older 410 question

i had a 410 given to me afew years ago and have never really looked at it. Since i recently broke my collar bone the 12 gauge was out of the question for some grouse hunting yesterday and decided to give this old relic a try. managed 2 with it but had to pull the hammer back and fire twice each time for the shell to go off.

That got me into looking at any gunsmithing that could be done to rectify that .

i knew the gun was old but didn't realize how old.

Do any of you have any knowledge on an old "MASS ARMS CO." 410??

behind trigger guard is stamped.........M K with...585 below it. Any help is greatly appreciated.

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Originally Posted by SMcK

i had a 410 given to me afew years ago and have never really looked at it. Since i recently broke my collar bone the 12 gauge was out of the question for some grouse hunting yesterday and decided to give this old relic a try. managed 2 with it but had to pull the hammer back and fire twice each time for the shell to go off.

That got me into looking at any gunsmithing that could be done to rectify that .

i knew the gun was old but didn't realize how old.

Do any of you have any knowledge on an old "MASS ARMS CO." 410??

behind trigger guard is stamped.........M K with...585 below it. Any help is greatly appreciated.

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Sounds like it needs a good cleaning….

And a new firing pin.


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Sounds like it was made by the Massachusetts Arms company which opened in 1850 and closed during the depression. There is a short story about the company on Wikipedia. Be sure to have a gunsmith inspect the gun carefully to ensure that it safe to fire.

I also found this:
“Massachusetts Arms Company wad a trade name used on shotguns manufactured by J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company of Chicopee Falls, Mass. for Blish, Mizet and Stillman Hardware Company of Atchinson Kansas in the period 1886-1915. No records are available to better pinpoint the date of manufacture.
Shotguns of this era could have barrels of Damascus, twist or Laminate Steel which are not safe to use with modern ammunition. Also, 12 gauge ammunition in that period was made in lengths from 2 5/8" to 3 1/4" (Not todays 3" magnum). Prior to firing, examination by a competent gunsmith is advised.”

Likely needs a new spring. Any good gunsmith can replace it. Second guess would be a worn firing pin, again an easy fix.

thanks everyone for your replies...........it's going to gunsmith wednesday morning.

I have a Spanish side by side 410 my dad bought for me over 50 years ago. I blows through the primary has done this since new. the only shells I can use that done do this is remington. Got to love 410's though great for rabbits or small birds and easy to carry

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Originally Posted by SMcK

thanks everyone for your replies...........it's going to gunsmith wednesday morning.

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Have him verify the chamber length too, some of the old guns had non standard chambers.

The most likely cause is dirt and caked grease and oil. A good cleaning may well fix that.