Re: Older 2E Grade 12-viewed today 15 Oct./2008 Archived Message
Posted by Dick Miller on October 16, 2008, 4:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Older 2E Grade 12-viewed today 15 Oct./2008"
The FW frames were introduced in 1907, and between '07 and '13 were designated by pre-13 grades, i.e., 00,0,1,2, etc. with no FW prefix. These guns are commonly referred to as "transition" guns. In 1913 the grade designations changed and became Field, Ideal, Trap, etc., and the FW guns bore an FW prefix before the serial number, as opposed to the R frame guns, which had an R prefix before the serial number. As to the Hunter one trigger, they don't have the best reputation, although all but one of my guns have it and I've never experienced problems, and they certainly add value to a collector. Buggered screws on the bottom of the frame usually indicate that a previous owner did have a problem, and a lot of 'smiths don't like to work on them. As to lengthening chambers (a pre-'13 20 left the factory with 2-1/2" chambers) and opening chokes, you are entering the realm of opinions. Some will argue that collector value is diminished and others will say that, in the case of chokes the chokes are not marked on the gun so who's to know the difference. The important thing to keep in mind is these guns were not built to withstand the pressures of modern ammo, so if you decide to lengthen the chambers to accomodate modern ammo, shoot only low pressure loads. I have a 1925 Ideal 20 that was rechambered at the factory, and it is my "go to" gun for doves and grouse BUT I'm careful to shoot low pressure loads. Your final question?---- Let us know where you are, and when Drew Hause (a LCSCA walking "library") returns from his trip, he will step in with recommendations. Enjoy your Elsies !
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