Classic Pump Guns

[Carver]

30 inch, plain barrel Heavy Duck, 1958 vintage.

[Shelldrake]

Researcher; My first shotgun was a Model 31 20 ga. It had a plain barrel and a checkered beavertail forend. What vintage/Model designation would such a gun have been? I have been watching Gunbroker etc for a similar one, but the vast majority have the smaller, grooved forends. I have a 12 ga with a solid rib and beavertail forend which is marked IC. I thought it may have been a Skeet model, but do not see that designation anywhere.

Thanks

[Researcher]

Sounds like it might be an after-market forearm. Without a serial number and pictures, I certainly can't tell much.

I have a 12-gauge, 1941 version, with solid rib that has all the features of a Model 31 Skeet Gun, but improved cylinder choke.

My gun has ordnance markings, and since I got it, I've seen several more similar Model 31s with ordnance markings. Remington probably used up a bunch of improved cylinder barrels on hand to make skeet guns for the military for aerial gunnery training during WW-II.

[AAHESpecial]

My father used Winchester M-12s most of his life, including a M-12 32 inch 2 3/4 in chambered gun,
and a M-12 heavy Duck gun.
He also used a 12 GA Greener double and a Specialty Grade LC Smith 20 GA double.
The Parker AAHE grade stayed at home.


I use Model 12 Heavy Duck guns for geese and ducks with bismuth shells.
The Winchester Model 12 is a tough reliable pump gun-hands down- in a duck blind or goose pit.
But, it is not a SF. So the Smith Long Range and Fox get to chase turkeys.

[Shelldrake]

Sounds like it might be an after-market forearm. Without a serial number and pictures, I certainly can't tell much.

I have a 12-gauge, 1941 version, with solid rib that has all the features of a Model 31 Skeet Gun, but improved cylinder choke.

52215 02.JPG

My gun has ordnance markings, and since I got it, I've seen several more similar Model 31s with ordnance markings. Remington probably used up a bunch of improved cylinder barrels on hand to make skeet guns for the military for aerial gunnery training during WW-II.

Yup, my 12 ga has ordnance markings too. 26" IC with a solid rib.

No good photos of the 20 ga as it departed about 50 years ago. My quest for another like it has not born fruit yet. I guess I could buy one with a grooved forearm and replace it with a beavertail.

[Stan Hillis]

One more try ...........

My father railed against two things in American shotgunnery -- Winchester Model 24s and bottom dumper pump guns.

I can understand someone not liking the M 24, but why did your dad dislike bottom ejecting pump guns so much, Dave?

????????????

[Researcher]

I suspect one of his cronies growing up in Minnesota had one of the John D. Pedersen designed Remingtons that got out of time and couldn't be fixed, but I don't really know.

As for the Model 24, it is a long and involved story from when my folks stopped in Montana to hunt with his aunt and her husband on their way from Minnesota back to Seattle with their new 1941 Chevrolet. Apparently, a member of the party had a new Model 24 with issues.

[Jim Cloninger]

My dad shot a Winchester Model 24! And my 1st shotgun was an Ithaca Model 37 20 gauge which I liked very much.

[loggy]

I bought an 870 when I was just out of high school. It was a little like the postman in that it delivered thru rain, sleet, snow and additionally mud. It was a wonderful duck gun. My dad had a model 12 which is now my sons. He still shoots a few pheasants with the gun. It has a full choke and works well for late season birds. They are both great guns. John