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romavik · June 11, 2012, 02:30 PM

So having gotten into shotgunning in the last year or so, I wanted to take a look at my uncle's old side by side just out of curiosity. He doesn't know much about shotguns as it was a gift about 20 years ago just so he could go hunting on his brother's farm. After taking a look at it, I still don't know exactly what he has.

The only make/model indication says "Ranger," which a Google search tells me could be a bunch of different manufacturers who made shotguns sold through Sears Roebuck many years ago. There is no model number on the barrel, no indication of choke or what ammo it takes (assuming 2.75" only). Just that it's a 12 gauge.

Serial number is X89454, but I can't find any place to indicate what that means. Under the left barrel there is also a capital "I" with a circle around it, clearly separate from the serial number. Under the right barrel there is a lone "8."

Anyone know more about this? He doesn't want to sell it as it has sentimental value even though he doesn't shoot it, so value isn't really a huge issue. Is it safe to assume both barrels are open cylinder? My uneducated naked eye thinks so. Just wondering if anyone knows if the markings can be dissected for more information.

June 11, 2012, 02:30 PM	#1
romavik Junior Member Join Date: June 11, 2012 Posts: 1	Old shotgun from my uncle's attic So having gotten into shotgunning in the last year or so, I wanted to take a look at my uncle's old side by side just out of curiosity. He doesn't know much about shotguns as it was a gift about 20 years ago just so he could go hunting on his brother's farm. After taking a look at it, I still don't know exactly what he has. The only make/model indication says "Ranger," which a Google search tells me could be a bunch of different manufacturers who made shotguns sold through Sears Roebuck many years ago. There is no model number on the barrel, no indication of choke or what ammo it takes (assuming 2.75" only). Just that it's a 12 gauge. Serial number is X89454, but I can't find any place to indicate what that means. Under the left barrel there is also a capital "I" with a circle around it, clearly separate from the serial number. Under the right barrel there is a lone "8." Anyone know more about this? He doesn't want to sell it as it has sentimental value even though he doesn't shoot it, so value isn't really a huge issue. Is it safe to assume both barrels are open cylinder? My uneducated naked eye thinks so. Just wondering if anyone knows if the markings can be dissected for more information.