Hammerless shotguns authentic to old west?

[Whiskey Kid]

Howdy folks, been think'n bout pick'n up a Stoeger coach gun, and was wonderin' when hammerless shotguns came about....

[St. George]

The Hammerless Double was available shortly after the Civil War, in the 1870s - but for most folks - it was too expensive.

Initially, they were found on the better grade of shotgun - more of the province of the wealthy sportsman than the working man, and so, folks of the time spent their money on the ruggedness and practicality of Hammered Doubles.

Westley Richards - 1870's

Baker - 1881

Remington - 1882

Parker - 1882

Colt - 1883

Harrington and Richardson - 1883

Lefever - 1885

Sawed-Off shotguns generally featured hammers, since they were robust and rugged, they allowed a second try at detonating a recalcitrant primer - and were cheaper to purchase, besides.


Vaya, 

Scouts Out!

[Silver Creek Slim]

Great info. Thanks, St. George.

Slim

[Four-Eyed Buck]

There were reports that the SG Doc used during that little altercation beside the O.K Corral was hammerless. I believe that H&R was importing hammerless doubles before 1883, St. George. They were on a pattern similar to the later ones you mentioned, they may have gotten license to produce them here after importing some first...........Buck

[St. George]

Harrington and Richardson 'made' hammerless doubles in 1883 - priced at $85.

No information on what, if anything they imported.

Incidentally - that was more than Colt priced it's high-quality double - at $80.

As to Doc Holliday's 'Street Howitzer' - it was a Belgian-made, hammered double - with  barrels cut to 12".
The lockplate is stamped - 'Meteor Belgium' -and it had a 5' leather strap that could be threaded through a brass ring affixed to the barrel rib - allowing its carry from the shoulder.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Whiskey Kid]

Outstanding feedback. What do you all prefer in the way of the double barrel? I have a chance to pick up the Stoeger coach for around $200.00, but now I'm think'n I might look around a bit more for one with some ears on it....

[Books OToole]

In the fall of 04 I bought one of TTN hammer double coach guns.  New in the box was a little less than $ 400.00.  Kinda makes that Stoeger look pretty good.  The TTN shoots well and I like it.  Trap used it at the NCOWS Nationals last year. (I shot Working Cowboy and didn't need a shotgun.)

Books

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Have had a TTN hamergun for two years now and really like it. Before that, I used a Stoeger.........Buck

[Chance]

I have an old (c. 1900) Belgian hammer gun which is proofed for BP only. Had the barrels cut to 20" and it really looks the business, and Oh! that smoke!!   

[Will Ketchum]

I also went from a Stoeger to a TTN.  Still the Stoeger is a fine shotgun.   I had my TTN's stock
re-contoured and checkered like the original Colt's.

Will Ketchum

[Will Ketchum]

It will have to wait until I get back from the NCOWS Nationals since it is already packed.

Now will you please remove that annoying banner?  If not I'll never post them here.

Will Ketchum

Will Ketchum

[St. George]

That better, Pete?

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Will Ketchum]

Thank you Colonel.  I'll try to post the pictures of my TTN when I get back.

Will Ketchum

[Silver Creek Slim]

Since we'z talking 'bout SxS shotguns, I'z got a question 'bout one. I was watching Tombstone, again, last night. In the river scene where Wyatt shoots Curly Bill, Wyatt has a mule-ear with a third "trigger" in front of the other two, I assume this is to open the action since there is no top lever. Anyone know what brand of shotgun this would be?

Slim

[Books OToole]

Slim;

That was one of the really neat things about Tombstone.  That shotgun is pictured in Peacemakers by R.L. Wilson.  I was just looking at it yesterday but I can't recall the maker.  The gun actually belonged to Fred Dodge who had loaned it to Wyatt.  If no one comes up with the name today, I'll have it for you tomorrow. [That book is at home.]

Books

[Silver Creek Slim]

Thanks, Books.

Slim

[Four-Eyed Buck]

I believe it's a Stevens, Slim. It belongs to Peter Sheryko's( SP?) company. There may be a some pics of it on his site......Buck

[St. George]

That'd be a Stevens 10 Guage double.

Wells Fargo used a lot of them and Fred Dodge worked for them as a Special Agent.


They're 'around' - at varying prices - so keep an eye peeled.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Will Ketchum]

I was at the Davis Gun Museum in Oklahoma and looked all over for one of those Stevens but I don't think they have one in their collection.  They have most everything else.  Although a couple were mis-named in my opinion.

Will Ketchum

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy,

When did the single trigger first appear on double guns?