Historical scatterguns are highly collectible, a blast to shoot, enthusiasts say

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — The double-barrel shotgun is steeped in American history and highly desired by collectors, and in Colorado, people collect and shoot these relics.

In a way, the guns are like handheld time machines. Engineered from wood and steel, they have silently witnessed American history. Well, mostly silent.

“We all love classic double-barrel shotguns. The club is for anybody that has an affection for double-barrel shotguns,” said Charlie Sturdavant. He is one of 50 members of the Rocky Mountain Vintagers Club.

Since 1995, members of the Rocky Mountains Vintagers have been collecting, meeting and socializing, all with a common bond: the appreciation of the classic scattergun.

Unlike some other collectibles, these are in excellent and usable condition, but that is half the fun.

“This is a John Dixon from 1882,” explained Sturdavant, speaking of one of his rarest collectibles. “There has only been 1,968 of these shotguns made.”

From taking small game to protecting what they love most, the Rocky Mountain Vintagers are pumped to keep history alive. And no, they do not collect pump-action shotguns.

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