I think my oldest was made before 1955. It is a 20 gauge, but has a 12 gauge magazine tube and receiver, and a corn cob fore end. I had a hell of a time finding a 26" modified ventilated rib barrel for it. It will only feed 2 3/4" shells. Slick as snot. Came with a plain full choke barrel. We have killed truckloads of doves with it over the years. One year my wife beat me at trap with it when I borrowed a Winchester SX3. Ouch.