I have a model 1894 sxs 12 guage A. S/N P118xxx, my question is the under barrel markings M over E. Watertable is marked A under S/N.
Does this model have Damascus barrels? Gun Belonged to my great-granddad then my granddad my dad and I got it in the 1970's.
1894 markings
Re: 1894 markings
It appears that your A grade 1894 was made in 1900. We don't know what the M stands for but the E should indicate that your gun has ejectors rather than extractors.
Remington first offered these fine guns only with damascus barrels but in 1896 began offering Remington steel barrels as well. If your barrel has not been refinished it should be clear whether it is damascus or Remington steel. If it has been reblued, a bit of sandpaper and acid on a SMALL area under the forearm should tell the story.
At the time these guns were made, both damascus and steel barrels were made to fire smokeless powder loads. Of course, a gun this age should be checked to determine it's condition.
Remington first offered these fine guns only with damascus barrels but in 1896 began offering Remington steel barrels as well. If your barrel has not been refinished it should be clear whether it is damascus or Remington steel. If it has been reblued, a bit of sandpaper and acid on a SMALL area under the forearm should tell the story.
At the time these guns were made, both damascus and steel barrels were made to fire smokeless powder loads. Of course, a gun this age should be checked to determine it's condition.