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Before
the end of the 19th Century British gunmakers were competing to
design breech loading, hammerless ejector systems. Almost without exception, muzzle loaders
with their locks mounted on side plates, evolved into breech loading hammer
guns. These in turn were converted
to self cocking and ejector mechanisms which were fitted into their F/ends,
eliminating the external hammers.
This is called the Side Lock Action.
The Edinburgh craftsmen,
well know for their innovations, took a fresh look at the problems and
applied their skills, creating a unique gun, outstanding in many ways. This was achieved without considering the
many6 additional hours required in the unit manufacture or the artistic
shapes which had to be hand sculptured in the steel, Not only did their revolutionary Round
Action gun compete with the Side Lock in workmanship and reliability but
surpasse it in elegance and strength.
The elegant
design features are most obvious, with no ugly protrusions and the
avoidance of square edges. The
graceful lines flow from the breech end of the barrels. Strength is obtained by a solid action
body with only two small round ejector holes.
Other
actions ( side lock ) have larger rectangular slots passing through the
body. The obvious advantages are
smaller body dimensions giving compact, neater proportions with a reduction
in body weight and this allows the ultimate in balance and adds to the handling
qualities. The barrels are bolted
down by three bites, two on the lumps which are wider than normal ( 400” as opposed to .350” ). The third bite is on the top rib
extension.
The
mechanical efficiency in cocking the locks is effected by a sliding bar
under compression on dropping the barrels.
The locks are mounted on the trigger plate with the pivoting limbs
bridled to a solid upright bar.
The
strong mainsprings are of a bow type with roller bearings acting on the
tumblers, and the sears are geometrically positioned to give clean crisp
trigger pulls.
The
limbs are gold plated and the locks are contained in the head of the stock
assuring maximum protection from the weather. The ejector mechanism, contained within
the action body, is powered by substantial coil springs which are
compressed when closing the barrels giving the gun assisted opening.
The
barrel tubes are of chopper lump construction, forged from quality alloy
steel.
The gun
is made in all gauges and the weight can vary with the specification of
barrel length, type of barrel ribs, choke boring, wood density and balance
(which is paramount)
Here
are approximate weights with 28” barrels:-
12
bore 6lbs 6ozs
16
bore 6lbs 4ozs
20
bore 6lbs 0ozs
28
bore 5lbs 10ozs
.410 5lbs 4ozs
The
side by side gun is perfect for driven grouse as it is flat shooting,
lightweight and quick to reload.
This also meets the requirements of partridge shooting in Spain.
For
high birds it can be made heavier with longer barrels and a raised top rib,
with straighter stock dimensions for increased elevation and with borings
for extreme rand with larger shot sizes.
It can
also be made to a wildfowler’s specification for use with non toxic shot.
Precision
chokes can be fitted if required, making the gun more versatile
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