Two barrel sets different gauges and serial numbers?

[vaturkey]

Curious, because its 4 below outside right now and well, the dogs and I are pretty much captive. Anyway, I know I've seen some 2 barrel factory sets (I think) in 16 and 20 gauge and was wondering how the serial numbers are marked and are the barrels marked as 1's and 2's? Anyway, thinking someone knows for sure.

PS. Stay warm all. Looking forward to next week and the great thaw in Va.

[MARSHFELLOW]

I've seen a few two gauge sets but I have never seen one (yet) that has lettered as such from the factory.
tjw

[bbman3]

Tom I have made up a few sets but never seen an original. Bobby

[vaturkey]

There is a 2 barrel set AE 20 gauge on GI right now that includes 16 gauge barrels.. Seller is cheaper then dirt. Not sure I'm allowed to post the number, so I wont.

Saw it a few days ago. Guessing made up but am curious on other folks thoughts.

[Silvers]

Tom, I checked it out last night and expanded the pics to see that the frame, both barrels and the one forend shown all have the same serials. Both barrels have Phila Fox/oval proof stamps and one also has what looks like the Savage SP/oval proof. It's odd that a Savage-era gun would have barrels with Phila proofs and also that (apparently) one ejector forend was fitted to both barrels, not typical although that's possible with some effort. The frame looks like it has some significant case color wear but barrel bluing both look very nice? If anyone is interested in this gun I'd suggest they expand the GI pics, get the serial number and start out with a record card check to verify the 20-gauge barrel before discussions with the seller. frank

[vaturkey]

Frank, the more I look at the more I'm confused. The one set of barrels (3 weight) are engraved at the breech, the other ( assume original set are not). I'm guessing perhaps a second set ordered later, but as I recall order cards will only show the original configuration and what happened down the road might not have been recorded. Also wondered why the 16 gauge set still had the 20 gauge serial number? Ah, if these guns could only tell the stories, those stories would be interesting indeed.

[Researcher]

According to my copies of the tabulation sheets Roe Clark did of graded 20-gauges for McIntosh's book, that gun was shipped 5 May 1939, which fits with both the stock and forearm wood being very late Savage style. Actually the buttstock may be even later Chicopee Falls style. Likewise the watertable markings of the serial number and 20 GA are very Savage style. Also, the gun has a Savage-style safety slide, but a Philadelphia style top-lever. IMO a cobbled together gun worth maybe three grand on a good day and asking nine.