Bay state 1915 shotgun H&R

jrsgunbooks · April 2, 2022, 10:14 AM

I was given a broken H&R Bay state 1915 .410 for free.
It is in rough state, it needs a new barrel and wood, the only good part is the receiver.

I have the wood on order but as far as the barrel goes, some online sources are saying I could put a 12 or 20 gauge barrel on this receiver.

This would be a good option because the 12g and 20g barrels are available and inexpensive.

However, I am worried these bay state shotguns are not interchangeable with gauges and calibers like the toppers/48's that superseded them.

Anyone have info on this?

Thanks in advance.

**Unclenick** · April 6, 2022, 04:38 PM

I don't have one, but looking at photos I found online and looking at the Numrich Gun Parts component image, there seem to be no separate parts for different chamberings except the barrel. I'm pretty sure that, like the Topper and Handi Rifle, these were designed so as many of the same parts as possible were used in the whole line, regardless of chambering. That holds down manufacturing and inventory costs, and this is, after all, supposed to be a reasonably economical rifle. (I think I bought my Topper 12 ga. new for $69 back in the early 1980s.)

April 2, 2022, 10:14 AM	#1
jrsgunbooks Member Join Date: July 12, 2021 Location: Texas Posts: 19	Bay state 1915 shotgun H&R I was given a broken H&R Bay state 1915 .410 for free. It is in rough state, it needs a new barrel and wood, the only good part is the receiver. I have the wood on order but as far as the barrel goes, some online sources are saying I could put a 12 or 20 gauge barrel on this receiver. This would be a good option because the 12g and 20g barrels are available and inexpensive. However, I am worried these bay state shotguns are not interchangeable with gauges and calibers like the toppers/48's that superseded them. Anyone have info on this? Thanks in advance. Last edited by jrsgunbooks; April 2, 2022 at 07:27 PM.

April 6, 2022, 04:38 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	I don't have one, but looking at photos I found online and looking at the Numrich Gun Parts component image, there seem to be no separate parts for different chamberings except the barrel. I'm pretty sure that, like the Topper and Handi Rifle, these were designed so as many of the same parts as possible were used in the whole line, regardless of chambering. That holds down manufacturing and inventory costs, and this is, after all, supposed to be a reasonably economical rifle. (I think I bought my Topper 12 ga. new for $69 back in the early 1980s.) __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle