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Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 12:55 pm
by Foxnut
Many of you know that another gun I like a lot is the Hollenbeck/Three Barrel Gun Co/Royal Arms out of WV just after the turn of the century. Below are pics of a 20 gauge gun that I have owned 20 years or so. A couple unique points on this gun. 1. There is no maker’s mark, serial number or grade stamped on the gun anywhere. 2. The trigger guard extends in front of the rifle barrel selector. This is the only one I’ve seen done this way. Usually the rifle barrel selector is in front of the trigger guard. 3. It has the barrel ornamentation on the bottom of the breech end of the barrels above the frame. 4. Skeleton steel butt plate w/brass plug for cleaning rod/jig.

I can’t say with certainty if this was a prototype, an employee acquired/finished gun or made up from parts after the firm went under for good. Either way the workmanship, engraving, stock work and checkering are all excellent. One of those guns that make you scratch your head in wonderment/questions.
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Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 12:57 pm
by Foxnut
more pics.
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Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 2:36 pm
by Stan Hoover
That is interesting Bret,

I always look the Hollenbeck guns over when I see them but have never pulled the trigger on one. I see the shotgun barrels are Damascus, is the lower rifle barrel also Damascus?

I’m sure you noticed the Damascus 28 gauge that surfaced recently, were you the fortunate winner?

Stan

Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 4:07 pm
by Foxnut
Stan Hoover wrote: Fri Mar 07, 2025 2:36 pm That is interesting Bret,

I always look the Hollenbeck guns over when I see them but have never pulled the trigger on one. I see the shotgun barrels are Damascus, is the lower rifle barrel also Damascus?

I’m sure you noticed the Damascus 28 gauge that surfaced recently, were you the fortunate winner?

Stan
Stan, all the rifle barrels are fluid steel. I did see the 28 gauge. To my knowledge that’s one of two 28 gauge guns of which neither are in the ledger/records. I like that gun but did not bid on it.

Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 6:54 pm
by DarylC
Love the checkering pattern on the forend and buttstock. What caliber is the rifle?

Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 9:13 pm
by Jeff S
I agree with Daryl. Wonderful checkering.

Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2025 11:24 pm
by jolly bill
Brett,

That is one fine looking gun. There sure was a lot of expert work in making and finishing it. And no markings on the inside either?

Yeah, what caliber is the rifle?

Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2025 12:26 am
by Stan Hillis
Gorgeous. Better workmanship in some areas than a London best. Fabulous checkering. That forend is to die for.

Thanks so much for sharing those pics.

Re: Hollenbeck 20 Gauge Drilling

Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:07 am
by Foxnut
I can’t remember if the rifle caliber is marked or not. When I get it back out I will check. When I had it out of the safe yesterday I could not get the barrels off the frame and was in a hurry. I need to remember how to break down a Hollenbeck when there are issues and didn’t take the time to do so yesterday