Old Rolling block 20 ga info needed

[Big T]

Hello I just aquired an Old original rollingblock 20 ga shotgun , its an original remington neat ol gun does anyone know much about them , Worth ? in good shape an shootable I am sure with Blackpowder ammo I plan to get some of the 20 ga brass hulls an load for it everything in good tight shape bore overall good has some pits but nothing major 28 in barel I think stock is not cracked anyplace but has had a screw put thru it I am assuming to tighten it up at the tang , any info would be appreciated , thanks t

[JimBob]

Remington offered the rolling block shotguns circa mid 1870s through the mid 1890s.They were listed as a Model  No.1 and Model No.2.They could be had with laminated(damascus) or plain(iron) barrels.They were made up of mostly excess military parts and barrels.According to the old adds these were chambered to shoot 16ga.brass shells or 20 ga.paper shells.I would check to make sure brass 20 ga. shells aren't undersize for the chamber.

These are not all that common but do not bring extremely high prices.As with any collectible firearm condition determines price.It could run value wise anywhere fron $300 to $800 depending on condition.

[Big T]

Thanks , I appreciate the info , I know a 16 ga wont fit in it at all but its the first 20 ga i have had in 30 years so i have no ammo for to reload it does have regular steel barrel on it . I shoot 16 ga in cas an prefer it , wish this one was 16 ga though . thanks again t

[Joe Lansing]

    I used to hunt w/ a 20 ga. rb about 45 years ago. It did not have a laminated or twist steel barrel. so I used low based smokeless shells. I had poor results (ballistically) because, as I discovered, it was over bored. This makes sense if it was made for brass shells, because they would require a larger diameter wad. I have always regretted not keeping it.

                                                              J.L.

[Yellowhouse Sam]

Near all these old shotguns were chambered for 2 1/2 shells so go from there.  Modern brass hulls are that length I believe.

[Delmonico]

    I used to hunt w/ a 20 ga. rb about 45 years ago. It did not have a laminated or twist steel barrel. so I used low based smokeless shells. I had poor results (ballistically) because, as I discovered, it was over bored. This makes sense if it was made for brass shells, because they would require a larger diameter wad. I have always regretted not keeping it.

                                                              J.L.

Low base shell or as they are often called trap/skeet loads are not often low pressure.  Most develop as much pressure as a heavy hunting load.  This is so the functon well in cold weather, in semi-auto's and other good stuff like that.