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Eastern Arms Company 12 Gauge Single Shot: A Comprehensive Guide

The Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun represents a significant piece of American firearms history, particularly for those interested in affordable and reliable utility firearms. These shotguns, often found in attics, gun safes, or at local gun shows, tell a story of a bygone era of mass-produced, functional firearms designed for the everyday sportsman and homeowner. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot, delving into its history, features, value, and overall place in the landscape of American firearms. We’ll explore the nuances that make this seemingly simple firearm a noteworthy piece for collectors and shooting enthusiasts alike.

Unveiling the History of Eastern Arms Company and Their 12 Gauge Single Shot

The Eastern Arms Company wasn’t actually a manufacturer in its own right. Instead, it was a trade name used by several large distributors, most notably Sears, Roebuck & Co., to market firearms produced by established manufacturers like Stevens, Iver Johnson, and others. This practice was common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, allowing retailers to offer firearms under their own brand without the expense of setting up their own manufacturing facilities.

The Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun was a product of this arrangement. These shotguns were typically manufactured by Stevens, and re-branded for sale through Sears catalogs and retail stores. The appeal of these firearms lay in their simplicity and affordability. They were designed to be robust, easy to use, and, most importantly, inexpensive, making them accessible to a wide range of customers, from farmers needing a tool for pest control to families seeking a basic home defense weapon.

The exact production dates for Eastern Arms Company shotguns are difficult to pinpoint, as records were not always meticulously kept. However, they were most prevalent during the early to mid-20th century. Their popularity waned as more advanced and versatile firearms became more affordable and available.

The Enduring Design and Core Features of the 12 Gauge Single Shot

The design of the Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun is characterized by its simplicity and functionality. It’s a break-action firearm, meaning it is loaded by manually opening the action, inserting a single shotshell, and then closing the action. This design is inherently safe, as it allows the user to visually confirm whether the firearm is loaded.

Simple Break-Action Mechanism: The break-action is easy to operate and maintain, requiring minimal mechanical knowledge.
Single-Shot Capacity: While limiting in terms of firepower, the single-shot design enforces careful aiming and shot placement.
12 Gauge Chambering: The 12 gauge is a versatile shotshell, capable of firing a wide range of loads for various purposes, from birdshot for hunting small game to buckshot for self-defense.
Fixed Choke: Most Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge shotguns feature a fixed choke, typically modified or full, which affects the spread of the shot pattern.
Wood Stock and Forend: The stock and forend are typically made of wood, often birch or walnut, providing a comfortable and functional grip.

Understanding the Technical Specifications

While variations exist, the standard Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun generally adheres to the following specifications:

Gauge: 12 gauge
Action: Break-action, single shot
Barrel Length: Typically 28 to 30 inches
Overall Length: Approximately 44 to 46 inches
Weight: Around 6 to 7 pounds
Choke: Fixed (typically modified or full)
Stock Material: Wood (birch or walnut)
Sights: Bead front sight

Dissecting the Key Features: A Closer Look

Let’s examine some of the key features of the Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun in greater detail:

Break-Action Simplicity: The break-action design is incredibly simple and reliable. To load, a lever (usually located near the trigger guard) is pressed, which releases the barrel, allowing it to pivot downwards. A shotshell is then inserted into the chamber, and the barrel is closed, locking it into place. This simplicity translates to ease of use and minimal maintenance.
Fixed Choke Versatility: The fixed choke, while not adjustable, provides a consistent shot pattern. A modified choke offers a balance between range and spread, suitable for a variety of hunting and target shooting applications. A full choke provides a tighter pattern at longer ranges, ideal for waterfowl hunting or turkey hunting.
Manual Safety: Most models feature a manual safety, typically a cross-bolt safety located near the trigger. This safety blocks the trigger from being pulled, preventing accidental discharge. The manual safety adds a layer of security.
Bead Front Sight: The simple bead front sight is adequate for aiming at close to medium ranges. It encourages the shooter to focus on the target and use the entire length of the barrel as a sighting plane.
Durable Construction: These shotguns were built to last. The steel barrels and receivers are robust, and the wood stocks are sturdy. With proper care and maintenance, an Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot can provide decades of reliable service.

