Crescent Arms SxS
Crescent Fire Arms Co. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1892
Also known as: Crescent Double Barrel, American Gun Company double, Crescent Fire Arms SxS
Overview
The Crescent Arms SxS is a break-action, side-by-side double-barrel shotgun produced by the Crescent Fire Arms Co. of Norwich, Connecticut, from the early 1890s into the 1940s. Built as an affordable workingman's gun, it was sold in 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauges under dozens of hardware-store and distributor brand names, most famously the American Gun Company of New York. Early guns used external hammers, while later examples were hammerless boxlocks and sidelocks, with double triggers and either Damascus twist or fluid (Armory) steel barrels.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1145 mm (45.08") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Double Trigger, Top Lever Break Open, Extractor
Service history
Operators
- American civilian market
Production
Production years: 1892-1941
Produced in very large numbers across hundreds of trade names; exact figures undocumented.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1941
Notes
Crescent guns were classic 'trade-name' or 'hardware store' shotguns, branded for retailers and distributors. Many early examples have Damascus (laminated twist) barrels not safe for modern smokeless loads. The company was acquired by H. & D. Folsom in 1893, by J. Stevens Arms (Savage) around 1930, then merged into Crescent-Davis Arms Corp.
Background
Crescent was founded in 1888-1892 when George W. Cilley acquired the assets of the defunct Bacon Arms Co. and partnered with Frank A. Foster. The firm became the archetypal American 'hardware store' shotgun maker, stamping its inexpensive doubles with whatever brand a distributor requested.