Thanks, Blackie! I found a double barrel, early model 20 gauge Springfield 311a. As near as can find it was made somewhere between 1929-1936. Probably fired a million times, but as good as new... this has been Jay in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where it is still +37 degrees at 9pm on November 6, 2023. and yes, we had a few bugs still flying around earlier today at 64 degrees...
I have my grandfather's old "Bay State" H&R 12ga. made sometime in the 30s and I am more apt to grab that when headed out over my more expensive pumps and autos. It's such a versatile gun, not to mention lighter, chambered for 3" and fixed full choke. I love that gun.
Unfortunately, H&R/NEF are not making single shot shotguns or rifles anymore Thanks to the idiots at the corporate conglomerate that bought Marlin and H&R 1871; the bean counting Freedom Group. They had a great sales program that allowed you to send your action in and have them fit all manner of gauge or center fire rifle and pistol caliber barrels for it. The Single shot H&R Handi-rifle with the SB2 receiver was one of the least expensive and most versatile outdoors rifle/shotgun systems ever made. I hope someone in the firearms industry picks that patent up and resumes production.
Someone asked me about what kind of shotgun or where to get a shotgun. I told him single shot 12 or 20 gauge. Look at RUclips and refer them to you to look at for this video period which is one of your very very good ones all of them are good but this is one of the very best thank you. I've been watching you since 2014 January and this is one of the best ones I enjoy the lot.
You have a fantastic channel buddy! I am a single shot and double barrel fanatic! Nice to see somebody on you tube that actually knows what they're talking about. Fantastic video and very informative even to us who know a lot about them already. You really do have to give them a good look over before purchasing. You know yourself being a gunsmith, how gun dealers especially at flea markets will pull all kind of tricks to try and fool a person.
One of the biggest problems I've had and buying the old second hand shotgun is firing pins. Very few people went by an old shotgun will take time to check and make sure it's got a firing pin. I'll come across two or three which filing pins was missing
SUPER nice video! Have/had lots of shotguns, and to this day, my first grab out of the gun case is one of my old H&R singles. Truly a gun you can damn near learn to shoot by feel alone and carry them all day long! The .410 is my favorite, having discovered full brass cases and black powder substitute :). It tears me up, literally diminishes my soul :), to see SO many folks RUIN these great old single shots, even just the good ones, by hacking on the barrels because of this "tactical" nonsense in the lexicon. Sorry bout the rant!
Great video. I should say back in days, my dad started with muzzle loaders for a while be fore getting his hands on a single shot shotgun. You name it, he hunted from all kind of birds, small game to deers, mountain goats, bears. He was very successful hunter as marksmanship played big role in his success plus his passion for hunting and outdoors. He passed this along to me and I’m proudly caring his passion in my blood. I did start with single shots also which puts you into the challenge that every shot counts. Be safe and respect guns.
Thank you for the tips. I'm looking for a H&R (Seriously, I really am) 12 Guage modified choke chambered for 3 inch and wasn't sure of ALL things to look for. MUCH appreciated!
I still to this day have my very first gun a H&R Topper Model 58 single shot shotgun 12ga. with the 3 in. chamber and 28 in. modified barrel that was given to me for Christmas back in 1978 !!!! I did add a nice clamp on green fiber optic front sight directly behind the brass bead sight so I can see it better !!! And I also added a nice soft leather sling and oh yeah a Sims Limbsaver recoil pad to tame that mule kicking punch it gives you after each shot without the recoil pad !!!! And to add to its versatility I bought some of those Short Lane gun adapters to shoot other calibers out of my 12ga single shot shotgun !!!! The whole package would make the very BEST bug out gun bar none plain and simple !!!! If I had to ONLY own one gun it would be this one for sentamental reasons but the fact you can do so much with it because it's light weight gun that could be carried all day long if I had too !!!!
@@BLACKIETHOMAS I just bought a 1980's H&R shotgun. I want to know if it safe to use a .223 caliber barrel adapter to fire this caliber in my 12 gauge H&R Topper 88 shotgun ?
