Date my Remington Whitmore

Topics related to Pre - 1898 Remington Shotguns
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martzboy
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 8:57 am

Date my Remington Whitmore

Post by martzboy »

I purchased this shotgun this week. it was advertised as 1873 Remington Whitmore with Damascus barrels and serial number 70.

After a little researching this appears to be 1875 or later as the patent isn't present on the top breech slide. Also, are the barrels twist rather than Damascus? And lastly can I get specific recommendations on shells as I'd like to shoot it a couple times. I appreciate any and all advice.
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Jack71
Posts: 50
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2017 3:00 pm

Re: Date my Remington Whitmore

Post by Jack71 »

That looks like a 1875 model to me because it doesn't have the hammer lifter feature of the model 1873. The 1875 models had rebounding hammers with recessed faces. According to Charlie Semmer's book, they were made between 1875 and 1877 and the serial numbers ran from 1 to 3350.

Based on your pictures, the barrels appear to be twist steel, but a closer look would help. I can't recommend a safe load, but if everything is in good shape, I would think a mild black powder load would be okay.

Is it a 10 or 12 gauge?
paul harm
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Re: Date my Remington Whitmore

Post by paul harm »

I have a 73, 82, and 89, all Damascus barrel guns. I reload, so I'm able to shoot loads with pressures that are about the same as BP. For that reason I shoot nitro powders. As long as there isn't deep pitting I wouldn't be afraid to shoot it. Good luck. Paul
dieNusse1
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Location: Mishawaka, IN

Re: Date my Remington Whitmore

Post by dieNusse1 »

If the gun has been checked and is safe I'd go ahead and have a bit of fun. I normally use brass shells as they are easy to reload and last forever. The rule of thumb is an equal VOLUMN of BP to shot. I use 11 gauge wads in the 12 gauge brass shells.

Plastic hulls work as well but won't last as long. I've used plastic wads but they seem to melt a bit leaving a plastic residue in the barrel. I don't think that's a problem but I now use paper/felt wading.
paul harm
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Re: Date my Remington Whitmore

Post by paul harm »

From years of shooting a MLing rifle I've grown accustomed to a tight fit to seal gas. For that reason when I use to shoot the brass Magtechs I used a 10ga over powder card, 11ga cushion wad, and a 10ga over shot card that's glued in. I would do it on a Mec Jr so there was some advantage using the handle to apply more pressure. I believe a 46 bushing is about as big as you can buy and one will throw about 70 to 75 grs [ forget ], cut it in half and you can get 80 or so, and plug the inspection hole on the charge bar and no bushing will drop around a 100grs. Plastic wads do melt and if shooting a 100+ a day at events you'll have a really big mess. Stick to fiber wads - www.circlefly.com Or go to Alliant or Hodgdons web site and find many different low pressure loads, especially with lighter loads like 1oz or 7/8. Sub in fiber wads and the pressures will be even less and if using plastic hulls you could then use 12ga wads for everything. The brass hulls are thinner and that's the reason to go to bigger wads. You could even trim the shells a 1/4" and do a roll crimp [ even less pressure ]. Those look really kool. Get a good steel roll crimper from www.precisionreloading.com Good luck. Paul
dieNusse1
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Location: Mishawaka, IN

Re: Date my Remington Whitmore

Post by dieNusse1 »

Paul - I've always been warned about using loading equipment when loading BP due to possible static buildup resulting in a discharge and then BOOM.

I do use a MEC but take the hull off and use a hand dipper for powder. Comment?
martzboy
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 8:57 am

Re: Date my Remington Whitmore

Post by martzboy »

Thank all of you for the outstanding information!
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