A Classic Design - The Western Field Bolt Action Shotgun

The Western Field bolt action twelve gauge shotgun is a classic design for a gun, the looks and feel of these guns are both modern and nostalgic. Bolt action rifles and shotguns are still in production and demand, and they always will be. According to Wikipedia, the first bolt action rifle was produced in 1824, and so you can well see why the design is considered classic, and where the source of the nostalgia comes from.

You can practically imagine yourself as some sort of frontiersman, hunting for sustenance, and perhaps you are such a person. My personal thoughts are that hunting IS for sustenance, and that it elevates one's appreciation for the natural world. The Facts are these, bolt action rifles were the infantryman's most often used weapon just up until the military build up prior to World War Two.

Shotgun, NOT a rifle. No cheating possible

But we are talking about shotguns here, and not prewar military rifles. Bolt action shotguns aren't really the most common shotgun in the world, pump action shotguns ARE the most common shotguns. Everyone knows that with pump action shotguns, you can take the plug out of the thing, and load more than three shots. This is highly illegal to do when hunting, and it may even be illegal should you consider your pump action shotgun your home defense weapon, I'm not exactly sure about that. A game warden can and will come into your home, and do it even without a warrant if he so desires. That doesn't happen too often, but it CAN happen, and you probably don't want to have your pump action shotgun not have the plug in it if and when such a situation comes your way.

With these classic and rare bolt action shotguns, you get a two round clip, and one in the chamber. No cheating is available, unless you somehow or another make your own clips with larger capacity. I wouldn't be one to mess around with a homemade clip, and you shouldn't either.

As for sportsmanship, semi-auto shotguns are pretty much OUT. Hey, I'd love to own a semi auto shotgun, but I do not, and as for myself, I think I'd only take such a gun as a semi auto shotgun hog hunting. Hogs are considered a nuisance in Texas, and fine cuisine all at the same time. With a bolt action shotgun, you get three shots, just like with a legal pump action shotgun. Whether or not you can fire off three rounds faster with the pump or the bolt action is really a matter of conjecture-but I'm willing to bet that I can fire off three rounds faster with any pump action gun. So if you're into sportsmanship, and challenging yourself with your shooting and hunting skills, then the bolt action shotgun or rifle will certainly give you a bit more challenge.

A Nice Review of the Wester Field Bolt Action Shotgun

Sold Out!

Searching the web for prices for these Western Field bolt action shotguns. . . .I found none new, which can only mean that this classic gun is no longer in production. It's a collector's piece. Mine isn't for sale, and never will be. My Dad thinks that he bought the gun before I was born, and he bought it used. You can find these wonderful and classic shotguns for sale on the web in all three major gauges, 410, 20, and 12. I've seen prices anywhere from $50.00, to much, much higher. If you are in the market for one of these great guns, Good Luck, and Happy Hunting!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: where can I get a magazine for a Western Field M12 FR12?

Answer: In all honesty, the best answer I could give you would be a mom and pop gun store - those types of places have employees with connections and huge networks of buyers and sellers, and collectors of such things.

Gun shows are also great places to go to ask about things for antique guns.

© 2010 Wesman Todd Shaw

norton on January 08, 2013:

There's a guy a few houses with a large radio antenna... hard to explain. It's in the sticks.

i'll look at the google coordinates

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on January 07, 2013:

Ha! Norton you just described every patriarch in my neighbourhood! LOL!

Kaufman is awfully close to Dallas....I've been working a lot in more remote areas further East....Oh man, there are places in Texas where folks can and do still do whatever tha hell they want to do :)

norton on January 07, 2013:

2 old boats as well (one of the them is a Century, missing outboard)

norton on January 07, 2013:

Not sure...sounds familiar. There are 2 Farmal tractors still on the property. I was on county road, off the main track. The guy next door has a John Dear and limps!!!!

