Information

Question
I have in my possession a 16 gauge, single shot shotgun that belonged to my grandfather. The gun is engraved "Rich-Conn, Pioneer Arms Co.," and the serial number is 122330. I would appreciate any information you could provide. My grandfather died in 1937 when I was 3 years old, and obviously I don't have any information on the gun.

Answer
Hello, Charles.
  The research I have done on your shotgun has yielded several results. I have tried to corner the most reliable results, but they just are not there. This is the best I can do. The Pioneer Arms Co. was manufactured by either F.D. Folsum Arms Co., or Crescent Firearms Co. It was not a firearms manufacturing company itself. Hardware and sporting goods stores would purchase a number of these firearms to carry their 'trade name', such as Sears,Roebuck and Company ( Ted Williams ) and Montgomery Wards ( Western Field ) guns carried for their catalogue sales. Your shotgun is also marked 'RICH-CONN'. This could possibly mean it was manufactured for the Richardson and Conover Hardware Company of New York, NY., or the Richard & Conover Co. of Wichita, Kansas, to be advertised in their catalogue. Either way, it would date to the late 1890's or early 1900's.
  As I said, the information I found is from several reliable sources. This leaves me to conclude that this shotgun has baffled other researchers, as well. This does not make it more valuable, or more collectable. It is still a 'trade-name' firearm, therefore, it's value is as a shooter. Of course, your story behind it is invaluable. I strongly advise you have a licensed and qualified gun smith check it over, whether you plan to shoot it, or not.
  I hope this helps answer your question, and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage