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American firearms –
Centuries of Quality and Superior Service
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Pictured: 1969 Winchester Lever Action Rifle
.30-30
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As there are an incredible number of American
firearms and manufacturers, it is quite hard to say which one is the
best and which one has influenced history the most. Still, there are
certain models bearing the names of important producers that have
become an important part of history. Among these many firearms, the
Remington 870 pump-action shotgun has its well deserved place,
having a great number of positive qualities and being regarded as
highly efficient. The Remington 870 has been used throughout time by
diverse law enforcement agencies, for both assault and defense, not
to mention in multiple target shooting competitions and also by
hunting enthusiasts.
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The history of the Remington pump-action
shotgun is filled with interesting events and even more interesting
names. It was the design of John Pedersen and John Browning that made
that very special model, an excellent shotgun and one of the most
dependable ever made. The two men worked closely together, creating an
entire series of pump-action shotguns, some of the best ever made. From
the time when it was produced and until 1973, the number of guns
produced by Remington had reached the unbelievable amount of 2 millions.
Modern models have been produced and the number of Remington pump-action
shotguns has managed to reach in the 1990s 7 million units. This firearm
is indeed one of the most popular pump-action firearms in the entire
American firearm history.
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The characteristics of the Remington 870 pump gun included an
innovative side ejecting receiver, with a tubular magazine and also
an internal hammer. Other features such as the trigger guard and
safety system are similar with other Remington models, especially
the pump-action center-fire rifles. And as incredible as it may
seem, there are hundreds of versions produced for the Remington 870.
Originally there were just 15 models produced; in time, more
firearms were produced for various purposes including for civilians,
law enforcement agencies and military squads. The popularity of the
Remington 870 pump-action gun remains undisputed and it will
probably remain so in the future. Starting with the Wingmaster,
which has beautiful wood decorative texture, continuing with the
Express model with satin wood and finishing with the Marine that has
nickel textures, it is impossible not to see the big picture.
Remington is all about quality and every gun standing under that
name follows the basic principle from which the original creator has
started. Other models include the Tactical shotgun, with 8-round
capacity and 20’’ barrel and the Combat Shotgun, especially adapted
for military operations. |
Despite Remington being so popular,
there are many other pump-action firearms that have contributed to the
making of history. The Winchester 1897 model is one of the best examples
that can be offered, being one of the most revolutionary shotguns ever
manufactured. The external hammer, the tubular magazine and the 16 gauge
represent just few of its many features and as it was expected the
design belongs to the same, ever popular, John Browning.
If there is one thing that can be said about this particular shotgun
that would be that it was one of the first pump-action shotguns
manufactured to be efficient and accurate. There were over 1 million of
Winchester 1897’s produced in different versions and with diverse barrel
lengths. For the guns with the 16 caliber, the barrel was of 28 inches,
while for the one with the 12 caliber, the barrel had 30 inches.
Winchester allowed for this pump gun to use smokeless powder and the
production lasted until the middle of the 20th century, the firearm
being the replaced with more powerful and certainly more modern
firearms, such as the Remington 870.
Pump-action rifles or shotguns were popular because of the faster
response provided by the pump-action mechanism. They had the advantage
of being durable and much more affordable. The ammunition was fed
through a tubular magazine but modern firearms had implemented a
detachable magazine. One of the most important features that made the
difference between modern and early pump-action shotguns was the trigger
disconnector. This was present in innovative models such as the
Remington 870 and it was considered a highly effective safety feature.
As for the first pump-action shotguns such as the Winchester 1897, the
lack of the safety features was believed to allow for a higher fire
rate.
As much as popular pump-action guns were, they were not half as popular
as the ones using the break action mechanism. This category includes a
wide variety of firearms such as: single and double barreled shotguns,
rifles and combination guns. Also, the break action might be encountered
in certain models of single-shot rifles, pistols and even grenade
launchers. The main advantage is represented by the compactness offered,
being incredibly lightweight and also small in size. And given the fact
that the breech system is simple, the break action is perfect for
firearms with an interchangeable barrel. The barrel being extremely long
compared to the size of the firearm, longer and more powerful cartridges
can be used. Thus, the same firearm can use more than one type of
caliber, including 12, 20, 28 and even 410 gauges.
