N.R.Davis co.

Question
we just found my grandfathers shotgun. Markings on it say it is a N.R. Davis and company shotgun IT is Hammered and I beleve 10 gauge. Could you tell me about it? The only other writing on it says twist, that is on the other side from where the makers mark was.

Answer
Hello Kathleen. N.R. Davis Arms Company was in business from 1853 to 1883. This is when the company name changed to N.R. Davis and Son's. You do not say if your gun is a single or double barrel. The company built single barrels up to 1880's, at which time they began a line of double external hammer guns. The word ' twist ' indicates it was made by taking a ribbon of steel and winding it around a mandrel to form a barrel. "GUN SMITH ALERT". This shotgun was made to fire BLACKPOWDER SHELLS ONLY!!!. Even then, have it thoroughly checked by a competent licensed gun smith before attempting to fire it. He can also tell you what gauge it is, as well as, what length of shell it takes (older shotguns usually used 2 1/2" or 2 9/16"). Blackpowder ammunition IS NOT CARRIED BY WAL-MART!!!. It is generally specially ordered. Please find a proper place to hang it on the wall. I hope this answers your questions and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage