Q. I have a single-shot shotgun that I believe is some type of forager’s model made by Husqvarna, but after contacting the maker and notable collectors, I’m left stumped. Apparently, Husqvarna lost its records in a fire. I had the gun thoroughly examined by a gunsmith who pronounced it shootable. It is great on quail and jump-shooting partridge in heavy cover. Can you tell me more about it?
A. Many Husqvarna rolling-block shotguns encountered today were converted from Swedish military rifles. But yours was originally made as a sporting model, as is shown by the shape of the action, the octagon-to-round barrel and the cheekpiece on the buttstock. These were available in various barrel lengths and gauges. Several years ago, many of these were imported by Simpson Ltd. (simpsonltd.com); I think the quantity was in the hundreds. They still have a few remaining, but not in as good condition as yours.