Dear Scattergun Sages,
I've just come into possession of a couple of old shotguns, and being new to shotgunning, I'm not sure if they're worth trying to salvage.
#1. Stevens Model 124 bolt-action, 12 ga, 2 3/4", 28" barrel, fixed full choke.
This model had a Tenite (plastic) stock and fore arm. The stock has several breaks in the pistol grip, on both sides. I am reluctant to test-fire it in this condition. Generally, the gun is in "good" condition: the blueing is mostly intact, save for some wear at the muzzle. No rust anywhere. I ran a solvent patch down the bore, and saw no indication of any rust. Shone a bore light through it and seems smooth and bright throughout. A replacement stock for this seems like it's going to cost about $100 Cdn, give or take, and I don't know if the gun is worth spending this amount of money on. Opinions?
#2. Harrington & Richardson "Bay State", single shot, break-action 12 ga, 2 3/4", 27 1/2", Fixed cylinder (0.740")
I have a feeling I know the answer to this, but, as noted, I'm new to shotguns and shotgunning. This gun is missing the forearm stock. When I release the barrel to load, the barrel pivots to the point that it falls off. I assume it might not do this if the forearm stock was present. The bore seems bright, with a small rough patch about 6" from the muzzle. I'd like a lightweight single for a rabbit gun, but I think I can probably find one in usable condition for less than what it will cost to remediate this guy.
I got these from a friend of mine. The guns belonged to his dad, who no longer has a use for them. I haven't given him any money for them yet, and I don't want to appear to be trying to take advantage of his lack of any knowledge about firearms. Sight-unseen, I had thought about giving him $200 for these two plus an old single-shot .22. Now that I've seen them, I'm thinking that $100 for all three is more reasonable.
FWIW, the .22 is in fair condition. It's an "Eatonia" single-shot "boys rifle." It looks to me like the stock on it is from a Cooey bolt-action repeater, like a model 60 or similar. It's got an 18" barrel and there's very little blueing left on it. I figure, at the high end, it's worth $40.
So there it is, I'm open to any and all suggestions, including what a fair price to give my friend for all three is. We've already transferred them to me. Honestly, my main reason for taking them is so that he can get them back if he decides in a few years that he wants them. I let my dad's rifle go after he passed, and I wasn't shooting or hunting. Then about six years later, I got back into the sport, and have been kicking myself for letting it go.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
I've just come into possession of a couple of old shotguns, and being new to shotgunning, I'm not sure if they're worth trying to salvage.
#1. Stevens Model 124 bolt-action, 12 ga, 2 3/4", 28" barrel, fixed full choke.
This model had a Tenite (plastic) stock and fore arm. The stock has several breaks in the pistol grip, on both sides. I am reluctant to test-fire it in this condition. Generally, the gun is in "good" condition: the blueing is mostly intact, save for some wear at the muzzle. No rust anywhere. I ran a solvent patch down the bore, and saw no indication of any rust. Shone a bore light through it and seems smooth and bright throughout. A replacement stock for this seems like it's going to cost about $100 Cdn, give or take, and I don't know if the gun is worth spending this amount of money on. Opinions?
#2. Harrington & Richardson "Bay State", single shot, break-action 12 ga, 2 3/4", 27 1/2", Fixed cylinder (0.740")
I have a feeling I know the answer to this, but, as noted, I'm new to shotguns and shotgunning. This gun is missing the forearm stock. When I release the barrel to load, the barrel pivots to the point that it falls off. I assume it might not do this if the forearm stock was present. The bore seems bright, with a small rough patch about 6" from the muzzle. I'd like a lightweight single for a rabbit gun, but I think I can probably find one in usable condition for less than what it will cost to remediate this guy.
I got these from a friend of mine. The guns belonged to his dad, who no longer has a use for them. I haven't given him any money for them yet, and I don't want to appear to be trying to take advantage of his lack of any knowledge about firearms. Sight-unseen, I had thought about giving him $200 for these two plus an old single-shot .22. Now that I've seen them, I'm thinking that $100 for all three is more reasonable.
FWIW, the .22 is in fair condition. It's an "Eatonia" single-shot "boys rifle." It looks to me like the stock on it is from a Cooey bolt-action repeater, like a model 60 or similar. It's got an 18" barrel and there's very little blueing left on it. I figure, at the high end, it's worth $40.
So there it is, I'm open to any and all suggestions, including what a fair price to give my friend for all three is. We've already transferred them to me. Honestly, my main reason for taking them is so that he can get them back if he decides in a few years that he wants them. I let my dad's rifle go after he passed, and I wasn't shooting or hunting. Then about six years later, I got back into the sport, and have been kicking myself for letting it go.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
