Remington Model 1889

Topics related to Pre - 1898 Remington Shotguns
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In8kaos
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jan 23, 2020 2:20 pm

Remington Model 1889

Post by In8kaos »

I just acquired a Remington 1889 in 12 gauge.
I dated it to 1890, 35xxx
It has 2 sets of barrels , a 28 inch, and a 30 inch set. Both barrel sets match the serial # of the gun.
Is this fairly normal, to get 2 barrel sets from the factory like this?
Both are twist steel.
Thank you for any and all info you can give.
dieNusse1
Posts: 400
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:12 pm
Location: Mishawaka, IN

Re: Remington Model 1889

Post by dieNusse1 »

I would say that it is not common for 2 barrel sets leaving the factory at the same time especially for lower grade guns. Off the shelf the '89 came in three grades based on barrel material. Lowest grade was Grade 1 and came with decarbonized steel barrels. Grade 2 with twist steel and Grade 3 came with Damascus barrels. In addition to barrel material the wood quality improved a little bit also. For any engraving guns had to be special ordered. This included Grades 4 through 7 as I recall.

The Grade is stamped on the water table across from the SN.
In8kaos
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jan 23, 2020 2:20 pm

Re: Remington Model 1889

Post by In8kaos »

It is a Grade 2 according to the water table standalone number. I would assume it to be special order for the 2 barrel sets, would that be likely?
dieNusse1
Posts: 400
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:12 pm
Location: Mishawaka, IN

Re: Remington Model 1889

Post by dieNusse1 »

Yes, special order would be needed. If this was the case the barrels would be stamped in a similar manner and also be stamped 1 & 2. Many times guns were returned to Ilion to have a second barrel fitted. In this case the stamping might not be as similar.

In any case the degree of choke should be stamped on the barrel lugs. Usually three character numbers are present indicating the number of pellets within a 30 inch circle fired from 40 yards using 1 1/4 oz. of #8 shot. if only two characters are present a leading 3 is assumed. As there are 511 pellets in 1 1/4 oz., a stamping of 356 would indicate 70% or Full while 298 would indicate Mod.

As an aside, the '89 was produced from 1888 until 1910 when Remington stopped production of the '89 as well as the two hammerless SxS models (1894 & 1900) as they saw the future in terms of the new pump and auto loader.
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