3" Shotgun Shells

seb1999

I was trying to date an older 12 gauge single and it is marked 3" Chamber but it is not marked magnum. It is of British manufacture.

When were 3" 12 gauge shotgun shells first available?

I was told this was a water fowl gun.

Der Gebirgsjager

Hi! Your question has been posted for quite awhile without an answer, and I believe that you won't find mine to be very definitive. However, it has been my experience that when I take a stab at these "toughies" there are soon more and better answers added by people more expert in the particular area than I; from whom's notice the question perhaps passed by the first time around. I am a practicing gunsmith doing general repairs and building custom guns, but my expertise is much stronger in the areas of pistols and rifles, and less so on shotguns; although I do work on them. First, I do not know, nor have I been able to find out in my reference books, when the 12 ga. 3 inch magnum was introduced. I can tell you that it's been a long time, as I acquired two side by side 12 ga. shotguns of Spanish origin in the '60s, and one is marked "3 inch chamber" and the other "For 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells." Perhaps the term "magnum" was or is not commonly used in Europe. I will venture that if your shotgun is marked, "3 inch chamber" it will handle 3 inch magnum, as I have never heard of another 12 ga. 3 inch shell. Logic would dictate that shells are made longer to hold more powder, more shot, or both--and that loading more of either will raise pressure, requiring a gun of adequate strength. English made shotguns are well known for their strength, and undergo what is perhaps the world's most rigorous proof testing. As for your gun being specifically made for the taking of water fowl--this may be true, as the 3 inch shell was created to deliver more shot at longer ranges. Perhaps if you shared the make, model, serial no., etc. of your shotgun someone on the forum could assist you in dating it.

AntiqueDr

I believe I answered this on another forum.

The Winchester Model 12 Heavy Duck 3" Magnum was introduced in 1935, with the Model 21 3" Mag 4 years later. I believe those were among the first guns so chambered.



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seb1999

Oops, Guilty on all counts! 40 lashes with a wet noodle for having asked this question on another forum

Seriously though I am trying to date this shotgun and ascertain its fair market value for insurance purposes. I have no intention of selling it. I bought this baby used about 40 years ago!!

On Saturday last I took it to a deal at the local museum like the "Antiques Road Show" and was told it was worth a great deal of money and this is in conflict with what I had been told before.

The Shotgun is by Webley and Scott, Birmingham England and the person examining it guessed 1930's maybe plus 10 years or so that was why I was wondering what the birth date of 3" shotgun shells might be. He also said it was a waterfowl gun.

The frame is very attractive as it has a case hardened finish and all and I mean all parts of this gun have the serial number on them. The takedown forestock has the serial number stamped in the wood, the hardware on this item has the serial number as does the frame and barrel. The stock which is a beautiful walnut is also serialized under the butt plate!!! Not the usual practice for a "cheap store gun" The stock is the straight english style The 32" barrel (it is a single) is flawless inside and shows only marginal bluing deterioration on the exterior. Proof marks are on the barrel and it shows 3" not magnum though.

I do know that Webley and Scott closed their doors and their shotgun designs, tooling and personnel went to Holland & Holland not a low rent manufacturer. I think the name exists as an airgun manufacturer.

I was not tryin to be cute or subversive; maybe clever though because I did not want to beg the question.

And thats the whole truth.

Any help or advice given will be greatly appreciated

seb1999

One more important piece of info the gun is fitted with an ejector, not just an extractor and it literally hurls the spent shell out of the chamber.

He Dog

Since you give no model numbers I assume the shotgun does not have any. Some Webleys can be valuable $5000 +or-, but many are modestly valued say up to $450-$500.

seb1999

Thanks to all who read this topic and especially to those who replied!!

This is a great hobby and I do not know of anywhere else knowledge and expertise is shared so freely and especially without personal gain. Where else can anyone let alone a "nobody" get 1000 years experience for free!!! Isn't it great?

Thanks again as I go forward for my "quest for the holy grail"!!