Rifleman Q&A: Syracuse Arms Co.

by
posted on August 16, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Syracuse Arms Co. Ad

Q: I came by a double-barrel 12-ga. shotgun made by Syracuse Arms Co.: Serial No. 11300. It is marked “Improved Damascus.” What can you tell me about the company and gun?


A: Your Syracuse Arms Co. shotgun was made in Syracuse, N.Y., the company being in business from 1893 until 1908. Its production actually ended in 1906, and it was bought by the Ithaca Gun Co. in 1908. The guns were made based on designs by Frank Hollenbeck, and his name appears on Syracuse Arms Co. guns made before Serial No. 10000.

Frank Hollenbeck was born in upstate New York in 1851; he was a machinist, inventor and master gunmaker. He was associated with Syracuse Arms, Ansley H. Fox, Baltimore Arms and Dan Lefever. He also made locks and bicycle seats. Ultimately, he formed the Hollenbeck Gun Co. to manufacture his patented three-barrel shotguns—which re-organized in 1905 as the Three Barrel Gun Co. Hollenbeck died in 1933.

“Improved Damascus” refers to one of several grades of Damascus or twist-steel barrels. Because Damascus barrels are made of twisted steel and iron, corrosion can invade the softer iron, causing undetectable voids and potentially leading to barrel failure. Because of its age and construction, this shotgun should not be fired under any circumstances unless it is certified safe to fire by a qualified gunsmith familiar with older firearms.

—John M. Taylor, Contributing Editor

Latest

Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web
Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Charter Arms Double Dog

For this Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with a convertible wheelgun from Charter Arms, and it’s one that goes from .357 Mag to 9 mm Luger quickly and easily. Welcome to the Double Dog.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 17, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Robbins & Lawrence Story: Pioneers Of Mass Production

The Robbins & Lawrence company of Windsor, Vt., was an early pioneer in the field of mass production, using machine tools and interchangeable parts to produce firearms for both the U.S. and British governments.

CMP Auctions Move To GunBroker.com

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has moved its popular auctions to GunBroker.com, an online firearm marketplace that launched in 1999, to further support the future of the shooting sports and firearm ownership.

I Have This Old Gun: The French Charleville Musket

One of the most important military arms ever made, the French Charleville musket saw use in the American Revolution and armed French troops throughout the Napoleonic Wars.

CVA Endura Series: The Modernized Muzzleloader Of 2025

CVA built on the success of its Paramount muzzleloader to create the Endura, a design that the company calls "the most advanced muzzleloader series CVA has ever built."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.