A rare 1927, 12 gauge Model de Luxe shotgun from which the design of the bicentennial set of seven guns was created.
Missing from this set was a 4 bore double barrel droplock as at the time we had no designs or had ever in fact built such a gun. To commission such a new design did in our mind require more than just the one order as the amount of research and development would be quite considerable.
As things often turn out shortly after the completion of the set of 7 another client approached us with his desire to have a pair of super deluxe quality droplock double barrel 4 bores built. With this in mind we approached the owner of the set of 7 who readily took us up on the offer and challenge - finally the missing piece of the puzzle was underway!
About this time last year we finally completed the first pair of 4 bores which really were a credit to the skills of the gunmakers here at the factory. The scaling up or down of any action design is always tricky, but the guys here did a great job with the 4 bore as it really is so much bigger than even an 8 bore.
Whilst we do appreciate the 4 bore 'Bicentennial' is a little late, it really will be a fitting climax to an already magnificent set of guns. Being the largest of the set it is appropriately engraved with carved Swans a fitting subject for such a monster of a gun.
Vance Daigle on December 16, 2016 at 12:07 pm
Good Day,
What a special gun this is!!! Not only in that it is part of the seven now eight gun set you spoke of. This gun is a great show of the engravers skills!! Carving, fine scroll and Gold, this gun is a great candidate to have all types being such a large frame. If you don't mind saying who did the work? How many different engravers were necessary to complete this project. Thank you in advance for the effort!!!
In Christ
Vance,
Simon Clode on December 16, 2016 at 12:48 pm
We used three engravers for the project Vance.
1. Fences
2. Scroll
3. Carved scenes.
My Best Wishes!
Simon
Neill on December 17, 2016 at 3:26 pm
Shotgun or artillery? Who cares, it is as sublime example of fine gun making. Thanks for the photos.
Peter Buckley. on December 18, 2016 at 6:00 am
Truly astonishing gun making, top quality workmanship, congratulations to all your staff and engravers.
It perhaps would have given your Post an added perspective to have placed say the action of a 12 bore alongside to give an idea of scale and size, can't quite comprehend the scale myself.
What will the completed gun look like when stocked with some of your spectacular timber?
Do hope to see the finished gun again as a follow up to this particular post!
Tell me, is ammunition readily available commercially in 4 bore, brass case paper case?
Will the action be colour case hardened, (is that the correct term?) what is the customers choice?
Wonderful gun, thank you for sharing it.
To all the staff Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Trigger on December 19, 2016 at 1:49 am
Dear Peter
Many thanks for your kind words. We will add some scale when the gun is finally complete and I post the final blog to it. The wood for the gun is very nice indeed and complements very well.
The gun will have all parts fully case colour hardened as this is in keeping with the rest of the set.
Ammunition is still available from a specialist loader here in the Uk. Both full length plastic and brass cases are available.
Have a great Christmas and New Year.
Trigger
Peter Buckley. on December 19, 2016 at 6:38 am
Dear Trigger
Thank you for your reply to my questions.
Can't wait to see the completed work.
You are quite rightly proud of Westley's very talented Gunmakers.
Peter.