Rem. model 58

[lead]

I was looking at one of these yesterday. It was a 20ga. model, well used, for $149. It is the semi-auto version that has a knob on the end of the tube that changes from high to low for different type shells.
It's the only model I've ever seen with that setup, did it work, or is the fact that they quit using it an indication that it wasn't very good?
The gun is priced like a single shot, but I'm not familiar with them, is it a good deal or not?

[Popeye]

The Model 58, Remington's first gas-operated shotgun, was made from 1956 to 1964. It was a good gun but would not hold up to Trap and Skeet competition shooting. It was fine for hunting. It is important to dial in your loads correctly as shooting a "heavy" load while the gun is in a "light setting" causes unnecessary stress on the gun.

Here are the instructions from the owner's manual.

Light and Heavy Load Selection

The magazine cap is vented to reduce the recoil and ensure proper operation of your shorgun when firing light or heavy loads including the MAGNUM loads. Rotate the "Dial-a-Matic" selector ("L" - Light, "H" - Heavy) clockwise towards the barrel to match any of the three raised marks on the magazine cap. This will vent the piston mechanism sufficiently for the load used.

FOr the "Sporttsman"-58 STANDARD model (2 3/4 in. chamber), match the "H" letter on the selector to the raised mark on the cap when shooting heavy or standard length MAGNUM loads. Match the "L" letter to the raised mark for light loads. For rifled slugs or 00 buckshot, match the "L" letter to the raised mark on the cap.

For the "Sportsman"-58 12 gauge MAGNUM model (3 in. chamber), match the "H" letter to the raised mark when shooting 3 inch Magnum shells. When shooting 2 3/4 inch standard length Magnum shells in this model match the "L" letter to the raised mark on the cap.