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Here is Ron Gabel's answer to question number 6456

Question:

I came across a single shot rifle which apprears to be a low wall of some make the barrel is a smooth bore marked "X.L. Shot-Gun 44 cal C.F. Patent June 23 1885" The gun has a smooth bore with no rifling and has a bead front sight and a groove in the top of the reciever for a rear sight. The reciver is case hardened and the barrel is blued. Is there anything you can tell me about this gun. Especially why a 44 cal would have a smooth bore? Thank You Mike D

Answer:

There were a large number of firearms manufacturers who produced shot-guns of the type you are describing. They were made by Iver Johnson, Hopkins and Allen and others. The gun shot a 44 caliber or 11 mm shot shell which was often used for shooting small birds.

Submitted By: Mike D On: 5/11/2004 4:55:44 PM