|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
2 members (Jeremy Pearce, 1 invisible),
465
guests, and
4
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums10
Topics39,538
Posts562,534
Members14,592
| |
Most Online9,918
Jul 28th, 2025
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,330 Likes: 96
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,330 Likes: 96 |
I too have heard the stuff about Colts being the finest American made double, but having owned at least one of every American double ever made (in significant quantities), including a nice Colt, I just can't get on board with the "finest" rating. I mean, it was a real nice old boxlock (in fact, one of the earliest American boxlocks, wasn't it?), but quite heavy and in no way amazing, that I could ever discover. The fact is, there were an awful lot of nice doubles being made in the late 1800s, so where did this "finest" business start, and can it be in any way justified? Also, isn't there some evidence or suspicion that the '83 was at least partially built in Birmingham? Looking forward to hearing from the experts. TT Why you ask??? Because.....supposedly they where made in Birmingham! If so they have to be the finest ever! Right?? Thats a bunch of horse hockey! Give me a good Lefever anyday!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 299
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 299 |
This is interesting. Would anyone have some pictures of the ribs on another Colt 1883. I would like to see if some are filed and some are what they refer to as matte. Or if they are one in the same. The matte obviously are filed but in a very fine cross checker pattern. Would that be a special order or is it the concave style rib? Paul
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,769 Likes: 465
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,769 Likes: 465 |
1890 manufacture  Unknown date of manufacture 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 299
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 299 |
Do you know the grade of the guns? The lower picture looks like the set I have here. The rib shows no damascus pattern except for on the sides. The pattern on the upper pic clearly shows the pattern. However both appear to be concave. Do either of these have a letter from Colt on them? Revdocdrew, Thank You. Paul Driscoll
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,769 Likes: 465
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,769 Likes: 465 |
Another Paul, and I'm trying to contact the owner of the first gun 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 371
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 371 |
I have the gun in the top pic, I believe it is a field grade gun. I've shot a few rounds of sporting clays with it and the gun is my favorite 12 ga to shoot.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 230
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 230 |
Here is an example of a Grade 1, 1883 Colt 10 Ga. with 32 inch barrels. This gun was shipped October 10, 1888 per Colt Factory letter. Although the angle of the photo does not show it well, it has a swamped rib with smooth Damascus per Daryl's post above. 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 132
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 132 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,465 Likes: 345
Sidelock
|
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,465 Likes: 345 |
The gun on Alex's post is a Grade 2. [highest of the three grades 1,1 1/2. and 2] Pete, I don't know what the one is that you picture. It must have a replaced hinge pin, but the engraving is not typical in design. The grade stamp should be stamped on the underside of the barrels.
|
|
|
|
|
