The other post that showed the Colt next to the Cimarron got me to thinking how I never see anything on Colt shotguns here. Were they decent guns? Were they expensive for the times? Are they expensive now? How many were made, that kind of stuff. Do any of you guys collect/shoot Colt shotguns?
They are high quality guns and are priced high when in high condition. They were made in small numbers and in few variations, so are not often encountered on gun show tables.
They are high quality guns and are priced high when in high condition. They were made in small numbers and in few variations, so are not often encountered on gun show tables.
I agree: I have a nice sound condition example that I'm getting ready to have the checkering freshened on and the barrels re-blackened. As eightbore said; These are high quality guns but there is some dispute over whether Colt made them or they were imported from a British company and marked by Colt. Jim
I've backed into owning two Colt 1878 shotguns through my interest in Cowboy Action Shooting. Seeing that the Cimarron 1878 was a copy of the Colt got me intereste in finding out more about the original Colt shotguns.
Early this summer I visited an old gunsmith looking for parts for a Stevens shotgun. We visited a couple of hours and in the search for Stevens parts, he pulled out a Colt 1878 12 gauge. It had been his project gun and had a short list of problems. I never expected to ever see one outside a museum or private collection let alone actual hold one. He offered to sale it and we came to an agreement.
About a month ago I took the repaired Colt back to the old gunsmith to show him. He was pleased to see it put back into working order. He proceeded to tell me he had yet another Colt 1878 - this one a 10 gauge. He later showed it to me. It was in much better condition with new wood professionally installed and checkered. He offered to sale it and I met his asking price.
While these two Colts have little collector value due to restocking and repairs, they are still prizes to me and within my budget.
Many years ago, I owned a mundane "field grade" hammer Colt 10 gauge SxS shotgun with 30" twist barrels. I thought it to be heavy and bulky; nothing special. I traded it off, with no regrets.
The idea of paying $1k for a restoration didn't seem appealing.
Fifteen years or so ago I owned a Grade 1 Model 1883 Colt hammerless; the gun had no original finishes but was complete, in great condition mechanically, featured a gorgeous English walnut stock, and functioned like a fine Swiss watch. It also featured lots of drop; but was a fun gun with which to shoot does once one figured out how to manage its crooked stock. I've seen a few examples of the Colt 1883 Grade 2 gun, but never owned one personally. Grade 2's are beautifully engraved, and the quality of these Colt hammerless guns is amazing.
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