The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Two questions-the history of shotguns

Jim Watson · November 10, 2002, 03:22 PM

1. W.W. Greener said the J. Needham was the first ejector double, in 1874. Most other ejector systems were developments of the Needham design.

2. The Spencer is usually said to be the first pump shotgun, model of 1882. Mostly 12 gauge, a few 10s. I don't know the capacity for sure, probably five or six. Reports of its serviceability vary. It was certainly not up to the Winchester, and only lasted until 1887 when the company folded. Bannerman sold the remaining inventory while it lasted. Winchester first brought out a Browning - design pump in 1893. It was upgraded into the 1897.

I find no mention of an 1882 Stevens. Could there be confusion with the Spencer? It was a "hammerless" gun with a release lever that looked like a reversed trigger in the front of the trigger guard. The foreend-pump handle was very small. The first Stevens pump I could find was the Model 200 of 1910.

November 10, 2002, 03:22 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	1. W.W. Greener said the J. Needham was the first ejector double, in 1874. Most other ejector systems were developments of the Needham design. 2. The Spencer is usually said to be the first pump shotgun, model of 1882. Mostly 12 gauge, a few 10s. I don't know the capacity for sure, probably five or six. Reports of its serviceability vary. It was certainly not up to the Winchester, and only lasted until 1887 when the company folded. Bannerman sold the remaining inventory while it lasted. Winchester first brought out a Browning - design pump in 1893. It was upgraded into the 1897. I find no mention of an 1882 Stevens. Could there be confusion with the Spencer? It was a "hammerless" gun with a release lever that looked like a reversed trigger in the front of the trigger guard. The foreend-pump handle was very small. The first Stevens pump I could find was the Model 200 of 1910.