H&R Model 50906 PAT FEB 27 1900?????????

[Doylenator]

If anyone has info about this singleshot 12guage please let me KNow, Thanks soo much.

[32 Magnum]

Doylenator,
Welcome to the forum.
Your shotgun is either a Model 1900 (removable hinge pin for take down) or a model 1908 (fixed hinge pin, pull off forestock for take down.)  The number 50906 is the serial number - which doesn't help ID these older guns and the Patent date can be found on either of the above models.

See pics:

[Doylenator]

Thanks 32 Magnum. It does have a removable hinge for take down. So model 1908 makes sense. I didnt realize that was a model number. I was trying to date the gun but H&R and Remington's files only went to the 1940's. They explained the files for these weapons were poorly kept. This gun upon breaking it down looked older than I first expected. Some of the parts looked hand made. What years were model 1908 produced? How many were produced? Can I shoot a 3" shell out of it, or only 2 3/4". The only markings on the barrell are 12 guage choke and the 50906#. Thanks for the input.

[32 Magnum]

Doylenator,
If the hinge pin is REMOVEABLE, your gun is a MODEL 1900.  This series was marketed from 1901 to circa 1916.  The Model 1908 has a snap off forestock and a NON-REMOVEABLE hinge pin.  Check out the pics.
In either case, with that low serial number, your gun is at least 100 years old - it was originally chambered for the 2 1/2" period shells, later versions were chambered for 2 3/4" shells.  If I were to shoot mine, I would stick to the lightest payload, lowest velocity, smallest dram equivalent  2 3/4" shells available.
Production of the 1908 began circa 1909 and ran in two series up to 1942, when it was modified to become the Model 48.  BE CAREFUL and BE SAFE shooting these old shotguns.  ALL H&R shotguns made prior to 1948 had non-self adjusting barrel latches and after extensive use may have a very light lock-up - meaning barrel could unlatch and open up during firing of heavy loads - I've actually seen this happen one time with an old Crescent made single barrel.  Not a fun experience.

[Doylenator]

Thanks so much 32Mag. I appreciate the Info.

[32 Magnum]

Doylenator,
You're welcome, glad to help out - AND - thanks for thanking.