HELP! I need a gun identified for a buddy...

Jay

Jay

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Hey guys;

My buddy recently got a break action Harrington and Richardson firearm...

It says 44 on the barrel, and he initially thought it might be a rifle in that caliber, but it doesn't have rifling...

Made in 1901...

Here are a couple of pics... What can you tell me about the firearm, value, collectablility etc...

Cheers
Jay
392554.jpg


392552.jpg

Toes are free with the picture... ha ha ha on you Chris...
 
Probably made for use with .44-40 shot cartridges. There was also a cartridge loaded with a single round ball for use in these, and similar, guns. The Marble's Game Getter comes to mind. Basically a light shotgun, similar to a 2" .410. Considering the condition, value and collectability would be nominal.
 
That would be cool. I tried placing a regular 410 shell that had already been fired in the chamber with the crimp cut off so that it was the exact same length as if it was unfired. It was a perfect fit. it is a smooth bore as well and only has a single bead for a sight on the end of the barrel, no rear sight.
 
It would also be possible to use .44-40 cases, and load them as shotshells. If shortened .410 shells (cut to length of .44-40 case) fit correctly for diameter (check with actual measurement) I don't think that there would be any problem using them. I have heard of Stevens .44 shotguns being rechambered for .410, and shooting loose in short order. I expect that a modern .410 shell is somewhat hotter than a 100 year old .44 shotshell.
 
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with the crimp cut off so that it was the exact same length as if it was unfired.
Click to expand...

Doesn't tell you anything - shotguns have a little room for the crimp. Without it the crimp doesn't open properly and you could have a real problem.

A 3 inch shell will fit in a 2 3/4 inch gun, but you wouldn't want to shoot it.
 
Hmm, I guess you are right about the crimp part of the deal. Dont exactly want to have it blow up in my face now. What is the best sure fire way to know for sure?
 
Corser said:
Hmm, I guess you are right about the crimp part of the deal. Dont exactly want to have it blow up in my face now. What is the best sure fire way to know for sure?
Click to expand...

Maybe you should do a chamber cast and then measure it up...
 
There is a procedure using a low temp alloy called Cerrosafe. Sulphur was also used. But unless the gun has been altered, it will likely be chambered for .44-40 shotshells. Some .44-40 shotshells had the case closed with a top wad. Others had what looked like a cardboard "bullet", so a bit more shot could be loaded. Personally, I would just make up loads in .44-40 cases, instead of substituting .410 cases.
 
Right on, or just hang it on the wall and not have to worry about a life endangering shot...is ther possibly some kind of putty or something that could be used for the chamber cast if the chamber was oiled so that it would not stick?
 
Kewl, thanks for all the info. That is definately the one that I have. Probably best to be retired to a mantle piece.
 
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