The "Bird Hunter" was an R10, in the era that Stoeger was importing Darne guns. The others were "Pheasant Hunter Deluxe" which was an R15 and "Quail Hunter Supreme", which was a V19. These were guns stocked by Stoeger, 12 and 20 on the R10 and R15, 20 and 28 on the V19.
To a one, they are the poorest examples of sliding breech guns ever brought into the country. If they are all you have ever seen, you have my condolences.
Stoeger WOULD order anything you wanted, but, I have no evidence they did much business that way.
The importers and era are as follows.
F.I. (Firearms International, Inc) mid to late 1950s.
Mr. Don White, Dearborn MI, late 1950s, very early 1960s.
Stoeger Arms Corporation, early 1960s, early 1970s.
Firearms Center Inc. later doing business as James Wayne, mid 1970s to late 1970s.
Lorren Thomas LTD, Wes Gilpen was a partner in this company, mid 1980s to early 1990s.
Drumming Stump, Inc (me) early to late 1990s.
JC-If I had to guess, I'd say the bores and chokes on those old guns are pretty damn tight, and somebody realized that 10% less powder helped keep fillings in molars, retinas attached, and bruising to a minimum.
But what do I know?
Best,
Ted
