[tgmeyer]

I have a Crescent Firearms Co., New Empire model .16 gauge side by side hammerless shotgun. I'd like to find out: 1) The age. 2) Should I be shooting this gun? 3) Reloading data for .16 gauge shotguns. My 3rd Edition of Lyman's Shotshell Handbook is probably out of date.
Thanks.
Tom

 

[howlnmad]

Please read the link below. A few pictureswould be helpful.

IMPORTANT!! Please read before posting

Please describe the item in as much detail as possible. Detail does not mean "in good shape" ,describe how the wood is, how much blueing (% of original finish left) there is etc., and anything else you see that may be helpful. Tell us all marking, words, and letters anywhere on the gun...

www.thefirearmsforum.com

 

[sharps4590]

I don't know.

Your Lyman book should be just fine. I'm still using Phil Sharpe's book from 1937.

 

[tgmeyer]

Here are some pix. It has some rust on the end of one barrel. This shotgun was my GGrandmother's field gun and I have used it the last 25 years as my Pheasant gun. The forearm is not original b/c I made it to fit me in 1992. I believe this to be a 1926 model b/c the serial# is S15610.

gun.

 

[sharps4590]

One of the best looking Crescents I've seen!!! Still, it ain't gonna take 3 or 3 1/2 shells. Were it mine all it would get fed is light field loads.

The forearm and adjustable butt plate aren't to my taste but, it isn't mine and, if a shotgun doesn't fit you....they're very difficult to hit with...at least for me....and I don't hit too good if they do!!! That and it isn't as if you modified a Purdy or Boss.

 

[BillM]

Have the chamber length checked. If it is not marked 2 3/4", there is a fair chance it's chambered for the older
2 9/16" 16 ga. If so, 2 9/16" is available for a price or you can have the chamber lengthened for not much money.
I've had two old Crescents lengthened to 2 3/4", both had plenty of barrel metal to allow it.
Interesting that an old Crescent has a Morgan adjustable recoil pad on it.

 

[tgmeyer]

Have the chamber length checked. If it is not marked 2 3/4", there is a fair chance it's chambered for the older
2 9/16" 16 ga. If so, 2 9/16" is available for a price or you can have the chamber lengthened for not much money.
I've had two old Crescents lengthened to 2 3/4", both had plenty of barrel metal to allow it.
Interesting that an old Crescent has a Morgan adjustable recoil pad on it.

Hi Bill.
I put the adjustable butt plate on and I made the forearm so I could use it Back in 1992 when my dad gave me the gun. My GGrandmother was a smaller person than I so I modified to make it fit me. I ran many boxes of 2-1/2" shells through it and have no intention to rechamber the gun. I like using this shotgun for Pheasant hunting b/c it's light and quick.