The Advantages and Benefits of Owning an Eastern Arms Company 12 Gauge Single Shot

While modern shotguns offer a plethora of features and technological advancements, the Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot still holds certain advantages and benefits, particularly for specific users and situations:

Affordability: These shotguns are typically very affordable, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious shooters or those looking for a basic utility firearm.
Simplicity: The simple design makes them easy to use and maintain, even for novice shooters. There are few parts to break or malfunction, and cleaning is straightforward.
Reliability: Their robust construction ensures reliability, even under harsh conditions. They are less prone to malfunctions than more complex firearms.
Lightweight: Compared to some modern shotguns, the Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot is relatively lightweight, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Home Defense: While not ideal for rapid-fire situations, a 12 gauge single shot loaded with buckshot can be an effective home defense weapon due to the stopping power of the 12 gauge round.
Hunting Small Game: They are suitable for hunting small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds.

Is the Eastern Arms Company 12 Gauge Single Shot Right for You? An Honest Review

The Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun isn’t for everyone. It’s a simple, no-frills firearm that prioritizes functionality and affordability over advanced features. However, it can be a great choice for certain individuals.

User Experience and Usability: The break-action is easy to operate, even for beginners. Loading and unloading are straightforward. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry in the field. However, the lack of a recoil pad can make shooting heavy loads uncomfortable.

Performance and Effectiveness: It is effective within its limitations. The single-shot capacity requires careful aiming. The fixed choke provides a consistent shot pattern, but it’s not adjustable for different situations. For home defense, it is a formidable weapon at close range. For hunting, it is suitable for small game and birds at moderate distances.

Pros:

Affordable and accessible.
Simple and reliable design.
Easy to use and maintain.
Lightweight and comfortable to carry.
Effective for home defense and small game hunting.

Cons:

Single-shot capacity limits firepower.
Fixed choke is not adjustable.
Lack of a recoil pad can make shooting heavy loads uncomfortable.
Limited range compared to modern shotguns.

Ideal User Profile: This shotgun is best suited for:

Beginner shooters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use firearm.
Budget-conscious individuals seeking a basic utility shotgun.
Hunters who primarily hunt small game or birds at close to moderate ranges.
Homeowners looking for a simple and reliable home defense weapon.

Key Alternatives: Modern pump-action shotguns offer greater versatility and firepower. The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are popular alternatives, but they are also more expensive.

Overall Verdict: The Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot is a solid, reliable, and affordable firearm. While it lacks the features of modern shotguns, it excels in its simplicity and functionality. If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills shotgun for home defense, small game hunting, or recreational shooting, the Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot is a viable option.

Preserving a Piece of History: Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for preserving the value and functionality of an Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun. Regular cleaning after each use is essential. This involves disassembling the firearm, cleaning the barrel with a bore brush and solvent, and lubricating the moving parts with gun oil. The wood stock should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution and then treated with a wood preservative.

Pay close attention to rust prevention. Apply a thin coat of gun oil to all metal surfaces to protect them from moisture. Store the shotgun in a dry environment to prevent rust formation.

Regular inspection is also important. Check the barrel for any signs of damage or corrosion. Inspect the action for wear or looseness. If you notice any problems, consult a qualified gunsmith for repairs.

The Lasting Legacy of a Simple Firearm

The Eastern Arms Company 12 gauge single shot shotgun represents a bygone era of simple, affordable, and reliable firearms. While it may not possess the advanced features of modern shotguns, its inherent simplicity, robust construction, and affordable price point made it a popular choice for generations of American sportsmen and homeowners. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to provide reliable service for decades, a testament to the quality of its design and construction. Consider sharing your own experiences with this classic firearm in the comments below.