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Colt Model 1878 12-Gauge Field-Grade Shotgun in Good Original Condition, S/N 5231 Mfg. 1880
Guns International #: 102063380 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Shotguns - Hammer Shotguns
Seller's Information
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Seller: DOUBLEGUN PRESERVATION
Member Since: 3/7/12
State: Virginia
Zip: 22207
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 625-4830
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Certified Check, Postal Money Order, Personal Check
Description:
American-made field-grade hammer shotguns that have survived the last 140 years in good original condition are scarce. Whomever took care of this this Colt 12-gauge Model 1878, which was manufactured in 1880, over the last two or three generations knew what they were doing. The wood behind the locks has no petroleum-based oil contamination. The surface condition of the stock indicates that its natural stock oils were periodically refreshed to prevent dryness and cracking. The pristine condition of the wood beneath the butt plate, along with the penciled serial number and grade, confirm originality. The exterior of the wood has handling marks, but no cracks, dents, or deep scratches. An 1859 Canadian 20-cent piece is nicely inletted into the right side of the stock. It clearly meant something to someone, probably its first owner, and adds to the gun’s sense of history.
The outside of the sidelocks and receiver show substantial coverage of original case color, albeit faded. The case-color is bright on the inside of the locks and the underside of the forend metal. The 30-inch barrels, which are made of British stub-twist steel, have 2-3/4-inch chambers. The bore diameters measured at 9-inches from the breech are both .742 inches. The external diameters of the barrels at the bores are both .820 inches. The constriction in both barrels is .025 inches (improved modified choke). The wall thicknesses of the right barrel measured at 9-inches from the muzzle are (top/side/bottom) .045/.045/.050 inches, and at the middle of the barrel are .048/.048/.050 inches. The wall thicknesses of the left barrel are .043/.048/.046 and .044/.048/.046 inches, respectively. The exteriors of the barrels have the original finish. Their appearance is somewhat marred by artifacts of surface pitting along both sides near the breech, indicative of a gun that was once stored for a period in a case when wet. The bores are bright with light pitting caused by the black powder of its period. This gun weighs 8 pound 7 ounces. The LOP is 14 inches; the DAC is 2-1/4 inches; and the DAH 3-1/2 inches. Both triggers pull at 5 pounds. The gun locks up tightly and is on face. All serial numbers, 5231, match.
The listed price of the gun does not include shipping costs paid by buyer. The inspection period is 7 days from receipt. This shotgun has been fired on the range and in the field using low pressure 2-3/4” shells produced for Damascus-barreled shotguns by RST Corporation. However, as for any antique or vintage shotgun, it is recommended that the new owner have it inspected by a professional gunsmith before firing and then only use shells that produce pressures for which the gun was designed. Please do not hesitate to call Stephen Wesbrook at 703-625-4830 with questions or to discuss the gun.
SOLD
Antique: Yes