new old shotgun

[customaquatics]

i just got a diamond arms single shot 12 guage from the gun shop for $70 an was wondering how these things are? like reliability an everything.

[Hawg]

Diamond Arms is another Shapleigh Hardware brand. Yours was probably made by Iver Johnson and would be a decent shooter worth about what you paid for it.

[customaquatics]

how do i figure out what year this is? an what size of shell does these take? 2 3/4?

[Hawg]

Getting a date will be hard to do. Shells will probably be 2 3/4. Best take it to a gunsmith and let him measure the chamber tho.

[customaquatics]

ya i haven't found a site that tells what size of shells the 12 gauge takes.

[Hawg]

Those single barrels by Iver Johnson were made around 1920-1930 so should be 2 3/4. Like I said tho best let a smith measure it to be sure.

[customaquatics]

o cool so it's almost 100 years old! an its my new squirrel gun if the smithy clear's it for firing.

[TX Hunter]

Got any pictures ? When I was a kid I started hunting with a very old 20 Gauge Single Barrel. I miss that gun, but my uncle inherited it, so its still in the family.:)

[customaquatics]

just like mine but mine has darker wood.
http://cdn.armslist.com/images/posts/6343743473038469990hgkx2eu.jpg

[TX Hunter]

Thanks for the picture, it brings back memories, that looks like the old 20 guage I used as a boy. I remember the smell of the gunpowder, and the many a squirrel I brought home with that old gun.

[customaquatics]

are these like all the old guys have? the mule kicking 12 gauge? or do they not kick that hard?

[TX Hunter]

Yes Sir, thats like us old guys had, except mine was a 20 Gauge.
Simple reliable, and yes they kick. Good old Shotguns, Ive been tempted to try and get another one like the one I used as a Boy.