Guns International #: 101222303

Category - Shotguns - English Double - Shotguns - European Double

Category
Shotguns - English Double
Shotguns - European Double

AJ Russell 12 bore Box Lock Ejector Light Pigeon/Game Gun With 30" Nitro Damascus Barrels

Description:
   ***   SOLD   ***   AJ Russell was more of a sporting goods retailer than a gunmaker, which makes the unique specification of this gun so fascinating. Grip safeties were a feature of the muzzle loading era and only just made it into the very early beach loading hammerguns so an example on an Anson & Deeley boxlock is extraordinary. Furthermore, this is not a conversion as the gun shows no sign of ever having had any other safety catch mechanism. The second unusual feature is the selective ejector. Used in conjunction with a Deeley ejector box, it is a simple slide that locks the ejector tumblers, albeit set in a rather cute, engraved fitting. Sadly the detent on the catch is not strong enough to remain in ‘RETAIN’ mode under recoil although this can be reset before opening the fired gun. We are of the opinion that this gun was a special order designed to cater for multiple functions. Primarily as a modestly priced ‘Live Pigeon’ gun to use at the many small, provincial competitions that were held at local venues, hence the flat engine-turned rib and unusual safety, and secondly as a game gun, hence the reasonable weight. A grip-safety has the unusual feature that the gun is ‘live’ as soon as the hand of the stock is gripped for a shot but the triggers are locked automatically when the gun is over one’s arm which makes it particularly suitable for competitive shooting. With Britain’s banning of Live Pigeon shooting in 1923, the ‘Grouse Chokes’ may have been a subsequent alteration (by removing the heavy choke in the LH barrel) to make the gun more useful for driven game. This otherwise ‘normal’ A&D boxlock action is profusely covered with fine border, scroll and foliate detail and this coupled with the interceptor sears, excellent barrel measurements and sensitive restoration makes it a pretty and interesting gun for either game or clays.   ***   Recently refurbished by Toby Barclay of Heritage Guns UK the action is of Anson & Deeley design and features:  Double triggers bolted by grip safety; Interceptor sears; Top lever operating a 'Purdey Bolt' by way of a ‘Scott Spindle’; Greener style cross bolt; Selective Deeley ejectors tripped by slides running from the action knuckle to the main springs; Anson forend catch. Gun weight 6lb 8oz. This Russell number 29701 was made circa 1890 – 94. Engraving style Border and foliate scroll with ‘Fluted’ Pin-fire style fences. Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 4 lbs Rear trigger 4 1/2lbs.    ***   The nitro Damascus barrels are 30" in length, chambered for 2 ¾" (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs. Top rib is flat and engine-turned. London reproof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 2012, The right barrel is bored 0.740 with a constriction of 0.018 for Modified choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.026. The left barrel is bored 0.741 and has a constriction of 0.006. Minimum wall thickness is 0.022. “Grouse chokes” are ideal for incoming shots but of course, the open barrel can be fired first by simply pulling the correct trigger.   ***   Straight Hand Stock and Splinter Forend are crafted from highly figured walnut. The stock is lightly cast off for a righthanded shot, features a vacant white metal oval and is finished with a horn butt plate secured with engraved screws.  The forend is fully checkered with the ejector selector slide mounted centrally. The 22 lines per inch checkering is to the normal boxlock design with well defined drop points. 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 14-1/8” by 1-5/8” by 2-3/4”. Cast off for the righthanded shooter.   ***   A great and interesting gun for game and clays. Attractively priced.   ***   US Agent for Heritage Guns UK. Buyer is responsible for all shipping, insurance and related charges. I give a three-day non-firing inspection and will only accept returns if gun is not as described                                                                                              

SOLD

Antique: Yes