Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
Can anyone enlighten me on how to tell the difference between a Remington 1876 Whitmore Lifter double barrel shotgun in 10 gauge. And a Model 1878 Whitmore Lifter double barrel shotgun, again in 10 gauge ? You can't tell by the serial numbers, and Remington never put an actual model number on them. They both look the same to me cosmetically. So I am definitely at a loss here. Any input will be appreciated.
Re: Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
According to Charles Semmer's book "Remington Double Shotguns" the '78 differs from the '76 as follows.1. '78 does not have a percussion fence. 2. Bolsters are larger than the '76. 3. The firing pins on the '78 tend to disappear in the bolsters and the flat face of the hammers appear to enter the bolster when fully down in the fire position.
As for quick and dirty ID -- Only the models '73, '75 and '76 had percussion fences - starting with the model '78, the fences were dropped.
As for quick and dirty ID -- Only the models '73, '75 and '76 had percussion fences - starting with the model '78, the fences were dropped.
Re: Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
Well Thank You for sharing that information with me. I already have what I think is a Model 1876 ?? But not really sure on that. Sounds like you pretty much have to have hands on one to tell. It would be nice to see one of each sometime and do the direct comparison between the two. But that is probably never going to happen. I will take your information and do some more research on it. Thanks again.
Re: Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
A picture of your gun would help ID what you have. As I said, the presence or absence of percussion fences is a sure way to determine if you have a '76 (or earlier) model.
Re: Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
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Re: Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
Thanks for the pics. I don't see percussion fences so you have a '78 or '79. Remington converted to the lever style in '82.
The '79 was generally produced in 12 Ga. but there may be some 10 Ga. out there. The S/Ns for the '78 and '79 are mixed so that doesn't help with the ID. Most likely you have a '78.
Hope that helps.
The '79 was generally produced in 12 Ga. but there may be some 10 Ga. out there. The S/Ns for the '78 and '79 are mixed so that doesn't help with the ID. Most likely you have a '78.
Hope that helps.
Re: Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
Well the mystery has been solved and I was way off. Thanks for figuring out what I actually have. The guy I bought it from told me it was an 1873 Whitmore Hammer Lifter model. I figured out that wasn't right, right away. But knew it had to be either an 1876 or an 1878. I already have an 1882 and an 1889 in 10 gauge also. I have a passion for the old 10 gauge side by side double barrel shotguns with external hammers. I also have Colt, Parker and Ithaca's in 10 gauge doubles. Thanks again for the advice and sharing your knowledge with me. It is appreciated.
Re: Difference between an 1876 and an 1878 Shotgun
Well the mystery has been solved and I was way off. Thanks for figuring out what I actually have. The guy I bought it from told me it was an 1873 Whitmore Hammer Lifter model. I figured out that wasn't right, right away. But knew it had to be either an 1876 or an 1878. I already have an 1882 and an 1889 in 10 gauge also. I have a passion for the old 10 gauge side by side double barrel shotguns with external hammers. I also have Colt, Parker and Ithaca's in 10 gauge doubles. Thanks again for the advice and sharing your knowledge with me. It is appreciated.