Original Item: Only One Available. Made prior to 1899, this very nice 10 gauge shotgun is Federally classed as antique ANTIQUE. For most of the 19th Century, Shotguns had not been a big market for American gun makers, due to the well-developed import trade coming out of England. However, in 1883, U.S. Congress imposed a 35% on imported firearms, and the American arms industry was quick to respond. Remington was America's oldest gunmaker, and had in fact been making top-break double shotguns since 1874, so they were already in production at this watershed moment, and quickly produced a number of different models.

The Model 1882 was the first model introduced that used the conventional "turning lever" or side lever on the back of the breech to open the action. Previously they had used a "lifter" style lever, which was pulled up to open the breech, however this made it harder reload while remaining in position. It also utilized the patented fore stock catch design of Deeley & Edge of England, who authorized permission to E. Remington
& Sons for it’s use.

Remington offered the model 1882 in 5 "grades", with increasing levels of appointments. The Grade 1 had plain checkered walnut stocks and "Decarbonized steel" barrels, while the higher levels had twist, laminated, or Damascus steel barrels, with increasing amounts of engraving and imported English Walnut stocks.

As a double Barrel with standard barrels, with little in the way of special appointments, this is definitely a Grade 1 Model 1882, the "economy" standard production model. However even as the "lowest" grade, the checkered pistol grip stock and "C shaped" hammers give it a great look. There are no markings on the side action locks, but the barrel still has a faint E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y. on the barrel rib, indicating it was made before the family sold the company in 1888, and it became known as "Remington Arms Co.". The top of the "water table" is marked with the correct patent numbers for this early example:

PATENT -
AUG. 6 1871
APR. 18 1872

The shotgun is overall in very nice condition, still bearing Serial number 6538 under the barrel, on the receiver "table", inside the barrel latch, on the barrel latch retaining screw, and on both the metal and wood components of the fore stock. There is also assembly number 44 on the barrel by the fore stock catch, on the fore stock attachment fitting, and on the table as well. The model 1882 began production at serial 001 and stopped at around 15,000 in 1885, so we estimate this example was probably made in 1883 or 1884.

The gun breaks down as it should, and is fully functional as far as we can see. The firing pins on both side present properly and spring back, the cartridge ejector properly pushes out, and both locks function correctly. The lever must be pushed relatively hard to remove the barrel from the action. We checked the bores, and they show a fair amount of past fouling, so this is definitely a gun that saw a lot of use during its life.

The shotgun looks to have undergone a full restoration sometime recently, which has unfortunately made the markings and checkering on the barrel faint. However this also means that it really looks fantastic, ready to hang up on the wall. The stock is beautiful, having been oiled in house to really bring out the grain.

Fully restored and ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: c.1883-84
Caliber: 10 Gauge
Ammunition Type: 10 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Barrel Length: 30 inches with 3 inch chambers
Overall Length: 46 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Hammer actuated Firing Pins.
Feed System: Top Break Single Shot - two barrels

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.