And what are the disadvantages of having a firearm with a break action
mechanism? Well, the first thing and probably the most important is the
compatibility with non-repeating firearms. If you want multiple firings,
then you will certainly require more than one barrel. The short range is
another thing that might prevent you from considering this firearm
action as beneficial; however, if you are a passionate hunter and you
are interested in pursuing dangerous game at a close distance, this is
the gun for you. And another thing, if you are looking for a strong
firearm action, you’d better go for bolt-action designs. Break-open
firearms are not so powerful and they work their best using rim-fire
cartridges.
Double-barreled shotguns respect the same break-open action, being even
more compact than firearms using the similar action. They are practical
and are widely used in sporting competitions, including clay pigeon
shooting and target shooting as well. They are called double-barreled
because they have two barrels, each with its own trigger. In recent
models, there is one single trigger for both barrels and they offer the
advantage of almost instantaneous shooting. Once you fire a shot, you do
not have to wait too long to fire the second which is in fact kind of
cool.
Combination guns are usually sporting firearms and they borrow something
from every firearm. They have double barrels, one similar as those in
rifles and the other like in shotguns. They were mainly used in Europe
but they have seen increased use in American as well, being especially
liked by hunting enthusiasts. They prefer to use a gun that can fire
rifle and shotgun cartridges, having the possibility to pursue various
preys. And thus we can end another chapter of the American firearm
history, being proud of the firearms invented and of the great men that
pictured them!
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Semi-Autos: |
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Colt Mustang:
.380 caliber, baby 1911 - DOM 1992, real mop. |
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1908 Colts: 24kt
gold plated, fully engraved with mother of pearl. |
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1911 Colt:
For nine
decades the Colt Government Model 1911 has been without challenge
the most ... |
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Colt Officer's Model:
Slightly smaller than a Government Model, with the barrel length
reduced from 5" to 3.5". |
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Browning .25 Caliber
Automatic Pistol: The 1968 Gun Control Act stopped the
importation of these guns. |
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Colt 1903 Pocket
Hammerless .32: Produced from 1903 to 1945. |
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Colt 1908
Hammerless .25 (Vest Pocket) Model N was made in 1916. |
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Revolvers: |
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Colt .32 Detective Special:
Made in 1950, this gun is chambered in the .32 New Police cartridge
(.32 S&W Long). |
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Peacemaker:
The Colt
Single Action Army - this is a first generation gun. |
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Colt Python:
Pythons produced from 1955 to 1969 have no letter in
the serial number and are the most desirable to collectors. |
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Detective Special: One of the most well known and most
copied guns in the world. |
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Colt Cobra: It was an
earlier version of this gun Jack Ruby used to kill Lee Harvey
Oswald. |
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Ruger .22 Single Six: Commonly referred to as a "Flat
Gate". |
| Holsters: |
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Gun Holsters and
Various Methods of Carry: The holster is a very important
part of "concealed carry". |
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Holster Gallery:
Pictures of holsters that I have found to be of good quality as well
as design, functional, easy to use and a good value. |
| Rifles: |
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Colt Sauer Rifle:
Bolt Action, 30.06 caliber, 24" bbl., magazine capacity 3 or 4 rounds. |
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Winchester .30-30:
Lever Action, 30.30 caliber, saddle gun. |
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Shotguns: |
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Browning A-5:
Auto 16
gauge short bbl, stamped U.S. Property. |
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Remington Model 90-T:
A Single-Shot 12 Gauge Trap gun with a 34" bbl, Full Fixed Choke,
low vent rib and adjustable comb stock. |
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Remington Pump: Pump action 12
gauge with stamped patent dates... |
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Abercrombie & Fitch: 12 Gauge, Single Shot, 32" bbl.,
full fixed choke, made by Renato Gamba for Abercrombie & Fitch about
1978. |
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