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Although it fell out of favour after the Second World War, in the modern era, renewed appreciation for the side-lever began to re-surface and some customers again specified it on their new orders.
Such was the case when this pair of Stephen Grant & Sons 20-bores was made, in 1994. Stephen Grant is now owned by Francis Lovel and before that by Ken Duglan. However, at the time these guns were made it was under the ownership of two of the gun trade's most important collaborators of the late 20th century; Cyril Adams and Ron Solari.
Ron was ex-Rigby and Cyril was a champion ZZ and live pigeon shooter. Both understood British guns, how to make them and what they needed for them to shoot well. Where Ron was involved, the quality was a given. Where Cyril was involved, you could be assured the gun 'would shoot'. That is the perfect combination.
Between them they had the necessary contacts with all the best gunmakers of the day and used them to make beautiful guns. This pair of 20-bores exemplifies their best work...
They were London proofed for 70mm nitro, at 950 BAR, in 1994, meaning they will accept any standard 70mm (2 3/4") cartridge today. Barrels are best quality chopper-lump steel and 29" in length.
The bar action sidelocks are of very best quality, with gold-washed internals and fully case colour hardened. The Holland & Holland self-opening system is used, with its distinctive spring housed under the forend.
Engraving by Keith Thomas is a very neat version of Grant's traditional full-coverage fine scroll, which extends to all the steel surfaces, including the furniture. External gold is reserved for the serial number on the guard strap, the gun number, 'SAFE' on the top strap, and the maker's name. In addition, there is a gold oval.
Safety slide, trigger guard and side-lever are blacked, as is the forend iron, while the finial for the Anson pushrod is case hardened and the grip cap is horn.
The elegantly proportioned and well figured walnut stocks have a Prince of Wales grip and drop-points, as well as case-hardened heel and toe plates. Length of pull is 15 1/8".
The guns appear to be original and not to have undergone any work post production. They also appear very little, if at all, used. To build a pair of this quality today would cost in excess of £250,000.00.
They look, feel and handle like classic game guns and would be perfect for grouse or driven partridges.
Everything about these guns looks and feels quality. They were built at a time before the ubiquity of CNC made 'kits of parts', using traditional gunmaking skills to create every component by hand, from scratch.
They really are flawless.
The ‘As New’ Pair Of Stephen Grant 20-bore Sidelever Shotguns are for sale at £55,000. For more information and imagery of this beautiful pair click on the link below:
www.westleyrichards.com/usedguns/shotguns/stephen-grant-self-opening-20g-sidelocks/
For more information, please contact Trigger at anthony@westleyrichards.co.uk
The Explora Blog is the world’s premier online journal for field sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, conservationists and admirers of bespoke gunmaking, fine leather goods and timeless safari clothes. Each month Westley Richards publishes up to 8 blog posts on a range of topics with an avid readership totalling 500,000+ page views per year.
Blog post topics include: Finished custom rifles and bespoke guns leaving the Westley Richards factory; examples of heritage firearms with unique designs and celebrated owners like James Sutherland and Frederick Courteney Selous; the latest from the company pre-owned guns and rifles collection; interviews with the makers from the gun and leather factory; new season safari wear and country clothing; recent additions to our luxury travel bags and sporting leather goodsrange; time well spent out in the field; latest news in the sporting world; and key international conservation stories.
