Hunter Arms, 1924, snF68574, 16 Gauge, 7lbs. 1oz., Chokes M/F
Hunter Arms Co. is most famous for producing the American sidelock shotgun known as the L.C. Smith. Many are unaware that around 1915 Hunter Arms began marketing a price competitive boxlock that took several different forms; The Fulton, the Fulton Special, and the Hunter Special. These were well made, well balanced double shotguns. The barrels came from the same plant as the L.C. Smith barrels, and most believe are exactly the same barrels you find on the Field Grade Elsie. The receivers were machined from steel forgings, unlike the competitive Ithaca Nitro guns that were made from cast iron. For the upland hunter, The Fulton represents a balanced and reliable gun at a fraction of the cost of the more well-known Parkers, Foxes, or L.C. Smiths. This gun, snF68574 built in 1924 is an amazing find. Celebrating 100 years on the planet, this Hunter Arms Fulton IS FACTORY ORIGINAL IN ALL WAYS…A TRUE COLLECTOR PIECE THAT BELONGS IN THE BEST OF L.C. SMITH COLLECTIONS. The gun has not been altered since leaving the factory, a “purist” collector’s gun that has seen some field use, so can be carried, shot, and used without harming the value. This 16-gauge gun has 30” fluid steel barrels that retain 98% factory blue, mirror shiny bores, tight ribs, barrels tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun. The chambers are 2 ½” and there is plenty of wall thickness to make them 2 ¾” with 1 ½” forcing cones if you choose. On collectible shotguns that have this much condition, we leave the decision to alter the gun up to the next owner. The cost to do so is $360 and it can be done by our gunsmiths within 5 days of purchase. There are plenty of 2 ½” shells available on our shelves and in the marketplace with RST back in operation. The boxlock action retains 99% of the bold, vivid original factory case color, excellent screws, clear sharp lettering and flourish of engraving, all mechanical functions superb. This is a VFI CERTIFIED GUN, meaning we stripped the action to the smallest part, cleaned all in the Ultrasonic cleaner, scrubbed each part and inspected all for function and integrity, properly lubricated and reassembled. VFI CERTIFIED guns have a 90-day mechanical warranty (a $275 service in our shop). The trigger guard and triggers retain 98% factory charcoal blue. The factory wood has almost all the original varnish finish with only a few light field marks, excellent checkering, superb wood-to-metal fit, AND good modern shooting dimensions. See specifications in the tables below. This is a great example of an early American side x side from one of the great makers. They only made 693 of the Fulton model in 16ga. with 30” barrels, and not likely more than a few left with this kind of factory condition. An affordable quality shotgun you will be proud to own, break clays with, or walk the upland fields this coming season. Thanks for looking!
Barrel: 30"
Chokes: .022/.034 M/F
Bores: mirror
Bore Diameter: .652/.653
Wall Thickness: .033/.033
% Blue: 98% factory blue
Chambers: 2 1/2"
Ribs: tight
Sights: front brass
Action: tight as new, Way Right of Center
Extractors
Receiver: 99% factory
Screws: excellent
Engraving: flourish and model name each side; clear
Trigger: double-crisp
Trigger Guard: 98% factory
Stock: Round pistol grip/Splinter
LOP: 14 1/8"
LOP To End Of Wood: 13 3/4"
DAH: 2 5/8"
DAC: 1 1/2"
Cast: 1/8" off
Checkering: factory original
Butt Treatment: factory buttplate
INQUIRIES
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a “VFI Certified” gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty.
