Shotgun History???

[tbmaker]

Just received a shotgun from a relatives estate.
Single shot 20ga.
Exposed hammer.

All it says on the side is "Central Arms".
No listing of gage or choke.

Nothing special to look at but very tight action, metal in great shape. Everything works, extractor/ejector etc.

Serial #28281 was hiding under the barrel and was stamped on the barrel under the forearm.

Anybody ever heard of such a critter. Any clue on quality and shootability.
It seems to be a quality single shot, not some knock off cheapy.
Thanks Wayne

[dukkillr]

I found this online at: http://www.chuckhawks.com/guns_faq3.htm

Q: I have an old single barreled break-action shotgun marked "Empire Arms Co." What can you tell me about it?

Guns like yours were usually sold through big retail chains like Sears, Wards, and Western Auto. They were sold during the 1920s, 30s, 40, and 50s. They were marked with names like Eastern Arms Co., Central Arms Co., Western Arms Co., Acme Arms Co., Empire Arms. Co., and so on. None of these companies actually existed, they were just names, and parts are not available. My dad had a gun like you describe marked "Eastern Arms Co." The value of any of these guns is small.

[Shorty]

GunParts (Numrich) has an extensive cross-reference listing of store-name guns to the actual manufacturer.