Answering your gun questions

Classic Gear columnist Ken Doherty answers readers’ gun questions while offering appraisals and historical backgrounds on select firearms.

Browning 20-Gauge Superposed

Q: What a coincidence that at the time I’m researching my Browning 20-gauge Superposed, OOD publishes your column on the same gun in the Jan.-Feb. 2024 issue. I recently came into possession of a Browning 20 gauge. When I phoned Browning to learn more about it and gave them the serial #1445, they told me that if it said Browning Arms Corporation, that it was made in Belgium and was a Superposed model made in 1941. Does this all make sense? I saw one of these shotguns with serial number 164 go for $5,200 US. Now I don’t want to use it and may sell it.

Paul Prokopchuck, Bramalea

Ken Doherty: Paul, I’m afraid that I have some good and bad news for you. Based on the photographs that you provided and the serial number, I confirm that your gun was made in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale for Browning in 1949. This is also the year they introduced their 20-gauge Superposed but only in Grade 1 or Field Grade.

Unfortunately, based on the blurred — not crisp — lettering on the barrel and the faint decorative engraving on the receiver, I am certain that the metal work on your gun was poorly restored and re-blued. Only excessive filing or use of abrasive steel wool, and over-polishing can account for the lost detail. I assume that the stock was refinished as well. This will not appeal to a collector and so the value remains at around $1,000. Use it and enjoy it as a sweet little gun!

Woodmaster Model 742

Q: I have an interesting rifle that perhaps you would like to comment on. It’s a Woodmaster Model 742; serial #C0366, .308 Win calibre, made by Remington Arms in New York. The embedded coin in the stock reads: Canadian Centennial Gun 1967. Any information and the possible value would be appreciated.

Mel Ellies, Kanata

Ken Doherty: Remington only made 1,968 .308 Model 742 Canadian Centennial rifles in 1966. They were sold alone or as a box set with a similarly adorned Ruger 10/22. Remington’s 742 Woodmaster semi-automatic rifle evolved through several models, all based on the profile of the Remington Model 11-48 28-gauge shotgun. The Woodmaster series included Models 81 introduced in 1936, 740 in 1955, and 742 in 1960. Remington provided several versions of the 742 including 742A Standard and ADL Deluxe and later 742C (Carbine), CDL Deluxe, BDL, exclusive D and F grades, and commemorative models.

Remington discontinued the 742 on December 31, 1980, with a total production of 1,497,169 mostly in .30-06. They replaced it with the Models Four, 7400, and later 750. Despite their popularity, 742s were prone to jamming and were often called “Jam Masters” or “Jam-o-matics.” Unfortunately, your commemorative model has limited collector value. A complete boxed set with original box, Model 742 rifle, and Model 10/22 Ruger with matching serial numbers in excellent condition sells at auction for $1,000 or just a 742 “Canadian Centennial,” for $550.

Stevens Visible Loading Repeater

Q: I have an old Stevens visible loading repeater. It works perfectly. Would like to know the value of it so I can sell it.

Gary Wing, Prescott

Ken Doherty: Gary, what a unique little pump-action .22! Edward E. Redfield from Oregon was awarded the patent on April 20, 1907 and sold the rights to the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company. Stevens introduced it in 1908 as the Visible Loading Repeater, aka No. 70. The company produced more than 100,000 in several different models and versions by 1934.

Yours was made after the company shortened its name to the J. Stevens Arms Company in 1916 and before they shortened the gun’s name to the Visible Loader in 1925. Judging from the metal’s brown patina, visible wear on the buttstock, and its functionality, it appears to be in good condition.

Several older and newer versions in fair to excellent condition have sold in Canadian auctions recently from $316 to $492, fair market value, excluding commission.