Original Item: Only One Available. Made prior to 1899, this very nice 12 gauge shotgun is Federally classed as antique ANTIQUE. The Remington Model 1889 Double Barreled shotgun was the last external hammer shotgun they would produce, and was really the last of the great side hammer shotguns.

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 design changed quickly over the years, introducing features such as rebounding locks, which did not require a half cock position and allowed safe reloading, as well as changes to the shape of the hammer to make them more low profile.

The Model 1889 is the endpoint in the evolution of these Remington hammer guns. Like all the others, it was extremely well made and finished, but there is a sleekness about it that the others can’t quite match. And its low-profile hammers with their nearly circular necks are distinctive. Remington offered it in seven grades, the lower three as production guns, the higher four, nicely engraved, on special order only. Grades 1, 2 and 3 look virtually identical. Charles G. Semmer extensively researched the history of Remington Shotguns in his book Remington Double Shotguns, published in 1996:

Grade 1 is the only one that contains decarbonized steel barrels, Grade 2 has twist steel barrels and Grade 3, Damascus. Remember, the 1880s was still a time when twist or Damascus barrels was one sign of a top-quality gun.

Actually, the Model 1889 came at a watershed in company history. E. Remington & Sons went bankrupt in 1888, and when the New Model 1889 appeared, it was under the style Remington Arms Company. It was the last of the hammer guns, superseded by a series of hammerless breechloaders beginning with the Model 1894. But the handsome old thing didn’t go quietly; it remained popular enough that the company kept building it till 1908. That makes the Model 1889 one of the last high-quality hammer guns made in this country.

As a double Barrel with twist forged barrels, with little in the way of special appointments, this is definitely a Grade 2 Model 1889, one of the "upgraded" versions of the standard production model. It has two side Hammer gun locks, each marked REMINGTON ARMS CO. on the lock plate. It is also marked REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION N.Y. U.S.A. on the center strap between the barrels. It has a dark brown "Gutta Percha" hard rubber checkered Butt plate with the R.A. script monogram in the center.

The shotgun is overall in very nice condition, with good markings under the barrel, including Serial number 67955, which is also marked on the receiver "water table", inside the barrel latch recess, on the bottom left breech end of the barrel assembly, and on both the metal and wood components of the fore stock. The Model 1889 had started at serial number 24,000 in 1889, and by 1897 the last serial was 80389, so this is an early example, from the first few years of production, circa 1892-1893. This also means that it is definitively considered a Pre-1899 Antique Firearm by the BATF. There is also a 2 stamp on the water table and on the bottom of the barrel, probably referring to this being a "Grade 2" shotgun.

The gun breaks down as it should, and is fully functional. Both locks work as they should, the ejector presents properly when the action is broken open, and the springs on both firing pins are still intact and fully functional. Condition is quite nice, with a nice finish on the metal and wood. The original bluing on the barrels is faded to a polished gray patina, with some areas of staining and past peppering, however we can clearly see the spiral forging pattern of the "twist steel" barrels. The action has a similar look, still retaining some of the original case colored finish, and there are not any signs of major cleaning or restoration to the metalwork, giving it a lovely "rested" look. The stocks are in great shape, looking to retain the original factory varnish, with the checkering on the butt and fore grip still very strong. We do not see any major damage to the wood, just the usual wear from use. The 12 gauge barrels have 3 inch chambers, and are in good condition, with some wear and powder fowling present, which has been mostly cleaned away.

Very nice and fully cleaned, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: c.1895-6
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Ammunition Type: 12 Gauge Black Powder 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

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 most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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 most addresses within the United States.