@@jeffreyelliott622 I just bought a used 12 gauge H&R Topper 88 shotgun two days ago. I bought a 4" inch .45acp barrel insert adapter and a 4" inch 9mm barrel insert adapter for my shotgun. I am thinking about having my H&R shotgun electroless nickel plated so it will be corrosion resistant and rust proof. It would make it a very good survival gun in humid or raining outside environments without the need to use gun oil on it.
I enjoyed hearing about the shotgun going tomorrow to buy a 410 just to have something in the house for protection and joy what you said and what to look for even at 75 you still not too old to learn thank you so much God bless
I bought an 50's single 20 for $125, in perfect condition. Don't think it had been shot more than a 1/2 box of shells. Blueing was great, barrel was shinny as a brand new nickle, stock was perfect.. My dad only had single shot shotguns and that's what he taught us on, one shot, one kill.. My friends laugh me, but who cares.. I don't hunt anymore, but I still wanted a good used single 20. Maybe I paid to much, but it's a great shotgun.
Man this is cool in my eyes . I am 54 . I know this is a nine year old video. I picked mine up new in the 90s . From Walmart for $89. . It had a cheap finish on the wood so I refinished it . Today it looks like yours but dark . I do have a shell holder on the stock . It is my woods gun . I have a bolt action goose gun that should be mounted to the top of a car . Do to it is so big . It was my father's.
I love single-shot shotguns. I likely have too many, but, when you can get them for just a few dollars.... A trick I use when a single has a worn hinge pin is to tap it our, rotate it 180 degrees, then tap it back in. That nearly always restores the headspacing.
Learned a lot from your percussion series. Any possibility of you doing a series on black powder rifles? Shot a t/c renegade, looking to purchase a Hawken.
I purchased a new NEF 20 gauge for $69 back in '98 for my sons when they were in their teens. The boys grew up and wanted pump actions as they got older. They now have their pumps and I still have the old single shot. I went hunting deer with my daughter last year and I carried the single shot. Why? Because it's dirt reliable and light-weight. My daughter and I hunted all day long for a solid week and lugging an 8 pound shotgun gets old after awhile.
Mr. Thomas. Thank you Sir, very much for your help to me as described in your video. Obviously, you speak with authority because of your vast experience. You came across to me as in really trying to help us "newbies", and not like the vast majority of the clowns, and plain idiots, in youTube who start their presentation with extremely loud demonic music, and say nothing useful. Again, thank you Sir, for your sharing of your experience. And, thank you Sir, for your hard work in the production of this video; a great job overall. Oscar Lechuga
When I was about twelve my grandfather took me inside gave me an old 16 gauge shotgun and said this is for you when I'm gone someday. Years later after he passed I got it from my dad. It's the only thing anybody's ever given me like that. Later on my mom saw it and she told me her and my dad were hunting along the beach on the great lakes in Michigan when they were young. I guess my mom accidentally plug the barrel with some sand and when she fired it blew the whole Barrel open and almost killed my dad and ended my family line. Needless to say I'm keeping this gun forever got a hell of a story. It must have been a really long barrel because they cut it off and it's still super long
My go to turkey gun is a NEF Turkey Pardner with X-tra full choke. Been shooting H&R single shots since I was a kid and can reload without looking as quick as I could shuck with a pump gun. My brother and his turkey hunting friends call it my "toy turkey gun" but I can drop em just as quick and just as far as they can with their cumbersome 835 pumps and 1100 autos. Before H&R/NEF got put out of business I had it fit for a rifled slug barrel as well.
A video idea for ya? I have a hell of a time teaching, and maybe it can't be taught, folks to NOT aim a shotgun (follow the target, not your barrel, etc.). I'd just bet you would do a nice job teaching this and leading targets. Just a thought.
