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Vickers-Armstrongs 12 Gauge Double Barrel Live Pigeon Shotgun 3" Chamber Cased London Best Gun 1927
Guns International #: 100625056 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Shotguns - Live Pigeon - Shotguns - English Double
Seller's Information
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Seller: Rhodesia101
Member Since: 10/31/15
First Name: David
Last Name: Nelson
State: Wyoming
Zip: 82414
Country: United States
Phone: (307) 578-7620
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 15
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Cashiers Cheque, Bamk Cheque, Postal Money Order, Personal Cheque
Description:
This is a beautiful British hand made sidelock, manufacutred in the Birmingham and London. Multiple proof and makers marks on the barrels start in Birmingham and end in London. This shotgun is an engraved 12 guage 3" 1 1/2 oz pigeon grade SxS "London Best" shotgun. Vickers Armstrong was a company formed around 1927. They made both "best" guns and low end 22 rifles and shotguns. This fine gun was probably a presentation piece to someone important or sold expensively to a live pigeon shooter. For those unaware, live pigeon shooting was and is a rich mans betting and shooting sport whereby live pigeons are shot instead of clay pigeons. Notice all the proof and manufacturing marks in the pictures. Notice also the gold piece on the beautiful wood stock for a persons initials. Also the leather recoil pad and the fine engraving. I can find no makers marks anywhere on the gun, only the proof and mfg stamps from Birmingham and London, and the name of Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd. All of my research (Boothroyds book, calls and emails to firearms museums in the United States and the United Kingdom) have also produced no further information except the fact that Vickers (the aircraft, steel and machine gun company) contracted out for a "best gun" and non "best gun" sometime between 1927-1929, of which they gave a "best gun" to the first man to fly a plane from the UK to Australia. This gun is a "best gun." The gun is proofed for 3" shells and 1 1/2oz shot so from what my research reveals it was made for live pigeon and possibly duck shooting. The gun shoots very nicely. One barrel is modified and one is full choke--I have the exact measurements if you are interested. The barrels are 30." As for the case, snap caps, cleaning rod and inside label, I do not know their origin or age, but they compliment the gun. The snap caps and cleaning rod (British Manufacture) look old, as does the label, I cannot ascertain the age of the case and the old man I bought the gun from didn't know either. But boy, what a beautiful shooting side lock. Yersterday, There appears to be a hairline on the left hand side of the stock close to the receiver--whether or not it is a surface crack, a blemish in the wood or a deeper crack I do not know. Whatever it is, it is barely discernible and very difficult to locate without an extremely bright light. There is nothing structurally wrong with the stock so I don't think it is a major crack. I've owned the gun for a long time and just now noticed it.The action is so tight it sounds like a door closing on an older Lincoln Towncar. Email me if you have questions, comments or suggestions. My name on is "Ek Mis Afrika" this is my first time trying Gunsinternational
SOLD
Manufacturer: Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd
Model: Best
Gauge Info: 12