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**Mike Irwin** · April 11, 2002, 02:56 PM

Cplane,

Given the serial number that you sent me, 35XXX, I'd say your gun was made in either 1889 or 1890.

As Jim surmised, the serial number makes it a 2nd model.

This definitely puts them in the "black powder" category for ammo. Later guns were a little stronger, given the higher pressures generated by smokeless.

You can find parts for these guns, but some of the parts on the 2nd models are a little different, and as it's older, are harder to find.

If you do decide to shoot it, only shoot it with VERY light loads of smokeless powder, and quite frankly I don't think I'd shoot it at all.

April 11, 2002, 02:56 PM	#7
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Cplane, Given the serial number that you sent me, 35XXX, I'd say your gun was made in either 1889 or 1890. As Jim surmised, the serial number makes it a 2nd model. This definitely puts them in the "black powder" category for ammo. Later guns were a little stronger, given the higher pressures generated by smokeless. You can find parts for these guns, but some of the parts on the 2nd models are a little different, and as it's older, are harder to find. If you do decide to shoot it, only shoot it with VERY light loads of smokeless powder, and quite frankly I don't think I'd shoot it at all. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.