I recently inherited a Winchester Model 37 12 gauge with an open choke. It’s quite possible it belonged to my great grandpa, or was my grandpas first shotgun. It’s got some surface rust, no pitting, and locks up tight. I would like to take it hunting, but as I have no experience with guns that have no safety I am in need of some pointers in carrying them into the field. I hope you can help me out.
without being there in person all i can do is give a general advice. I suggest you do a online search for the boy scout shotgun shooting badge manual..it will in common plain language outline many proper handling and hunting points to follow...keep gun unloaded and broken open until you get to where you will be shooting...load a shell into the chamber but do not close it until you see game..do not cock until gun is aimed at target...once you fire open action and clear chamber reload but leave open till you walk up to game .if second shot is need close and repeat..do your research on what types of shells and loads are correct for the game you are looking to hunt..and check local game wardens often they have a hunting course thats free for first time hunters..a single shot cane be a very good hunting gun with proper use and training..hope this helps ya safe journeys
Hi Blackie, I noticed you modified your shotgun by filing a sighting notch. Can you tell me how difficult it is? I have the exact same gun and would like to make the same modification. Really appreciate it if you could let me know! P.S. Congrats on your retirement!
it was real easy to do i suggest first you put a tape on the top of the reciever and add a black line where you think the notch should go..then shoot some..it make need to move left or right to account for your guns windage..move the line till you find the best place..the i used a triangle file to make the first hard scratch..then deepen with a fine tooth hacksaw go very slow do not take too much metal out stop and shoot all along till you get what you want..
Luck has nothing to do with it. Our rights weren't given to us. They were fought for and people had to die to insure that my generation would have them. Hopefully, it won't come to that again to make sure they are respected in the future.
Man did I fub up my last shotgun buy I was in search of a auto 5 in 20 as a shooter I found one ordered it when it arrived BAM I've got a 20 gauge auto 5 Browning contracted Remington gun that not a single part from any manufacture will fit and the bottom of the action is locked up and all the springs are worn and need to be replaced luckily I contacted mark novak from the c&rsenal anvil episodes he's working on it now
i just purchased a 12 gauge just like the one your showing and my question is when i break mine down to eject a spent round my breakdown tang will only push one way not both is you shotgun open the same way
Thanks, Blackie! I found a double barrel, early model 20 gauge Springfield 311a. As near as can find it was made somewhere between 1929-1936. Probably fired a million times, but as good as new... this has been Jay in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where it is still +37 degrees at 9pm on November 6, 2023. and yes, we had a few bugs still flying around earlier today at 64 degrees...
Thank you sir for your knowledge and ability
to teach.
Excellent video.
I have my grandfather's old "Bay State" H&R 12ga. made sometime in the 30s and I am more apt to grab that when headed out over my more expensive pumps and autos. It's such a versatile gun, not to mention lighter, chambered for 3" and fixed full choke. I love that gun.
often..haveing the old guns with us make the hunts better in many small ways
Thank you for all you do to preserve this knowledge in all your videos for the coming ages. I have learned alot of Black powder info from you.
Unfortunately, H&R/NEF are not making single shot shotguns or rifles anymore Thanks to the idiots at the corporate conglomerate that bought Marlin and H&R 1871; the bean counting Freedom Group. They had a great sales program that allowed you to send your action in and have them fit all manner of gauge or center fire rifle and pistol caliber barrels for it. The Single shot H&R Handi-rifle with the SB2 receiver was one of the least expensive and most versatile outdoors rifle/shotgun systems ever made. I hope someone in the firearms industry picks that patent up and resumes production.
Someone asked me about what kind of shotgun or where to get a shotgun. I told him single shot 12 or 20 gauge. Look at RUclips and refer them to you to look at for this video period which is one of your very very good ones all of them are good but this is one of the very best thank you. I've been watching you since 2014 January and this is one of the best ones I enjoy the lot.
I have french simplex which belongs
To my Dad and single barrel. nice to see your details regarding guns..
