More on 1889

[raydj]

Tried to get pictures, but not enough sunlight to get decent closeups. At any rate, I've done a couple of things - first, I got a chamber gauge - it shows quite clearly that the chamber is less than 2-3/4" - as close as I can measure, it's 2-11/16". I've attempted to measure the forcing cone - it appears to be about 5/8". I have disassembled and note that on the forarm there is serial number 216xxx along with stamped number 191. On the barrels we have serial number repeated and numbers 38 and 42 on the lugs. On the barrel proper, arrow 1 F on each barrel. right barrel has an 8 near the lug between barrels - and thae base of that lug has a 6 and a couple of marks - could be 161 or could that be a 191. Moving along to the base (not the correct term, I'm sure) there is a 1 stamped quite a ways to the left of the serial number. In the center is a 5 and an 8 and another 191. Barrels are marked Remington Arms Co. Ilion, N.Y. U.S.A.

We are prepared to trim plastic shells to 2-5/8 and handload - any further or contradictory advise?

thanks.

[Researcher]

Remington Arms Co. stamped the actual pellet counts of their test patterns on the rear barrel lug of their Model 1889 hammer doubles and their Model 1894 and 1900 hammerless doubles. If the number is three digits, that is the count, if the number is two digits a leading 3 is implied. From surviving hang-tags we know the standard load they used to target 12-gauge guns was 1 1/4 ounces of #8 going 511 pellets to the load. My 12-gauge KE-Grade Model 1900 is stamped 33 on the left and 24 on the right. That would be 333/511 = 65% left and 324/511 = 64% right, or about improved modified in both barrels. The chokes measure .027" in both barrels of that gun. Yours would be 338/511 = 66% and 342/511 = 67%.

I don't think anyone has really decoded those letters and hashmarks down the barrel tube bottoms.

[raydj]

What advice can you give me concerning loads for shooting this particular gun. I don't plan on doing a lot, but I'd like to demonstrate that it is shootable. The story is that I've taken custody of my father-in-law's gun collection and I'm basically wanting to shoot eveything that is shootable - just for the family history.

thanks

[2shooter]

Hi, Your remington double appears to be Model 1889 as stated. There should be a number stamped on the reciever water table for the grade 1 through seven probably a grade 1 listed as steel barrels a number 2 twist barrel and etc.I do not know the condition of your gun but I shoot low pressure loads in mine get a Hodgdon 2008 reloading manual there free at good gun shop there are 7/8ozand 1oz.loads under 5000 psi others under 6000 psi. follow the manual.

[raydj]

I'm looking at the Hodgdon online manual and I don't see any 2-5/8" loads - so what do I do now?

[2shooter]

Hi, The chambers are 2 5/8 inch in your gun use the 2 3/4 load in Hodgdon manual. You can cut the case to 2 5/8 but you will have trouble crimping the end..try top wad with roll crimp..its easy with paper shells..

[raydj]

Any pointers to paper shells? I've scoured the internet and not found any.

thanks,
ray

[2shooter]

The last paper shells that I know of are Federal I don't know if they still
make them I got mine years ago.I some guys are shooting plastic 2 3/4 low pressure reloads so they say. The paper shells are only good for 3-4 reloads
they burn threw the paper.

[2shooter]

Check with gun clubs and trap ranges they might be able to help you find paper shells.

[paul harm]

I shoot a 1873, 1889, and 1894's every week with low pressure loads. I wouldn't worry a whole lot about the chamber length, just shoot 2 3/4" shells in it- the pressure goes up very little. All my loads are under 7000psi. The IMR powders like 700X or PB are good, or Accurate powders like Nitro 100 and many others will load under 7000psi. Shoot it and have some fun. Paul