Montgomery Ward Hercules

jafriede · August 9, 2008, 11:42 PM

I just inherited my Grandfather's Montgomery Ward 20 gauge "Hercules" shotgun. From what I have found on Google, it was made my either Iver Johnson or J Stevens. I would like to thoroughly clean it and touch up the bluing, but I can't figure out how to remove the barrel from the action. The pivot point appears to be more of a press fit than a roll pin. Here is a picture I found on the web of an assembly that looks nearly identical to mine for reference. I would appreciate any help.

**EDIT: After doing more research, I am almost positive it was made by Stevens and is equivalent to a Stevens model 94. Still have no idea how to remove the barrel.

SDC · August 10, 2008, 08:36 AM

Most single-shots break down the same way; pointing the shotgun in a safe direction, open it and make sure the shotgun is empty. Close the action back up, and then pull the front of the forearm down against spring pressure until you can pull the forearm off of the shotgun. Once the forearm is off, you just open the shotgun again with the thumb-latch, and with the forearm out of the way, the barrel will be able to pivot all the way off the receiver. Reassembly is just the reverse.

Lavid2002 · August 10, 2008, 08:38 AM

Almost positive, See the curved peice of metal where the forearm shoud be, it should notch into a block on the BBL, back it out of there. BBL should then slip right out.

jafriede · August 10, 2008, 11:07 AM

Lavid2002, you are right about the curved piece fitting into a notch. It is very tight. Any idea how hard it will be to get back in?

jafriede · August 10, 2008, 10:40 PM

Thanks for the help. I think I figured out the secret. If you gently pry between between the barrel and the rectangular piece of steel that has the curved "spring" on the end, it will go over center. Then you can lift the barrel right off. To put it back, you press on the steel bar until it snaps over center the opposite way and locks the barrel into place.

George R · August 12, 2008, 02:42 PM

Are you sure it isn't a H&R Topper? aka Hercules model 11?

jafriede · August 12, 2008, 10:08 PM

Wow, kind of does look like a Topper, but I still think it's a Stevens based on web pics I've looked at and the link below. I'm taking it to a gunsmith to be checked out tomorrow. I'll see what he thinks.

http://www.gabelguns.com/QuestionsAn...ionNumber=9309

RJay · August 13, 2008, 12:26 AM

If it's a Hercules Grade then it's a Iver Johnson, If it's just a Hercules, then it should be a Stevens.

Harley Nolden · August 13, 2008, 04:06 AM

I am not sure when these codes began, but if there is an EY following the model name it would by made by Iver Johnson. If there is an SB following the model name it was made by Savage. I could be all wet on this, please correct me if this is incorrect.

I find no code for Stevens, however, with the Savage Stevens name it could be either

HJN

jafriede · August 18, 2008, 09:35 AM

Well, the gunsmith I took it to confirmed it's a Stevens 94. The barrel said "Proof Tested 20 Gauge" which he said is typical of Stevens. Thanks for the input guys.

August 9, 2008, 11:42 PM	#1
jafriede Junior Member Join Date: August 9, 2008 Posts: 11	Montgomery Ward Hercules I just inherited my Grandfather's Montgomery Ward 20 gauge "Hercules" shotgun. From what I have found on Google, it was made my either Iver Johnson or J Stevens. I would like to thoroughly clean it and touch up the bluing, but I can't figure out how to remove the barrel from the action. The pivot point appears to be more of a press fit than a roll pin. Here is a picture I found on the web of an assembly that looks nearly identical to mine for reference. I would appreciate any help. *EDIT: After doing more research, I am almost positive it was made by Stevens and is equivalent to a Stevens model 94. Still have no idea how to remove the barrel. Last edited by jafriede; August 10, 2008 at 07:36 AM. Reason: NEW INFORMATION*

August 10, 2008, 08:36 AM	#2
SDC Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2001 Location: People's Republic of Kanada Posts: 1,652	Most single-shots break down the same way; pointing the shotgun in a safe direction, open it and make sure the shotgun is empty. Close the action back up, and then pull the front of the forearm down against spring pressure until you can pull the forearm off of the shotgun. Once the forearm is off, you just open the shotgun again with the thumb-latch, and with the forearm out of the way, the barrel will be able to pivot all the way off the receiver. Reassembly is just the reverse. __________________ Gun control in Canada: making the streets safer for rapists, muggers, and other violent criminals since 1936.

August 10, 2008, 08:38 AM	#3
Lavid2002 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2007 Posts: 2,568	Almost positive, See the curved peice of metal where the forearm shoud be, it should notch into a block on the BBL, back it out of there. BBL should then slip right out. __________________ Math>Grammar

August 12, 2008, 02:42 PM	#6
George R Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 151	Hercules shotgun Are you sure it isn't a H&R Topper? aka Hercules model 11? __________________ http://www.gunblue.homestead.com Last edited by George R; August 12, 2008 at 04:19 PM. Reason: clarification

August 10, 2008, 11:07 AM	#4
jafriede Junior Member Join Date: August 9, 2008 Posts: 11	Lavid2002, you are right about the curved piece fitting into a notch. It is very tight. Any idea how hard it will be to get back in?

August 10, 2008, 10:40 PM	#5
jafriede Junior Member Join Date: August 9, 2008 Posts: 11	Thanks for the help. I think I figured out the secret. If you gently pry between between the barrel and the rectangular piece of steel that has the curved "spring" on the end, it will go over center. Then you can lift the barrel right off. To put it back, you press on the steel bar until it snaps over center the opposite way and locks the barrel into place.

August 12, 2008, 10:08 PM	#7
jafriede Junior Member Join Date: August 9, 2008 Posts: 11	Wow, kind of does look like a Topper, but I still think it's a Stevens based on web pics I've looked at and the link below. I'm taking it to a gunsmith to be checked out tomorrow. I'll see what he thinks. http://www.gabelguns.com/QuestionsAn...ionNumber=9309

August 13, 2008, 12:26 AM	#8
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	If it's a Hercules Grade then it's a Iver Johnson, If it's just a Hercules, then it should be a Stevens.

August 13, 2008, 04:06 AM	#9
Harley Nolden Staff In Memoriam Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Brunswick,GA USA Posts: 1,884	I am not sure when these codes began, but if there is an EY following the model name it would by made by Iver Johnson. If there is an SB following the model name it was made by Savage. I could be all wet on this, please correct me if this is incorrect. I find no code for Stevens, however, with the Savage Stevens name it could be either HJN

August 18, 2008, 09:35 AM	#10
jafriede Junior Member Join Date: August 9, 2008 Posts: 11	Well, the gunsmith I took it to confirmed it's a Stevens 94. The barrel said "Proof Tested 20 Gauge" which he said is typical of Stevens. Thanks for the input guys.