Remington model 58 Sportsman 12ga questions

[Ozone]

Hello all,

I just was "bequeathed" a Model 58 Sportsman 12 ga, 30" full choke fixed, ribbed barrel.

SN: 71167V
Barrell Markings on left side: REP

This is apparently Remington's first gas autoloader, which was the precursor to the short-lived 878 and finally the 1100. It has a gas selector knob on the front of the forearm, where you can choose either "H" or "L" depending on the load you are shooting.

I was hoping to find out a bit of background on it, and some tips, if possible...

1. From the markings, I dated this to be manufactured in November of '56, does this sound correct?

2. Also, does anyone know what the "V" stands for in the SN?

3. I would like to use this for trap shooting. Any idea what kinds of loads I should put through it (lead vs. steel) and what should I set the selector to (H or L)?

4. Also, since this looks like it shares a lot of parts from the 1100 (and 870, for that matter), I am trying to disassemble it for a good cleaning. In the manual for the 1100, it says the operating handle for the breech can be removed by just pulling straight out. Is this the same for the Model 58? (If so, the dang thing won't budge, any tips on removing it?)

Any other info on the model would be greatly appreciated, thanks for any/all replies...

[Virginian]

The 'V' meant 2-3/4" 12 gauge.
I wouldn't shoot steel thru a factory fixed choke. (actually, I don't shoot steel thru anything)
Try spraying the operating handle inside the bolt with Kroil, Liquid wrench, or similar, and tap it in with a wood block and pull out alternately. Tap, not clobber with a 4x4. I have had to tie a piece of parachute cord to one, tie it off, and yank the receiver with both hands, but that did it.
'H' is for heavy loads, and 'L' is for light. Target loads should be light.
The 58s were good guns. If they hadn't come out with the 1100 when they did, I would have owned one.

[Ozone]

The 'V' meant 2-3/4" 12 gauge.
Try spraying the operating handle inside the bolt with Kroil, Liquid wrench, or similar, and tap it in with a wood block and pull out alternately. Tap, not clobber with a 4x4. I have had to tie a piece of parachute cord to one, tie it off, and yank the receiver with both hands, but that did it.

Thanks for the info, and the tips! I soaked it overnight, still no joy. So I followed your advice and tied a rope to it an pulled HARD. It finally came out. I was so happy I could finally clean the action... It turns out the ball detent was stuck in the "up" position, and the little pin-hole on the underside of the detent was plugged. I soaked that area with oil, and unplugged the pin hole, apparently too well, because now the ball moves freely, but no longer pops up. I'm not sure if I knocked a spring loose, or if the oil freed a corroded spring and turned it into mush.

Anyway, does anyone know if this is the same bolt/action assembly as the 1100? If not, any tips on how to repair/replace the detent for the operating lever?

Before, I couldn't get the lever out, now I can't get it to stay in!

[Virginian]

The link below should take you to Numrich Arms schematic of the 58 and their parts.
http://www.e-gunparts.com/products_new.asp?CatID=5678
I am not a 58 expert. I know the action bar assembly is not the same as an 1100/11-87, because the gas piston is inside the magazine tube. Look at the 1100 schematic in Remington's online Owner's Manual, and if the little clip that holds the detent, and the detent, and spring all look the same, I am 99% sure they are the same, and the clip, and spring will be a lot cheaper than a new action bar assembly.
Good luck.

[avery53]

I have the Sportsman 58 my father owned many years ago, and handed down to me.
I take it shooting sporting clays every now and then.
Still works great, although yours is in much better condition than mine.
Dad was a bird hunter every minute he wasn't working, and the gun shows it.
Enjoy it, it's a great gun.
avery

[Ozone]

I took it apart again and fiddled with the pin hole opening under the ball detent that holds the operating hande in, and after a while, I was able to get the old spring back in place (albiet a crudded up spring that doesn't flex). So now I am back to "original", where the handle stays in place, and will take an act of God to remove. I guess it beats it falling out when you tip it sideways...

Thanks for the tips and links.