Single Shotgun Value Guide

The American single-barrel break-action shotgun, produced between 1880 and 1920, represents a pivotal era of accessible and robust firearm design. These pieces are highly collectible because they served as essential, affordable tools for hunting and self-defense across the expanding United States frontier.

What Is Single Shotgun Worth?

The typical price range for Single Shotgun is $150 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The mechanical integrity of the lockup and the tightness of the hinge pin.
• The condition of the wood stock, specifically looking for original finishes and the absence of structural cracks.
• The amount of original bluing or case hardening remaining on the steel surfaces versus heavy pitting or rust.
• The rarity of the specific gauge, with smaller bores like .410 or 28-gauge often commanding higher prices than standard 12-gauge models.

How to Identify Single Shotgun?

• Verify the break-action mechanism where the barrel hinges downward to expose the breech for single-shell loading.
• Look for authentic manufacturer roll-marks from classic American firms such as Stevens, Iver Johnson, or Harrington & Richardson.
• Confirm the construction consists of a steel barrel and receiver mated to a solid wood stock and forend.
• Check for era-specific design elements like an exposed hammer or a top-lever release common in late 19th-century models.

History of Single Shotgun

Single shotguns have a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of firearms. Their simple, robust design made them accessible and reliable, serving as essential tools for hunting and self-defense across various frontiers. While more complex repeating firearms eventually emerged, the single shotgun maintained its popularity due to its affordability and effectiveness, particularly for new shooters or those who preferred its straightforward operation. Many classic American firearms manufacturers produced countless variations of these dependable guns, which remain cherished by collectors and enthusiasts today.