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on December 28, 2012:

Hey Norton, do I know you? I've mostly always lived in Kaufman :)

norton on December 19, 2012:

ps...I got the 16gauge when I was in kaufman!

norton on December 19, 2012:

cheers Todd.... wow $48.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on December 09, 2012:

Norton, I'd look on ebay were I you.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Savage-Model-58-B-16-Gauge...

norton on December 09, 2012:

Where can I get a mag/clip for my 16 gauge? I may try and make one in the meantime.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on June 26, 2012:

Hey Thomas - the one my Dad owns is a twelve.

He LOVES that thing! It is the designated home defense weapon in the parent's house.

I live in a little trailer on the property...but I ain't the one to watch out for around here!

You can see me saying this is "MY" gun...but it isn't. It wouldn't seem right to be talking about Dad's gun in the article.

I've never shot that thing. My Dad is very kind....but he isn't the kind to let folks use his personal things.

Thomas what is the deal with shotgun shot? The other day someone told me they aren't selling lead shot anymore, that it was all steel shot, and that it had nothing like the range of lead shot.

Thomas on June 26, 2012:

I picked up a bolt action 16 gauge shotgun with an adjustable choke a few years back for $65, my own honest opinion, it is alright but ! I love the pump, double barrel or the Browning automatic shotguns much better ! And yes Walmart sells 16 gauge shotgun ammo, atleast here in Northern Arizona .

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on August 08, 2011:

Dang. Angel, if you could take some pictures of it I could probably help you out - the best thing you could do is find a good gun forum on the web, and use the pictures on a forum and ask there.

Angel on August 08, 2011:

I have a 12 gauge single shot bolt action shot gun and it has no manufacturer name on it. It does have a serial number and M 80 on it along with several different proof marks and other markings on it. Was wondering if anyone had any info on a gun like this.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on May 31, 2011:

Hey, everyone wants to buy mine!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too bad for them, it's going nowhere!

dablufox from Australia on May 31, 2011:

Intersting shottie, never seen a bolt action shotgun before!

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on May 17, 2011:

"Get er' done!"

I like to think that I like all stories that are well written, regardless of the time period and location. I recall a novel about China during the 80's that I somehow read, despite it's unfamiliar territory, and vast size.

Bolt action. . . you just gotta be in the time after 1824 for bolt action, according to what I'd read.

Elefanza from Somewhere in My Brain on May 17, 2011:

That's awesome! I'm writing a western-themed short story as we speak. I might just have to use this type of gun to make the story more realistic.

Do you like westerns? You seem like the kind of person that could write a good western story. So far, mine is stuck at the moment. But in a little bit, it will get done.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on December 02, 2010:

Hey SteveoMC, who cares what people think? I definitely only care what rational people like yourself think. I ran around all over the woods with shotguns when I was twelve years old, haven't hurt anyone yet, so people who think they know so well what someone else's children should do, etc, only think they know.

SteveoMc from Pacific NorthWest on December 02, 2010:

I grew up in Alaska, we all had guns as kids. I couldn't believe that people thought it was a bad idea. Of course, we were hunting or doing it for safety. I have to admit I don't know too much about them, but I value them. I liked this.

Wesman Todd Shaw (author) from Kaufman, Texas on December 01, 2010:

Thanks Tom! What I'm finding here on hubpages is that if I write articles about guns and guitars, then those articles do well with google!

Gosh, Tom, you just gave me a tremendous idea! I should write about knives as well!

I'm not exactly Rambo, or anything; but I do enjoy quality products of any kind, and with guns, knives, and guitars; we're often dealing with high quality, and American Made too!

justom from 41042 on December 01, 2010:

Good hub man, even though like I've told you I know very little about guns. When Justin was a kid he was into guns so I'd take him and a couple of his friends to Gun and Knife shows and I'll tell you what man it was really interesting. I even signed a couple of petitions against gun control. I had a friend of mine take him out to shoot and teach him safety. Peace!! Tom