Ed, here's my take on it all, the difference is mostly aesthetics. Even in the lower grades, the pre-1913 guns were assembled with enough care and attention to almost be considered "fine" guns (the Syracuse guns were even more-so here), and they would have held their own up against any of the guns being made in the world at that time. After 1913, the amount of time spent on each gun went down significantly and it showed. In the higher grades this wasn't as big a problem, but when the "O" Grade guns became "Field" Grade guns the magic began to diminish. There were a few pattern welded barrels sold after 1913, but very few, the rest were all fluid steel. The shift away from English walnut occurred around then as well and the stock-cracking problems began in earnest. There were exceptions, of course, but overall they became plain and unimaginative. Not farm implements...but close.
Last edited by Lloyd3; 08/11/23 10:56 AM.
