Old Guns

What is the oldest gun you hunt with?

The oldest gun I own is an 1891 Argentine Mauser with a 3-digit serial number and a raft of proof marks. It was one of the first prototypes delivered to Argentina by Mauser, and it is a tack driver. I used it to do some eradication hunting not too many years ago. I had boxes of century old ammo that needed shot up.

My next oldest gun is my grandfather's Model 97 12 gauge, manufactured in 1898. It's out for the count at the moment with a broken extractor, but I used it a lot as a teenager. I took it to a gunsmith last year to be repaired, but he kept it for 6 months and gave it back to me without touching it. I guess I should count myself lucky.

I also have a Winchester model 1912 that is fairly early, though I have never pinned down the date of manufacture. I believe it is pretty early. It was my favorite duck gun for years, until steel shot came in.

The next oldest is an Ithaca 37 manufactured in the 1950s some time. I just put a new barrel on it so I can have variable chokes and shoot steel and hevishot. It's a gem.

Everything else dates from the 1970s or later.

What other goodies are out there? I'm sure the world is full of people who still hunt with their grandfather's Model 94. Is anybody still hunting with guns that are over a century old?

Larry, My 1903 Springfield - now much sporterized - was built in 1927, but it doesn't look that old. I have however just finished building my Tulle Fusil de Chasse, a .62 caliber flintlock smoothbore French 'Gun for the Hunt' circa 1729. It is not old, but looks it. If I can learn to shoot groups at 50 yards - it has no rear sight - it will join me in the deer woods this fall. Good hunting! Michael

I have a WWII Remington A303 that my dad sporterized. Like most hunters, I have little interest in guns as a collectable item. They are a tool, and not worth much if you don't take them into the field. I'm no gunsmith, but don't hesitate to tinker with my guns if there is something within my capability. Do you have a photo of your Fusil de Chasse that you could email to me? It sounds like a neat project.

Somebody on rec.guns just posted a great site for finding out the date of manufacture of guns. http://armscollectors.com/sn/winlookup.php. All the search links are in the frame on the left hand side of the screen. Scroll down.

I found out my Model 1912 was manufactured in 1913. All the blue is worn off where the pump slides, but there isn't a speck of rust on it and the barrel is still 98% blued. I wonder how I managed to haul it through so many duck and pheasant hunting trips in the 70s and 80s without doing more damage. I guess the habits my dad taught me really work. The day isn't over until the gun is clean.

It is amazing how durable a good gun can be if you take care of it.