Shotgun help

[Bhodge]

I came across this gun which appears to be a 12 gauge. It's says Mohawk Gun Co. Model 15955. I can't find anything about it. I appreciate any help. If anyone can figure this out I know it's you guys!

 

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[uglymailman]

Mohawk Chief 12 gauge Shotgun - TheFirearmsForum.Com
hope this helps. Seems they were made for hardware stores. value is 150-300 depending on condition.

 

[Bhodge]

I saw that forum but it didn't give any info other than crescent arms made it. Was hoping for year.

 

[BosnMate]

Looking at your closeup of the breech area, it's a long ways from being a top dollar collectable gun. Someone used a center punch to decorate it, and really knocked any value it might have had.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Crescent Arms was in business from 1888 until 1931, from what I can find. Yours would have been made after 1892. Value wise, not too much. From other similar "hardware store" guns I've seen and the "decoration" I'd guess between 80$ to 120$ in shooting condition, possibly a little more, depending on who was selling it.

If it's in good condition to shoot it should be a fine hunting gun, they were built to last. The main thing to look at on those type of guns is the condition of the barrel latch, it needs to lock tight and not be sloppy. Check inside the barrel for pitting, a bit is ok on an old gun, but too much deep pitting can be a problem. Also the firing pin could be worn. If you put a nickel on the breech and close it and pull the trigger a good strong firing pin should leave a small dent in the nickel.

Crescent Firearms Company trade names

 

[nsdq]

if it is safe to fire make sure you use the correct shells,,, i own a 1879 12 ga dimaond arms st louis mo s/n #1 paper or all brass shells only ,,, but you must all so remember any who had money could make one an sold them in there stores for cheap any gun back then was better than no gun ,,, even with the home made decore on it i would like to own it ,,good luck

 

[stefen]

if it is safe to fire make sure you use the correct shells,,, i own a 1879 12 ga dimaond arms st louis mo s/n #1 paper or all brass shells only ,,, but you must all so remember any who had money could make one an sold them in there stores for cheap any gun back then was better than no gun ,,, even with the home made decore on it i would like to own it ,,good luck

NSDQ,

What you said is extremely important regarding using the correct shells...

In this type of gun, anything other that a low base paper/brass shell may create excessive pressure and cause extreme damage...

Some of the older shotguns even had Damascus steel barrels...

Never use Hi-Power or Mag shells...

Depending in the classified choke, I would also refrain from using slugs...

Might want to have the gun checked by an qualified gunsmith to check on its worthyness...

 

[nsdq]

yes very correct Stefen, some of the older shells the rim is thicker or thinner and the newer shell may look the same but are not so you can get a miss fire or worse ,,, never run slugs in a vintage gun, they are not made for that,, hopefuly Bhodge can get the info he needs on this shot gun,, if were him i would clean it an oil it and put it away with docs on it to pass down in the fam

 

[stefen]

Great advice.

If the gun passes the test, I'd use it without question.

I have a side X side LeFever 12 ga. with 26 inch barrels...basically a trap rated double, having a full choke left barrel...

Have used it with slugs for boar hunting, but learned that dropping a dime into the reciever would re-educate me (each time I use it) which barrel has the full choke...

This is a safety precaution thats practiced each season...

Don't relish wrapping the barrels around my neck by being stupid...

 

[Bhodge]

I appreciate all your help.

 

[Grizzly13]

Bhodge, it has been thru the ringer with some personal design and from the picture it looks like the breech is lose. The wood actually looks nice on it. The only way that I would attempt to fire it would be to hand load a very very low powder charge and work up from there. Do not use any shot or any type of projectile that weight is what brings up the pressures. Just start low and work your way up and it should be ok if thats what your interested in doing, otherwise hang it on a mantle.

 

[stefen]

It's always better to use the gun as a wall hanger than your head mounted on a wall plaque...