AboutCharles Gage Expertise I can answer questions dealing with firearms and their development due to western expansion. I can answer most questions about any firearms of the world manufactured after the Civil War(1868 - present. I can offer safety warnings about these. I can offer opinions and the reasons behind these.
Experience I have been at the study of firearms and their use since my first issue of Field and Stream in 1962.At that time I was completely devoted to rifles, but over the years I have experienced the thrill of the hunt with handguns, shotguns and of course rifles. I moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico in 1972 and since I have taken numerous game and non-game animals with all firearms (cannons excluded)including blackpowder muzzleloading rifles,shotguns and handguns. My favorite handgun for large non-game animals, such as feral hogs, is my Uberti replica of a 1847 Colt Walker. Very heavy, but accurate.
Education/Credentials I am a 1973 high school graduate. Junior and senior year I developed a class on Wildlife Depredation and Conservation of our Rocky Mountain states. My specialty was the brown bear.
Awards and Honors New Mexico Hunter Safety Program Instructor 5 year award.
I have a H&A rifle/shotgun combo the markings on the rifle barrel are " MADE BY THE HOPKINS & ALLEN ARMS CO. NORWICH CONN. U.S.A."this is in front of the rear sight, behind the sight is "22R.F." then a 2 digit#. It is an octagon barrel with a flip up front sight one is a coarse sight the other a much finer sight protected by a hood(there is a flip up peep sight on the tang of the receiver). The shotgun barrel has the same writing in regards to made by but no reference to gauge(it appears to be 16 or 20) then the same 2 digit #. It is missing the front bead sight. I can find no marking on the receiver other than the same 2 digits on the front of the receiver where the barrel buts up. While the stock and forearms are checkered the only other info is a checkered butt plate with an ornate symbol "MFG H CO". I have no intentions of shooting the gun but would like to know as much about it as possible and an idea of value for insurance purposes.
Thank you Jon
Answer Hello Jon. My computer ship date has been extended to July 15th. I see you have already rated my information, but I would still very much enjoy doing the research you desire. Contact me again when I get my notes back on my new computer. Thank You again for asking for me.Charles Gage