Very Scarce U.S. Model 1881 Forager 20 Gauge (AS2)

Very Scarce U.S. Model 1881 Forager 20 Gauge shotgun. Serial number 867. Has a 26” round barrel with fair bore. Metal has a very well-done old refinish with approximately 95% remaining. Wood is very good with small stress cracks on the left-side at the forward lock screw. Action functions correctly. Lock is the early 1873 dated type with correct two-click tumbler. The lightly freckled breech block is correctly dated “1881”. Receiver does not have the normal trapdoor ejector stud. Instead, the special extractor for the 20 Gauge brass shell is fitted. Trigger guard is correct carbine type without sling swivel. These shotguns were made for hunting at Western Military Outposts. The last known military use was in 1906 in Alaska. Only 1,376 were made between 1881 and 1885. This is an all correct example that would fit a trapdoor or Indian War collection. They are surprisingly hard to find, especially in all original condition.