jlb

My 1918 LC Smith Specialty had an add on Walnut rib. The only one i have ever seen. It has since been removed. At least it was done nicely, but I would prefer no holes in it's very unique first year floating rib. Amazing fit, over 100 years later and it still does not rattle.

I'll count my blessings, that add on rib made for a great buy. I removed the ugly, it's my back fence gun for games. Best trigger of any gun I've owned or shot, simplicity there is no safety. 

A safety on a single barrel trap shotgun is as useless as teats on a boar hog.

jlb

kevindpm61 said
Nice looking examples Bert.
  

I only own one of them (the Brush Gun).  The other two pictures are examples I accumulated during my research for the recently published article discussing the Model 1897.

Bert

Jim F in CT said
. . . .”Trench Gun” . . . .”Brush Gun” . . . . “Riot Gun”.
My limited knowledge of these terms is . . .
Only the “trench” (and MAYBE the “riot”) have provision for bayonet.
The “brush” has no bayonet provision. (Nor a handguard?)
Do I have this correct?
Thanks!
  

As it applies to the Model 1897;

1. Brush Gun - 26" CYL bore barrel, 4-round magazine.

2. Riot Gun - 20" CYL bore barrel, 5-round magazine, no provision for heat shield or bayonet.

3. Trench Gun - 20" CYL bore barrel, 5-round magazine, ventilated heat shield with bayonet lug.

Bert

My limited knowledge of these terms is . . .

Only the “trench” (and MAYBE the “riot”) have provision for bayonet.

The “brush” has no bayonet provision. (Nor a handguard?)

Do I have this correct?

Thanks!

The 28 really should be more popular than it is. As a boy's first shotgun, a 28 beats the .410 hollow in every way, except ammunition cost.

Actually the cost differential is justified because the factories don't make el cheapo low to non-existent antimony 28 loads. That is why the 28 seems to punch above its weight. It can make killing patterns at 35 yards that will make you blink. 

Given a choice between a 20 or a 28 for my upland hunting, I'd take the 20. But as between a 28 or a .410, the 28 is so superior it can't be argued. 

A modified choke 28 gauge Model 12 would have made a lot of sense for a 12 year old's first shotgun. In a perfect World.

Let us see how much this one brings.

Listing #447 is a pigeon grade upgrade with the following description "Manufactured in 1953 and subsequently upgraded to the current configuration".  I wonder what this means?  Was a 28 gauge field grade gun up graded to pigeon grade and the rib and wood added or did the gun start life as a pigeon grade.  It seems to me that a real pigeon grade gun would not be described in this manner.  

Herod's advice to Claudis was to trust no one!

jlb

Bert H. said
It should have a 28-inch barrel.  Do you know if it has a FULL, MOD, or CYL choked barrel?
I can see it has the typical cracked slide handle stock (a sizeable value demerit), and that it is very little original bluing left on the steel.  It is chambered for 2-9/16" shells.  
Based on the condition of the gun, the top bid for it should be no more than $275.
Bert
  

Not sure on the choke.  The barrel at least doesn’t seem to be cut down at all.  I don’t think I’d bid more than $100 on it.  Might be purchasing some other stuff in the auction.  So I thought why not.  

thanks 

I can see it has the typical cracked slide handle stock (a sizeable value demerit), and that it is very little original bluing left on the steel.  It is chambered for 2-9/16" shells.  

Based on the condition of the gun, the top bid for it should be no more than $275.

Bert

local auction has a 97 16ga I might bid on. An 188140.  Looks like a 30” barrel. It’s seems to be about the same condition as my 12 gauge.  It has 10 days before auction close.  I think if it stays cheap I might bid.  From what I remember I believe I’ll have to load 2.5” shells if I want to shoot it though.  Any thoughts advice are welcome 

thanks