You have a fantastic channel buddy! I am a single shot and double barrel fanatic! Nice to see somebody on you tube that actually knows what they're talking about. Fantastic video and very informative even to us who know a lot about them already. You really do have to give them a good look over before purchasing. You know yourself being a gunsmith, how gun dealers especially at flea markets will pull all kind of tricks to try and fool a person.
Absolutely!!!!
Cudos,for being the only video,that i have seen,regarding the Single shot shotgun....Others ignore the Validity of this weapon..
Wow. You not only know your stuff; you know how to present your lesson too. Just the kind of instruction I needed. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
One of the biggest problems I've had and buying the old second hand shotgun is firing pins. Very few people went by an old shotgun will take time to check and make sure it's got a firing pin. I'll come across two or three which filing pins was missing
Thanks, very useful. I’m going to an estate unction this weekend and these tips will really help.
SUPER nice video! Have/had lots of shotguns, and to this day, my first grab out of the gun case is one of my old H&R singles. Truly a gun you can damn near learn to shoot by feel alone and carry them all day long! The .410 is my favorite, having discovered full brass cases and black powder substitute :). It tears me up, literally diminishes my soul :), to see SO many folks RUIN these great old single shots, even just the good ones, by hacking on the barrels because of this "tactical" nonsense in the lexicon. Sorry bout the rant!
Great video. I should say back in days, my dad started with muzzle loaders for a while be fore getting his hands on a single shot shotgun. You name it, he hunted from all kind of birds, small game to deers, mountain goats, bears. He was very successful hunter as marksmanship played big role in his success plus his passion for hunting and outdoors. He passed this along to me and I’m proudly caring his passion in my blood. I did start with single shots also which puts you into the challenge that every shot counts. Be safe and respect guns.
Thank you for the tips. I'm looking for a H&R (Seriously, I really am) 12 Guage modified choke chambered for 3 inch and wasn't sure of ALL things to look for. MUCH appreciated!
safe journeys to ya
I still to this day have my very first gun a H&R Topper Model 58 single shot shotgun 12ga. with the 3 in. chamber and 28 in. modified barrel that was given to me for Christmas back in 1978 !!!! I did add a nice clamp on green fiber optic front sight directly behind the brass bead sight so I can see it better !!! And I also added a nice soft leather sling and oh yeah a Sims Limbsaver recoil pad to tame that mule kicking punch it gives you after each shot without the recoil pad !!!! And to add to its versatility I bought some of those Short Lane gun adapters to shoot other calibers out of my 12ga single shot shotgun !!!! The whole package would make the very BEST bug out gun bar none plain and simple !!!! If I had to ONLY own one gun it would be this one for sentamental reasons but the fact you can do so much with it because it's light weight gun that could be carried all day long if I had too !!!!
@@BLACKIETHOMAS I just bought a 1980's H&R shotgun. I want to know if it safe to use a .223 caliber barrel adapter to fire this caliber in my 12 gauge H&R Topper 88 shotgun ?
@@jeffreyelliott622 I just bought a used 12 gauge H&R Topper 88 shotgun two days ago. I bought a 4" inch .45acp barrel insert adapter and a 4" inch 9mm barrel insert adapter for my shotgun. I am thinking about having my H&R shotgun electroless nickel plated so it will be corrosion resistant and rust proof. It would make it a very good survival gun in humid or raining outside environments without the need to use gun oil on it.
I enjoyed hearing about the shotgun going tomorrow to buy a 410 just to have something in the house for protection and joy what you said and what to look for even at 75 you still not too old to learn thank you so much God bless
Excellent video my friend. Please keep them coming. Much respect.
Thanks Blackie, an Oldie but a Goodie
What an outstanding video. I saved your video to watch again. Your explanations were so clear. Great work...
I bought an 50's single 20 for $125, in perfect condition. Don't think it had been shot more than a 1/2 box of shells. Blueing was great, barrel was shinny as a brand new nickle, stock was perfect.. My dad only had single shot shotguns and that's what he taught us on, one shot, one kill.. My friends laugh me, but who cares.. I don't hunt anymore, but I still wanted a good used single 20. Maybe I paid to much, but it's a great shotgun.
