Classic Upland Shotgun: Remington Model 1899

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Classic Upland Shotgun: Remington Model 1899

Craig Roberts proudly displays his heirloom Remington 1899. Photo by Mark Herwig / Quail Forever

Indiana’s Craig Roberts, president of the Tree County Quail Forever Chapter, is the fourth generation of his family to become the keeper of the family’s Remington Model 1899, side-by-side 12 gauge shotgun. It was passed down to him from his grandfather, Bob Withered.

Withered, who was part of the force to occupy Japan right after it surrendered during WWII in August 1945, later worked for the Jefferson Proving Grounds in Indiana testing ammunition for the U.S. Army. Firearms run in this family.

“I was the oldest grandson, so I got it,” Craig said. “As a teen, we would shoot doves with it. We have to use light loads only because the barrel can’t take the pressure of modern loads.”

The shotgun also came with a hand-carved walnut cleaning rod Withered made himself. Back then, there were no manufactured rods.

“I intend to pass it onto one of my children,” Roberts said. Until then, he intends to stay busy with the Tree County QF chapter to help ensure his children have quail to hunt in the years to come.

The Nomad is written by Mark Herwig, Editor of the Pheasants Forever Journal and Quail Forever Journal. Email Mark at mherwig@pheasantsforever.org.