doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Colt SxS shotguns.....

The catalog grades were 1, 1 1/2, and 2 [highest] Seldom seen are special guns higher in embellishment than a Grade 2. My opinion is that the Colt 1883 and the Harrington Richardson Anson and Deeley gun were the finest finished of all the American guns. By the way, the Colt 1883 is covered with American patents and was made by Colt.

Colt double guns were of very high quality but they are 130 years old and stock demensional were all much lower than what we are use to shooting. Not a big problem for cowboy action shooters or anyone who shoots from the hip. Guns of the same period are all very heavy with what we consider crude lines. But I think that is not fair when you consider we are comparing them to a full hundred years of refinement and both improved designs and better metals. Early cars were crude and bulky compared to modern cars. Colt fit and finish was to a very high standard.

If someone with grade knowledge of Colt shotguns would please zoom in on the picture above and give me a judgement on the grade of this gun I would appreciate it. Is there a grade stamp on the water table?

The barrels are stub twist but are not numbers matching to the gun.

Thanks,

There were two variations of the Colt Model 1878 hammer guns. The early version didn't have a rib extension --



The later version had a dollshead rib extension, solid head plungers, and an improved checkhook --



Those numbers in front of each description are E.C. Meachum Arms Co. stock numbers, not Colt grade designations.

Are those Twist or Laminated barrels? It appears that gun has a new stock and forearm, certainly not original Colt wood.

Here is an old Lightner Library reproduction of an 1883 vintage Colt broadside --

Thanks for all the info...!

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the gun is a mix bag. The wood is new. The barrels are off an earlier model without the doll's head 93xx serial range. But the action is a doll's head model in the 148xx range. The forend hanger iron is yet another number in the 140xx range.

Laminated vs twist? I don't know enough to tell you. Maybe the picture can tell you.

From the coverage of light engraving, it has to be the higher grade?

I have a 12 gauge with matching numbers that is an earlier model. It has only a single line engraved around the locks and accents on the hammers, etc.

Looks like a Twist set. I'd be interested in seeing a Laminated set, here's what an English 2 iron Laminated pattern looks like:

Etched but not blackened.



After, but the picture quality is poor and is before the final polish and coating.

Ken, very nice and different looking Damascus. Now, for the " crooked stock " and " anyone who shoots from the hip " people - the guns were built in that day the way people shot them - with a straight stance and with you're head in a normal position - erect, or straight up. Now a days most want to shoot looking like a turtle, or head down and out. You're also looking out of the top of your eye socket, another abnormal [ and poor for your vision ] position. All you turtle shooters who [censored] about missing because you lifted your head [ which I don't do ] can give me a ration of sh**. Thank you and have a good day. Paul