Newbie with LC questions; identifying year of guns.Archived Message
Posted by DW on July 21, 2008, 11:10 am
Hello, I recently discovered this forum, and find it totally amazing! The amount of info here is overwhelming.
But I do have a few questions; I am trying to identify two guns I have. The first gun is a Field grade FW model that I purchased when I was 16 years old, and have used it hard for over 45 years; I love the gun, and it has been a great shooter, light, and points like a dream. The serial # is FW 28787, and it is a 12 ga. 28" armor steel barrels, splinter forearm.
The 2nd gun is a 12 ga., 28" barrels with serial #360799 R. The forearm has a button release, and it is marked underneath "PAT.APLD.FOR, with the same serial number stamped. What I would like to know is the date of manufacture, the use of the button release, and the fact that this gun, although stamped regular frame, appears to be a featherweight frame identical to the other.
How do I determine if the stock has been cut down (the first one had a recoil pad when I got it); how do I measure what was factory length, as both guns appear to have the same length stock.
Any info anyone can give me would be gratefully appreciated. Although I have no intention of sale, I would also like to find the approximate value, as for insurance purposes.
If you would need any more info, just tell me where to look, and I will reply with the information. Thanks for a great site!