1894 in 16gauge

[dblgunnut]

Hello all, I am new to this forum but have been on a few others and thought I would share my remington with those who love them. Mine is number 111532 with 30" barrels. Stamping on underside is R and a P. pellet count is stamped 297 and 288. on the water table is the letter A. so its a base model no ejector gun made in 1899. From what I have read however the barrels were normally damascus at this time so this gun has the optional steel barrels. What is really strange ( at least to me) is that the barrels at the breech have border engraving, and the square between the breeches that fit into the receiver has it also. Almost like they started to make a "B" gun but changed there mind. Its got the normal remington address on the rib with remington stamped on both barrels ( and both facing the same way to the left side of the gun). I havent been able to shot it yet but am looking forward to it, the gun locks up very tight and every thing works. I dont know what lengh its chambered for however. Anybody got any guesses on what I can shot in this? The only downside is the condition, or lackthere of. Its a shiny gun with some light pitting both on the barrels and the recever. If I ever get a digital camera I will post pics of it. Oh yea bore is shiny and clean with only one very small ding.

[Researcher]

The option of steel barrels, both Remington Steel (on the A-Grades) and Ordnance Steel on all the grades, was introduced in the April 1897 Remington Arms Co. catalogue. The 16-gauge was introduced in a later (October or November) 1897 Remington Arms Co. catalogue. Waiting to see pictures of your shotgun.

[RemRB]

Of the various 1894 and 1900 16 gauge I have checked, there is no doubt in my mind that the chambers are 2 9/16 inch. If the gun was factory chambered for 2 3/4" it would be stamped underneath the barrels just forward of the flats. As we see with 12 gauge.

[dblgunnut]

Thanks to both of you for the info. I am ordering the Remington book this weekend so I can start reading up on this gun. Ok the chambers would be 2 9/16 huh? so what can I shot in it? Can I go down to the local store and buy the lightest 16 gauge I can find and be ok? I do this with my L.C. Smith but its a 12 gauge chambered for 3". Or should I purchase ammo from RST or some other company that deals with vintage gun ammo? I want to also say that I have learned alot just reading the posts on the forum, what a great source of information. On one of the threads someone was talking about barrels and possible frame size diff between 12 and 16. I would be happy to measure mine and post it if it was of interest. I will work on getting a camera so you all can see the gun.

[Researcher]

While Remington Hammerless Doubles are pretty stout, just to be kind to the old wood and metal, as well as being easier on your shoulder, I'd recommend ordering a flat of 16-gauge 2 1/2 inch shells from RST -- http://www.rstshells.com/ -- they offer both 1 ounce and 7/8 ounce loads, very similar to the 16-gauge loads offered at the time your Remington was young. The folks at RST are vintage double people and really know their stuff. I don't believe anyone is currently offering 2 9/16 inch 16-gauge shells anymore. They disappeared from the American ammo catalogues about the time plastic shells began appearing in the early 1960s.

[dblgunnut]

Hello all,

I know its taken awhile but here are your pic of my 1894 16gauge. a little rough but very tight and for 50.00 I cant complain. I still havent seen another one anywhere, even had a guy offer me 600.00 for it............but he also hadnt seen it i'm sure he would have lowered his price. lol

[1894REM]

Do not believe that light loads are less pressure. Some like AA target 12ga have psi close to 11000 lbs.
The chamber length will not be too much of a problem. You can have a gunsmith open chambers to
2 3/4 inch or as I do just forget the chamber length if you only use for hunting. If for target gun with
lost and lots of rounds per day, then 2 1/2 inch shells are best.

[dblgunnut]

Can anyone tell me why I have border engraving on the barrel when this is a grade A gun?