Need info on the makers of what people refer to as: "Gill Guns"

darcy32171

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I acquired a nice old Lakefield Mossberg Mark 2 22lr repeater. I would like to find the semi auto version. Am I correct to say that these semi autos were what people refer to as Gill Guns cause of the vents on top of the action? What about the makers? Were they made by lakefield Mossberg also? If so it would be neat to acquire one, what would a respectable shooter go for?
 
I believe you are referring to the springfield 87.

87ma.jpg


Haven't the slightest on value. Would love to have an 87m though.

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Stevens/Savage/Springfield series of rifles that ran under multiple names with both tube, and box magazine versions..
I like 'em!

Accurate, very distinctive function. Bolt doesn't chamber next round until you let go of the trigger. You can lock the bolt for "bolt action" operation too.

They don't share much with your MkII other than being a .22. There is a Lakefield/Mossberg MkIII which is semi auto. Not a bad gun, but not a gill gun either.
 
I have all three Lakefield Mossberg Marks. #1, #2 and #3*. #1 is a manual cocking single shot, #2 is the box mag fed repeater and #3 is a box mag fed semi auto. All are very accurate .22s and have taken many a gopher for me.

The Model 87 "gill gun" as it is referred too....is a unique action and with a scope, i shoot it comfortably out to 200yards. Gophers mainly but have competed on paper too,
 
I have all three Lakefield Mossberg Marks. #1, #2 and #3*. #1 is a manual cocking single shot, #2 is the box mag fed repeater and #3 is a box mag fed semi auto. All are very accurate .22s and have taken many a gopher for me.

The Model 87 "gill gun" as it is referred too....is a unique action and with a scope, i shoot it comfortably out to 200yards. Gophers mainly but have competed on paper too,

Mr. Toymaker is too much a gentleman to mention that these rifles might be found in the EE!
 
I have all three Lakefield Mossberg Marks. #1, #2 and #3*. #1 is a manual cocking single shot, #2 is the box mag fed repeater and #3 is a box mag fed semi auto. All are very accurate .22s and have taken many a gopher for me.

The Model 87 "gill gun" as it is referred too....is a unique action and with a scope, i shoot it comfortably out to 200yards. Gophers mainly but have competed on paper too,
You talk highly of the model 87. Would you then...prefer it over your mossbergs???? What I`m getting at is: which would be the far superior gun: Mark 3 or the 87? And which one would be easier found?
 
My High Standard Sport King Carbine (circa late 60's) has those same vents on the action.


To clarify--Lakefield was around long before Mossberg got involved. They were known as Lakefield Arms and many guns are marked only that way. I have had Lakefield guns and I have a lot of vintage Mossberg .22's. The vintage Mossbergs are waaaay different rifles than the Lakefield versions as far as a "regular" rifle feel and quality.
 
You talk highly of the model 87. Would you then...prefer it over your mossbergs???? What I`m getting at is: which would be the far superior gun: Mark 3 or the 87? And which one would be easier found?

you want me to compare apples and oranges...well i have had both and the 87s have a longer barrel and seem to have better long distance performance. The Mark IIIs have the accuracy that proves itself both on and off the range to about 100 yards. But i like the "clackity-clack" action too. So depending on what i shoot...paper or gophers, i usually take both and empty one while reloading the other. The 87s seem more plentiful lately compared to the Mark lll. I have the triplets( Marks) and refinished the woods in blonde. if anyone wants a set,
 
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