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Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 9:00 pm
by Synack
Recently picked up an H&R Topper 88 from a local shop. Don't think I posted any pictures of it here.
I was a bit worried about firing pin protrusion at first but I felt better after running a few rounds of 00 buckshot through it. (Well, mentally -- My shoulder not so much...

)
Then just the other day I was helping out the father-in-law with a stereo situation in his garage. (I'm the family supplier of used computers and miscellaneous electronics.) Out of the blue he gave me a Mossberg 395KB. Only slightly used, probably hasn't been shot since the 80's and looks brand new.
Ironically, my own dad has the same exact model -- I thought it was quite the unicorn the first time I saw it.

Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 9:15 am
by Loditrapper
Hey Sy, TWO nice shotguns. I remember you were looking for shotguns, too. When it rains, it pours. I can't see the end of the barrel on the Mossberg 395, does it have a polychoke? Mossberg called them C-Lect-Choke, actually. A lot of them did. My grandpa had one, his was a 385 (20 gauge). Congrats on the great guns, bud. Now get yourself a big box of cheap shotgun shells and commence blasting things. Enjoy.
Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 9:41 am
by Ironnewt
My FIL had a similar Mossberg, although his had a darker oil finished stock. My BIL got his hooks into it and I can't tell you what happened to it. Unfortunately I am afraid it ended up in a pawn shop to buy cigarettes and carry out 'food'
Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 12:15 pm
by Synack
Loditrapper wrote:Hey Sy, TWO nice shotguns. I remember you were looking for shotguns, too. When it rains, it pours. I can't see the end of the barrel on the Mossberg 395, does it have a polychoke? Mossberg called them C-Lect-Choke, actually. A lot of them did. My grandpa had one, his was a 385 (20 gauge). Congrats on the great guns, bud. Now get yourself a big box of cheap shotgun shells and commence blasting things. Enjoy.
Yep, it has the C-Lect Choke on it:
C-Lect Instructions
Already picked up some slugs -- Couldn't resist.

Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 2:04 pm
by Rongo
How funny... I also have some of those too. the bolt is in 16ga & 20ga for me & the topper in 20ga.
Very Nice!!

Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 4:26 pm
by Loditrapper
You are so cool, Sy. Finding directions for C-Lect-choke. I've had that Mossberg 500 for almost 30 years, always wanted to set it at cylinder choke for slugs, never knew how. No mark, and I was afraid to loosen choke too much. Blow it right off end of gun, y'know. So all these years, I set it at improved cylinder when shooting slugs (which don't hurt, you can even shoot slugs through a full choke). NOW, because I met Sy online, I know how the choke settings really work on my shotgun. One full turn past imp. cyl., no more, and I have a true cylinder bore. Thank you, man. Thank you.
Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Wed May 14, 2014 5:39 pm
by Synack
I sort of over analyze everything.
That's why after buying one Mosin I ended up applying for a C&R and amassed an overkill collection.
This one site is pretty neat for these Mossbergs:
http://home.epix.net/~damguy/mossberg_s ... models.htm
http://home.epix.net/~damguy/mossberg_s ... ploded.htm
Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 9:20 pm
by bunkysdad
Wow Synack you are right. The Mossberg looks like new. I have one of those too in 16 ga. with the C-lect choke. I have not even shot it. I got it several months ago from my late brother in law's collection. I like that Topper Too. Something about single shots and the noticeable kick they give back.

Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:30 am
by Junk Yard Dog
Very nice, I have the original topper, a century and counting and it's still rock solid. I picked up one of Mossbergs bolt 12 gauges, made in 1954 and apparently never used, interesting shotgun.
Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 5:01 am
by bunkysdad
It isn't a Mossberg, but maybe Mossberg made it. I have an old bolt action JC Higgins bolt action 410, but rather than having a removable magazine it has a tube feed.
Re: Mossberg 395KB and a H&R Topper 88
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 5:58 am
by Junk Yard Dog
I read someplace that Mossberg did make the JC Higgins bolt shotguns.