Thank you! I have been eyeing several older single shotguns at my local store, this was very helpful!
glad it was
Man this is cool in my eyes . I am 54 . I know this is a nine year old video. I picked mine up new in the 90s . From Walmart for $89. . It had a cheap finish on the wood so I refinished it . Today it looks like yours but dark . I do have a shell holder on the stock . It is my woods gun . I have a bolt action goose gun that should be mounted to the top of a car . Do to it is so big . It was my father's.
I love single-shot shotguns. I likely have too many, but, when you can get them for just a few dollars....
A trick I use when a single has a worn hinge pin is to tap it our, rotate it 180 degrees, then tap it back in. That nearly always restores the headspacing.
yep gets a unworn side back under the hook
Learned a lot from your percussion series. Any possibility of you doing a series on black powder rifles? Shot a t/c renegade, looking to purchase a Hawken.
I purchased a new NEF 20 gauge for $69 back in '98 for my sons when they were in their teens. The boys grew up and wanted pump actions as they got older. They now have their pumps and I still have the old single shot. I went hunting deer with my daughter last year and I carried the single shot. Why? Because it's dirt reliable and light-weight. My daughter and I hunted all day long for a solid week and lugging an 8 pound shotgun gets old after awhile.
bravooo!!! thank you!!! Publish another video for double barell's too, please.
Mr. Thomas.
Thank you Sir, very much for your help to me as described in your video. Obviously, you speak with authority because of your vast experience. You came across to me as in really trying to help us "newbies", and not like the vast majority of the clowns, and plain idiots, in youTube who start their presentation with extremely loud demonic music, and say nothing useful.
Again, thank you Sir, for your sharing of your experience. And, thank you Sir, for your hard work in the production of this video; a great job overall.
Oscar Lechuga
glad you found it of use..safe journeys
When I was about twelve my grandfather took me inside gave me an old 16 gauge shotgun and said this is for you when I'm gone someday. Years later after he passed I got it from my dad. It's the only thing anybody's ever given me like that. Later on my mom saw it and she told me her and my dad were hunting along the beach on the great lakes in Michigan when they were young. I guess my mom accidentally plug the barrel with some sand and when she fired it blew the whole Barrel open and almost killed my dad and ended my family line. Needless to say I'm keeping this gun forever got a hell of a story. It must have been a really long barrel because they cut it off and it's still super long
Parfait. From France very well explained. I've got to admit the bell sound was #1
My go to turkey gun is a NEF Turkey Pardner with X-tra full choke. Been shooting H&R single shots since I was a kid and can reload without looking as quick as I could shuck with a pump gun. My brother and his turkey hunting friends call it my "toy turkey gun" but I can drop em just as quick and just as far as they can with their cumbersome 835 pumps and 1100 autos. Before H&R/NEF got put out of business I had it fit for a rifled slug barrel as well.
beware the man who shoots his gun often and well
Barreta 302A & Breda 12 gauge single barrel. Very content...Great review
great job, love your videos! thanks
I had no idea there was so much to look at. Thanks for the detail.
Thank you sir this video is so useful
Nice, I have one made in 1886 in New York.
A video idea for ya? I have a hell of a time teaching, and maybe it can't be taught, folks to NOT aim a shotgun (follow the target, not your barrel, etc.). I'd just bet you would do a nice job teaching this and leading targets. Just a thought.
I'm a fan of double barrel shotguns myself. Are single barrel shotguns significantly longer lasting than doubles?
As all ways, great information. Thank you.
You have an interesting video. Thank you. Is there a way to determine the age of an old H&R 12 Ga single barrel break?
