Have it in the 20 gauge and it is a blast to shoot

I recently obtained a 1951 Sportsman 48, in 12 gauge. 

For being 62 years old, this shotgun handled like a new Beretta over/under that I had recently shot, and that gun cost upwards of $2,000. I took it to a sporting clay course, with a full choke (it does not have screw in capabilities at this time) and amazingly went 42 for 50 on the course. 

The gun handled perfectly, and the recoil was moderate. Less so than other 12 gaugges I have shot in the past. The birds were exploding in to dust, and leading the target was easy even though the gun weighs a little over 7 pounds. I used 7 1/2, 8 shot target loads, and again was consistently amazed with the accuracry for such an old gun.

Now, this gun was in immaculate condition when I received it, but it is a Remington, so that may be part of it. Interesting note: The Sportsman 48 was a duck gun, so the tube only held two rounds, with one in the chamber. The Sportsman 58 held four in the tube. Someone modified my tube, so I can hold four and one in the chamber. While not exactly a plus for trap or sporting clays (since most venues only allow you to load two at a time), if I ever decide to take up hunting, those extra two shots will come in handy.

Check out local gun or trade shows, and if a Sportsman 48 is sitting on a table, looking for a new home, pick it up.