I recently got a 1910 1897 12 gauge brush gun (26″ CYL). It is all original, most blueing, etc. Ive cleaned it to include toothpicking the crud in the screw slots and other spots. It has not apparently been totally disassembled (totally to just the parts). I’d leave that to a good gunsmith, but leaning to not at this point. It separates front and back nicely. Fit is tight. Not of any of the screws arw buggered and I hear a plug moving in it. I’ve lightly used Hoppes storage wipe on the metal and used Renaissance wax on the wood. I plan to store it separated in silicone cloth socks and in a hard case. Is it rare enough I should hang onto it like that or put it to work? I tend to shoot doves occasionally with my 97s and 12s where lead is still legal. It’s serial 4966xx. Of course with the “E” above it.
ozarksflyfisher said
I recently got a 1910 1897 12 gauge brush gun (26″ CYL). It is all original, most blueing, etc. Ive cleaned it to include toothpicking the crud in the screw slots and other spots. It has not apparently been totally disassembled (totally to just the parts). I’d leave that to a good gunsmith, but leaning to not at this point. It separates front and back nicely. Fit is tight. Not of any of the screws arw buggered and I hear a plug moving in it. I’ve lightly used Hoppes storage wipe on the metal and used Renaissance wax on the wood. I plan to store it separated in silicone cloth socks and in a hard case. Is it rare enough I should hang onto it like that or put it to work? I tend to shoot doves occasionally with my 97s and 12s where lead is still legal. It’s serial 4966xx. Of course with the “E” above it.
I personally see no reason why your Brush Gun would need to be fully disassembled. I believe that that is no reason why you cannot take it out on a Dove hunt.
For my research survey, I would like to know what the complete serial number is. With it, I can also determine the exact date of manufacture.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
ozarksflyfisher said Is it rare enough I should hang onto it like that or put it to work? I tend to shoot doves occasionally with my 97s and 12s where lead is still legal.
Really depends on cond. If it’s a 90% or better gun & you have others to shoot, maybe retire it. Depends even more on your personal carefulness & mindfullness; I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot it, but then I handle my “no finish” gun as if they were museum pieces. Don’t think you’ll be hitting many doves with a CYL bore.
November 7, 2015
If the action appears to be badly gummed up I would lean towards a detail cleaning, mainly because I lost a hard-used 1897 Black Diamond to a gummed up firing pin a few years ago. I wanted to detail clean it but after freeing up the action with BreakFree and a little oil I took it out to shoot a round of trap.
Mike
TXGunNut said
If the action appears to be badly gummed up I would lean towards a detail cleaning, mainly because I lost a hard-used 1897 Black Diamond to a gummed up firing pin a few years ago. I wanted to detail clean it but after freeing up the action with BreakFree and a little oil I took it out to shoot a round of trap.
Good idea. Might find a disassembly video on You Tube.
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