1894's - Relative rarity of non 12 gauge models

[Canvasback]

I'm wondering about the percentages of guns made in 10 gauge and 16 gauge (and any other gauges). We know there were 41,200 1894's made and 98,500 1900's. How many were 16s? how many were 10s.

I have Semmer's book and haven't seen anything in there.

Or is this more information lost to the sands of time.

[dieNusse1]

I think you're correct --- much information is lost to us. But we still have the guns to use and enjoy and that's the most important thing.

[dieNusse1]

I think I spoke a bit too soon. According to the Semmer book, there are no 1900's in 10 Ga. However, there is at least 1 KE grade documented in 20 Ga (p.253) with tales of a couple more out there but not proven. This 20 Ga. was produced in 1910 may have been special order as 20 Ga K grades do not appear in any catalog.

[Canvasback]

dieNusse1, I know what you are saying and I have Semmers book and read about the Model 1900 20 gauge. But that seems to be more of a "one off" than regular, albeit small volume, production.

I was going more for something along the lines of "of the 41,200 1894's made, 4,120 or 10% were in 10 gauge and 2060 or 5% were in 16 gauge".

Please, no one should take those numbers or percentages as accurate. They are just for the purposes of illustrating my question.

[dieNusse1]

I think that all of us in forum land would like to know the numbers of various gauges produced for all models of Remington SxS guns. Also, we would like to know all the other facts about these fine guns such as barrel codes, distribution of K grade versions and distribution of '94 grades.

I fear that we may never know because the records (if they were kept) apparently no longer exist.

If someone out there in forum land has any information, please share it with us.

[Canvasback]

I guess I'm in the process of learning what is known and what is not known. Thanks.

[Researcher]

While the numbers/percentages in the various gauges is not known, we do have some personal observations. From what I see, even though the 10-gauge was available in the Model 1894s from the beginning in 1894, and the 16-gauges weren't introduced until late 1897, I see more 16-gauges than 10-gauges. No scientific validity.

[Canvasback]

Researcher, aren't you supposed to be fishing right now? LOL

Seriously though, thank you. I see so few of either for sale I had yet to detect a trend for one or the other.

[Researcher]

Got home from Kodiak yesterday evening. We were just up there for a week for my Wife's 50th High School Reunion. I did get in some fishing a couple of days.

[ChuckD]

Canvasback,
As deNusse1 says, even if the records are lost, we have the guns for reference.
Maybe someone should start a survey, like the 721-722-725 in the rifle section.
It wouldn't be very scientific, but would give an idea of the survival rate.
It's just a thought.
I can start with a 1900 KED 16 ga Q3521xx.
Now maybe one of you double barrel guys want to jump in and monitor a listing.

ChuckD

[Canvasback]

Chuck, I don't own a 16 yet (nor a 10, also yet) so I can't add to a listing, yet. I would be happy to when I find the right gun(s).

Given the 42,000 guns made, I wonder if the small number of readers and posters here could gather enough examples to get a sense of the proportions between the gauges. Just wondering???

[dieNusse1]

Some of this information may be available. Charles Semmer collected data on all Remington SxS's while writing his book. How much was collected I don't know. I know I sent him data on about 10 - 12 guns which ranged from 1882's through 1900's. I don't know the family so I don't know if copies of the raw data might be available.

In any event, I think that the higher grades would survive at a greater rate than the "field grades". Also, I believe the lower grades would have been produced in greater numbers if today's buying habits are any indication.

[Canvasback]

dieNusse1, I had several phone conversations with Mr Semmer this past winter. So glad I did! Unfortunately, this specific topic didn't come up. Perhaps someone else on this board may know what is happening to his notes and records. Would be a shame if they were lost.