Westernfield 170A Slugster

[Ranch Dog]

Anybody ever shot one? Rifled or smoothbore?

[NyFirefighter357]

Western Field Model M170A Slugster -- Made in USA -- 12 Gauge For 2 3/4" and 3" Shells -- 24" SmoothBore Barrel with Rifle Sights -- Walnut Stained Hardwood Stock Rubber Recoil Pad -- Removable Box Magazine

[Ranch Dog]

Thanks....

[RMc]

Indeed, that was the Mossberg model 395K sold under the Westernfield trade name for Montgomery Ward.

[NyFirefighter357]

Indeed, that was the Mossberg model 395K sold under the Westernfield trade name for Montgomery Ward.

I have the Mossberg with a poly choke. These guns run between $50-$75.

[Ranch Dog]

I haven't looked around much, but locally I've seen the 395. I guess they were popular as goose guns here on the Texas coast. The 170 Slugster is the first I've seen, the rifle sights caught my attention.

[NyFirefighter357]

Those style guns are what the Marlin 512 is based off of.

[beemer]

If it is the Mossberg I had one with rifle sights back in the 90's. It was a 12 ga. smooth bore and didn't do any better than any other shotgun with rifle sights. Don't remember the group size but I considered it a 50 yd. gun, still somewhat better than most guns with bead sights because you could change the zero. That one kicked so hard your eyes would water.

I had one back about 1970-71 that was a 12ga. with a 28 in. modified choke and bead sights. That gun shot the most even pattern of any shotgun I have ever owned. The funny thing about that one was it shot slugs as good as any one I have ever seen. The recoil lug was a spacer between the receiver and barrel with a hump on top that had a notch for the sights. You could use that notch and bead like a rifle sight and hit a pop can at 50 yds. almost every time. I know it was a fluke that it shot that good but I should have kept it, at that age I didn't know what I had. If I remember correctly I bought it at one of the large discount stores for $38 and tax. I was making about $1.75 an hour so I had to put back a little for a couple of weeks, but still a good value and solid gun.

Dave

[Wally9130]

I actually just bought one of these yesterday at the range. Having a Westernfield 48A 22 that I like so much, I decided to take it to my lane and rip through a few slugs. It was awesome! I can't say I've ever shot a bolt action 12 gauge before, but I was pleasantly surprised. I'm very happy with the buy and it ended up costing me less money than dinner later that evening did.