Cannon Breech

Southern X · December 10, 2006, 06:47 PM

I know that everyone thinks a gunsmith knows everything about every gun ever made . But a customer brought me one that I have never seen or heard of and wants it repaired , if not shootable at least a wall hanger . The only markings are the words Cannon Breech on the receiver and on the barrel and Simmons Hardware Co. on the grip cap . I think this was made by J. Stevens Arms Co. It is a single barrel 12 ga. shotgun with a 20" barrel. The thing that makes this peice so interesting is the metal badge inletted in the butt stock , Territorial Prison Guard Deer Lodge Montana . Does anyone have any more info and a sorce for parts ?

Dfariswheel · December 10, 2006, 07:03 PM

Gun Parts cross reference shows several Simmons guns, and all were Savage-made guns.
Yours sounds like something even older.

Gun Parts are experts on who actually made what and what make and model it really is, so I'd suggest contacting them for info and parts.

ED21 · July 4, 2007, 06:28 AM

I know this is an old thread but I just came across it. I have information that adds to the overall understanding and education of all members concerning these old shotguns. I have spent several years, off and on, researching these. The first link was when I first inquired about them to Mr. John Spangler of www.oldguns.net. The second link was the result of my research, also posted on oldguns.net. Hope this helps to clear up some of the questions concerning an interesting old shotgun.

1. http://www.oldguns.net/q&a1_97.htm#308 This link was of my initial question to Mr. Spangler and his response. It includes information on the shotguns I own at present.

2. http://www.oldguns.net/q&a7_06.htm#12106 I have included the text of the second link as well.

# 12106 - Cannon Breech Shotgun Update 7/15/2006

In Q&A # 308 - Shotguns- Simmons Hardware "Cannon Breech" 1/28/1997) I wrote and asked about these shotguns. After working on it from time to time, I think I have the answer as to the manufacturer. I just wanted to share the information with you so you would have it if it comes up again. I appreciated your assistance then and appreciate reading your site now. The information is below. Thanks again. Ed

1. Cannon Breech: Trade name used by the Hopkins and Allen Company on shotguns. http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catal...reference.html

2. From the "HAAMS NEWSLETTER" (Hopkins & Allen Memorabilia Society): "Hopkins & Allen did make the 'cannon breech' shotgun and they sold guns to Simmons Hardware Co. with a reinforced breech. It was first introduced about 1908 for export only. Then it came to the USA market about 1910. The first reference we can find in out archives, to 'Cannon Breech' was in their 1913 sales catalog. Export price was $9.75 & USA price was $8.00 The 1910 H&A catalog stated that the breech was 3/8" thick and it weighed 7 pounds."

Answer:
"Ed- Thanks for the very well researched update. John Spangler"

December 10, 2006, 06:47 PM	#1
Southern X Junior Member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: Viginia Posts: 1	Cannon Breech I know that everyone thinks a gunsmith knows everything about every gun ever made . But a customer brought me one that I have never seen or heard of and wants it repaired , if not shootable at least a wall hanger . The only markings are the words Cannon Breech on the receiver and on the barrel and Simmons Hardware Co. on the grip cap . I think this was made by J. Stevens Arms Co. It is a single barrel 12 ga. shotgun with a 20" barrel. The thing that makes this peice so interesting is the metal badge inletted in the butt stock , Territorial Prison Guard Deer Lodge Montana . Does anyone have any more info and a sorce for parts ?

December 10, 2006, 07:03 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Gun Parts cross reference shows several Simmons guns, and all were Savage-made guns. Yours sounds like something even older. Gun Parts are experts on who actually made what and what make and model it really is, so I'd suggest contacting them for info and parts.

July 4, 2007, 06:28 AM	#3
ED21 Member Join Date: June 5, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 29	Cannon Breech Shotguns I know this is an old thread but I just came across it. I have information that adds to the overall understanding and education of all members concerning these old shotguns. I have spent several years, off and on, researching these. The first link was when I first inquired about them to Mr. John Spangler of www.oldguns.net. The second link was the result of my research, also posted on oldguns.net. Hope this helps to clear up some of the questions concerning an interesting old shotgun. 1. http://www.oldguns.net/q&a1_97.htm#308 This link was of my initial question to Mr. Spangler and his response. It includes information on the shotguns I own at present. 2. http://www.oldguns.net/q&a7_06.htm#12106 I have included the text of the second link as well. # 12106 - Cannon Breech Shotgun Update 7/15/2006 In Q&A # 308 - Shotguns- Simmons Hardware "Cannon Breech" 1/28/1997) I wrote and asked about these shotguns. After working on it from time to time, I think I have the answer as to the manufacturer. I just wanted to share the information with you so you would have it if it comes up again. I appreciated your assistance then and appreciate reading your site now. The information is below. Thanks again. Ed 1. Cannon Breech: Trade name used by the Hopkins and Allen Company on shotguns. http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catal...reference.html 2. From the "HAAMS NEWSLETTER" (Hopkins & Allen Memorabilia Society): "Hopkins & Allen did make the 'cannon breech' shotgun and they sold guns to Simmons Hardware Co. with a reinforced breech. It was first introduced about 1908 for export only. Then it came to the USA market about 1910. The first reference we can find in out archives, to 'Cannon Breech' was in their 1913 sales catalog. Export price was $9.75 & USA price was $8.00 The 1910 H&A catalog stated that the breech was 3/8" thick and it weighed 7 pounds." Answer: "Ed- Thanks for the very well researched update. John Spangler"