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

Taurus 817 01
Taurus 817 01

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 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.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.