 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Robert Roper 12 bore Bar Action “Leg O’ Mutton” Sidelocks Non-Ejector with Sidelever
Guns International #: 101688191 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Shotguns - English Double - Shotguns - European Double
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: MacNab
Company: MacNab Fine Firearms
Member Since: 6/30/07
State: Virginia
Zip: 24523
Country: United States
Phone: (704) 796-6364
Number of Active Listings: 34
Total Number of Listings: 949
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: Cashiers Check, U.S. Postal Money Order, Personal Check
Description:
*** SOLD *** Robert Roper was in business in Sheffield from around 1878 until the early 1940's, probably killed off by the materials shortage during the 2nd WW. We have seen several guns by him over the years and they are characterized by simple, unostentatious engraving and the use of the very best in trade actions and design. This gun is built on the highly successful Gibbs and Pitt design of lever cocking action, one of the first hammerless designs to be welcomed by the shooting public in the gradual changeover from hammerguns. Use of this action by Roper reflects the high esteem the Gibbs & Pitt action design was held in by the buying public at the time. It was well designed, solidly built and utilized by nearly all gunmakers of the period. *** The action cocks on the movement of the sidelever and then this is aided by the dropping of the barrels as the barrel lumps cam the Purdey bolt rearwards, which in turn works upon the tumblers to bring them to full cock. This makes it quite impossible to reload the gun without re-cocking the locks and resetting the safety, a useful safety feature. *** Unusually for a gun of this age, the full/full chokes of the original gun have survived the attentions of the gunsmith's lapping machine and combined with its super strong, straight grain, replacement stock and thick barrel walls, they make this a serious gun for trap, live pigeon and wildfowling. A further safety feature is that the safety blocks the sear tails as well as the trigger blades. The original English Damascus barrels have been re-proofed for 2 3/4" nitro cartridges and this all adds up to a beautiful gun that is a joy to shoot and should give many years of service on game or clays with normal maintenance. *** This interesting Roper sidelock no. 30540 was made circa 1878 – 1887 and was refurbished in the UK by Heritage Guns. The action is of Gibbs & Pitt design and features much original hardening case color; bar-action 'Leg of Mutton' locks; disc-set strikers, side lever opening with a double bite Purdey Bolt, double triggers & sear tails bolted by an automatic top tang safety slide and a Hackett forend catch. Gun weighs 6lb 10oz. It is nicely engraved with a Foliate Scroll pattern. *** The original Damascus barrels are 30" in length, chambered for 2 3/4" (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed dovetail lump construction with soft soldered ribs. Top rib is of the smooth, concave game type. Birmingham reproof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 2007. Right barrel is bored 0.740 with a constriction of 0.040 for Full choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.030. Left barrel is bored 0.741 with a constriction of 0.040 for Full choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.028. *** The replacement straight hand Stock is crafted from lightly figured, straight grain walnut. The stock is lightly cast-off for a right-handed shot, features a vacant white metal oval and an engraved iron butt plate attached with engraved screws. The forend features an engraved steel forend tip and diamond. There are inlet repairs to its edge. *** The 20 approx lines per inch checkering has been freshened to the original pattern. The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil-based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers. This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre, only many hours of alternate build and flatting off of the surface. Stock dimensions are 14-1/2” by 1-1/2” by 2-1/8”. ** Don’t let this great double with its excellent handling characteristics get away. I give a 3-day non-firing inspection and will only accept returns if gun is not as described.
SOLD
Antique: Yes