'm basically a tyro and will probably have to look things up as I go.

I was thinking of swapping out the barrel for a rifled one and making a slug-gun out of it, but is that the best plan?

ilikegunspdx · Jun 20, 2025

What's a tyro?

bcp · Jun 20, 2025

Your shoulder won't like it as a slug gun.

Put on rifle sights, buy a 38 Special insert barrel, and lengthen the extractor.

Here are some:

https://chaszel.com/product-category/shotgun-adapters/#

Bunny safari gun.

Bruce

Andy54Hawken · Jun 21, 2025

Swapping out and fitting a barrel ....will take a bit of work.
A better / easier idea is the one above...using a barrel insert.

Also something to consider is that this was designed to fire a 12 gauge shotgun cartridge...not other cartridges.
Cartridge pressure must be kept in mind if you do swap barrels or use a insert.

And while I do indeed shoot 100 odd year old firearms , as well as older ones....
Wear and tear on parts , metal fatigue and the like should also be kept in mind.
No "hot loadings "....
If I want to shoot a lot...or use a hefty loading...I shoot my modern firearms.

A modest restore job...such as a light cleaning of the wood and metal....
Replacing of heavily used parts like the extractor , firing pin....the ejector ( if it even was made with one ) ...etc....
Steaming out some of the bigger dents and dings of the wood stock...then refinish the stock ....
Might a good thing to do.

Before you shoot it ...check the chamber....some older shotguns were made for a 2 1/2 cartridge ...not the modern and common 2 3/4 or 3 inch ones.
You can lengthen the chamber....however it is very wise to shoot only low pressure trap and skeet loadings...not high pressure hunting and self defense loads....No matter the chamber length.

@ilikegunspdx
tyro ....someone who is new at something.
Andy

Giomancer · Jun 21, 2025

What's a tyro?

A tyro is a beginner, a newbie.

Your shoulder won't like it as a slug gun.

Well.. that's true. And there won't be much I could do to mitigate the recoil, either. This is why I ask these things, I suppose!

Put on rifle sights, buy a 38 Special insert barrel, and lengthen the extractor.

Okay, that's a new one on me! I'll have to check that out, thanks!

[sage advice]

Hm. That's a lot to consider, but I'll have to keep it in mind.. don't want to lose fingers or an eye. The restoration comes first, and I'll go from there.

Hopefully, next time I come by will be with pictures and a plan.

ilikegunspdx · Jun 21, 2025

Giomancer said:
A tyro is a beginner, a newbie.

Well.. that's true. And there won't be much I could do to mitigate the recoil, either. This is why I ask these things, I suppose!

Okay, that's a new one on me! I'll have to check that out, thanks!

Hm. That's a lot to consider, but I'll have to keep it in mind.. don't want to lose fingers or an eye. The restoration comes first, and I'll go from there.

Hopefully, next time I come by will be with pictures and a plan.

I would say look at the $ and time you will put into and the end product you will have.

Then contrast that with modern or used quality shotgun ($ and time) and look at what you have.

I think you will be surprised if you think about what you have at the end.

Fe high quality used German SxS $325-$425

2024 pointer 20 gauge $288 shipped