I recently inherited a Winchester Model 37 12 gauge with an open choke. It’s quite possible it belonged to my great grandpa, or was my grandpas first shotgun. It’s got some surface rust, no pitting, and locks up tight. I would like to take it hunting, but as I have no experience with guns that have no safety I am in need of some pointers in carrying them into the field. I hope you can help me out.
without being there in person all i can do is give a general advice. I suggest you do a online search for the boy scout shotgun shooting badge manual..it will in common plain language outline many proper handling and hunting points to follow...keep gun unloaded and broken open until you get to where you will be shooting...load a shell into the chamber but do not close it until you see game..do not cock until gun is aimed at target...once you fire open action and clear chamber reload but leave open till you walk up to game .if second shot is need close and repeat..do your research on what types of shells and loads are correct for the game you are looking to hunt..and check local game wardens often they have a hunting course thats free for first time hunters..a single shot cane be a very good hunting gun with proper use and training..hope this helps ya safe journeys
very good infromation sir thank you booth very nice firearms
I sure started out with one still got a few and both my kids have a single shot 12ga in their home
Hi Blackie, I noticed you modified your shotgun by filing a sighting notch. Can you tell me how difficult it is? I have the exact same gun and would like to make the same modification. Really appreciate it if you could let me know! P.S. Congrats on your retirement!
it was real easy to do i suggest first you put a tape on the top of the reciever and add a black line where you think the notch should go..then shoot some..it make need to move left or right to account for your guns windage..move the line till you find the best place..the i used a triangle file to make the first hard scratch..then deepen with a fine tooth hacksaw go very slow do not take too much metal out stop and shoot all along till you get what you want..
@@BLACKIETHOMAS Thanks for the excellent info!
Great video! Easy to understand and thorough!
Oh and 5 dollars for a box?! In Sweden they cost 10-20 dollars for a 25 box... :(
krullithehero WOW here they run 5 bucks on sale and 6 or so when not
You guys sure are lucky to have such low costs and near to no gun regulations!
Luck has nothing to do with it. Our rights weren't given to us. They were fought for and people had to die to insure that my generation would have them. Hopefully, it won't come to that again to make sure they are respected in the future.
great info sir.love.my 12.n 20 single nefs.
This was really helpful.
Great tips. Thanks
Hi my name is Walter I think you give a great explanation of the of the shotguns what to look for and I join your video God bless you thank you
your welcome and glad you found it useful..safe journeys to you
I learned something today. Woods loafing Thanks
Man did I fub up my last shotgun buy I was in search of a auto 5 in 20 as a shooter I found one ordered it when it arrived BAM I've got a 20 gauge auto 5 Browning contracted Remington gun that not a single part from any manufacture will fit and the bottom of the action is locked up and all the springs are worn and need to be replaced luckily I contacted mark novak from the c&rsenal anvil episodes he's working on it now
Sir feebly s c0ut monarch l used fully choke its very nice gun
Great vid. Learned a lot
i just purchased a 12 gauge just like the one your showing and my question is when i break mine down to eject a spent round my breakdown tang will only push one way not both is you shotgun open the same way
yes one way was the common way they were made
Shamans and Shotguns
That would be a nice youtube name.
as of this date, Walmart has a single barrel in 20 and 12 gauge with a vent rib even for under $100.00. Made in Turkey I believe.
they are pretty good guns
Good video
Looking forward to a Hopkins & Allen's single shot
I have a NEF pardner 12 with mod choke . Can I shoot steel shot out of it?
You're awesome! I want you to be my uncle lol
thank you..hope you enjoy my channel..safe journeys
great tips buddy!
I had 37 A 12 gauge back in 76 but I can't find one now why is that gun so hard to get
Thank you
Well got a Baikal cal. 12 gauch singelshotgun.
My only one so far.
But i Hit got with It.
Dad gave me a 20ga single shot Stevens and I got many rabbits and brids with it fond memory's
many of us started out with a single..
I broke out , on a Winchester 1987 ,16 guage , hold the trigger down and pump slamfire
كم دولار سعر البندقية
Winchester model 37 redface in 12 ga full choke
Mine is a 20 guage.
now 410 is $40 for 25