doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com A different approach.

I found this auction on GunBroker, for a Colt 1883. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=75699227

This is a nice one with some engraving. I noticed this strange protusion from the fore arm:


I asked the seller about this. His response, "That is in case the ejectors do not work, press the button and the shells eject." Is this some after market product, a local gunsmith's invention, or what? Any thoughts I had about this gun are quickly going down the drain...

Pete

Sure is a handsome piece! Sounds like it gives you a selection between extractors or ejectors.

That's the turret mount for aerial gunnery.

But seriously, doesn't that forend look a lot lighter than the butt? And all the casecolor is gone but the stock finish and checkering is perfect? I don't have a clue about the button. But even so, where are you going to find a "project" graded Colt in this shape for this money? Maybe ask for a one week inspection to determine if the gun can be returned to orig for reasonable money.

Chuck H., has it right. That is a vary desirable/collectible shotgun. Vary sage advice. I'm rather surprised it's lasted this long. Just my two cents!

That's the rheostat for accent lighting. Are the orange "candle" bulbs still in the muzzles?

jack

What a beauty. That gun is less than 40 minutes from me. If anyone is seriously interested in it I would be happy to go view it myself and give you my impressions.

Alex

Looks like a complete restock job to me. A gun of that age should have more wear and dings than that one has. To me that and the color of the wood leads me to think it has been redone. The checkering pattern allows for the button on the fore end and that was never something that you would see on the original fore end. I suspect a clever after market home remedy to a set of non working ejectors. Not a bad looking gun, if you like a hanging down thing on the fore end. I would remove it to restore the trim lines, but that is just me.

Something to think about is if these guns were ever offered with ejectors from the factory. i am not a colt expert but, production ended in 1895 and not many double gun makers in the US were offering ejectors then.

Jim

Jim,

I have the same question. Also, how awkward can it be to break open the gun and then try and push that button to eject the shells?

I suppose it may be possible to disable this and simply "plug" the hole. However, I have no desire to own another project gun at that price. It is ashame. Still a very nice gun.

This from a different 1883:



A closer view of the engraving:



Pete

I agree that this is not a factory whatsit. Neat though. Also agree that it has been restocked very well.
Oh Stormy one: Your youthful exuberance is delightful. Your willingness to jump in the car, speed to the dealer and examine this unusual gun is commended.
Long trip though, and not forty minutes away. Check the location again. LOL !!!
You should check it out though. This Colt is very collectible and, if it were not over priced, as it is, it is probably worthy of being restored.
Best,
John

Mr. Mann,
Since the PM feature is still voodoo on my computer, would you be so kind as to email me at tedjs@usfamily.net

I've a question or three for you.

Thanks in advance,
Ted

I don't remember that the 1883 was ever made with ejectors. Rare? Maybe. Nonexistent? More likely. This is probably not a factory prototype, but an ejector installation by an early, talented gunsmith. The difficulty of installing trips in the Colt action (or any action) probably accounts for the external button or whatever it is. Ejector installations on extractor guns were not unheard of in the early days. There are several variations of aftermarket ejectors on early Parkers, most of which worked fairly well. Judging by the restock, this gun has been in the hands of a bit of a hobbyist for a good part of its life. The lever position is really bad, but no surprise considering how much the gun has been fooled with. Too bad the price is off the scale. Colt letters are pretty proudly priced these days, but I would still spring for one if I owned this gun.

Looks like it might will need a hinge pin,take a look at that lever way left no?The push button ejector is different thats for sure,perhaps it could be refitted with and ivory or horn one that would be more in keeping with its era.
best,
Dave