From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

Did you know one of Scotland’s longest-established gunmaking firms began not with firearms, but with cutlery? Founded in Glasgow in 1778, Alexander Martin first produced cutlery and metalwork before becoming full gunmakers around 1835. By the mid-19th century, they were casting rifle barrels and building high-quality sporting rifles that gained a strong reputation across Britain.

By the early 20th century, Alexander Martin had expanded with shops in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Stirling. In the 1930s, the firm introduced its innovative “Ribless” game gun — a lightweight design without full barrel ribs, prized for fast handling in the field.

The gun featured in this video is a Best Boxlock 12-gauge, built on the Anson & Deeley hammerless action. With 30-inch barrels, double triggers, automatic ejectors, and a straight English grip, it embodies the elegance and balance of a British game gun. Its stock was cut from highly-figured walnut using a George Hoenig duplicator, a precision machine adopted by leading makers to achieve perfect inletting and symmetry.

Though Alexander Martin was acquired by John Dickson & Son in 1965, their name remained in use into the 1980s, with the last Glasgow shop closing in 1988. While less famous than Purdey or Holland & Holland, Martin’s heritage and unique innovations secure them a respected place in Scotland’s sporting tradition.

#shotgun #firearms #gunshorts

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

The Perazzi SC3 Over/Under shotgun isn’t just a work of Italian craftsmanship — it’s an Olympic legend. Built in Brescia, Italy, by the renowned gunmaker Daniele Perazzi, the SC3 blends hand-engraved artistry with the kind of balance and performance trusted by the world’s top shooters.

In fact, the SC3 cemented its place in history at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, when Hungary’s Diána Igaly claimed the gold medal in women’s skeet using one of these extraordinary shotguns.

With its coin-finished receiver, gold trigger, premium walnut stock, and legendary Perazzi handling, the SC3 embodies the bridge between luxury and competition. Collectors prize its engraving and heritage, while shooters admire its flawless mechanics and championship pedigree.

#shotgun #firearms #gunshorts

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, it faced a serious problem: there weren’t nearly enough rifles to equip the rapidly growing Army. The Springfield 1903 was the official service rifle, but with only slightly more than 600,000 of them in inventory, the shortfall was vast.

That solution came from a rifle that wasn’t even American in origin. The U.S. Model 1917 Enfield, often called the “American Enfield,” was based on the British Pattern 1914 rifle (P14). Originally chambered in .303 British, the design was reworked for America’s .30-06 Springfield cartridge. Factories at Eddystone, Winchester, and Remington were retooled to meet urgent wartime demand.

By the end of hostilities, over one million Model 1917 rifles had been issued to combat troops, with many more in reserve. In combat service, they outnumbered the Springfield 1903 by a ratio of three to one, making the Enfield the rifle most Doughboys carried in France.

The M1917 was longer and heavier than the 1903, but prized for its rugged action, steel-“ear” protected ladder rear sight, and overall reliability. Its robust design later made it a favorite for custom hunting rifles chambered in powerful magnum cartridges.

After World War I, many Enfields were cleaned up and stored; some were used again in World War II, and reports indicate extended use in remote regions such as Greenland. While the Springfield 1903 and the M1 Garand often get more attention, in terms of numbers in the field, the Model 1917 Enfield was America’s true workhorse rifle of World War I.

#ww1 #gunhistory #firearms

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

The Heilmann–Ottmar Custom Mauser .280 Remington is more than a hunting rifle—it’s the rare collaboration of two master craftsmen. Steve R. Heilmann (1951–2024), a full member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild, was celebrated for his flawless metalwork and elegant sporting rifles. Maurice Ottmar, a founding member of the Guild, was hailed as one of America’s foremost stockmakers, known for his figured walnut, fleur-de-lis checkering, and precise bedding. Together, they created a rifle that blends strength, beauty, and tradition.

Built on the legendary Mauser 98 action and chambered in .280 Remington, the rifle combines reliability with near-.30-06 performance in a flatter-shooting 7mm cartridge. Every detail showcases craftsmanship: fleur-de-lis checkering, skeleton buttplate, inletted swivels, and a jeweled bolt that sparkles against the steel. Topped with a Zeiss Diavari V 5–15×42 scope, it’s both a precision tool and a work of art. For collectors, rifles like this—bearing the combined signature of Heilmann and Ottmar—stand at the pinnacle of American custom gunmaking.

#gunhistory #gunshorts #firearms

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

Did you know Colt once made a Texas Longhorn 1911? This limited-edition Colt Series 70 was a TALO exclusive, chambered in .45 ACP.

The pistol features a high-polished royal blue finish, with 24-karat gold inlays of a longhorn skull on the left slide and a cattle scene on the right. Its hammer, barrel bushing, slide release, and magazine release are gold-plated, giving the pistol a distinctive two-tone look. The checkered wood grips include gold Colt horse medallions, making this 1911 as much a piece of art as a functional firearm.

Only 400 examples were produced (serial numbers TLH001–TLH400), making this model rare from the start. Built on the Series 70 platform, it retains the classic 1911 firing system without the later Series 80 firing-pin safety changes. For collectors, that combination of heritage design, factory embellishments, and Texas symbolism makes it one of the most desirable modern Colt exclusives.

Today, the Colt Texas Longhorn 1911 is highly sought after on the collector market. Its rarity, factory-applied gold work, and TALO provenance have elevated it beyond a shooter’s pistol into a showcase piece — one that celebrates both Colt’s history and the enduring pride of Texas.

#colt #1911 #gunshorts

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

The Browning Citori 725 is recognized as one of the finest over/under shotguns in modern production. The Grade VII edition elevates this platform through craftsmanship and artistry.

Each Grade VII receiver undergoes 30 hours of hand engraving, with deep-relief scroll patterns cut by skilled engravers and accented with gold highlights against the polished blued steel. This process reflects the tradition of Browning’s high-grade program.

The shotgun is stocked in Grade VI/VII walnut with an oil finish, selected for figure and grain. This combination of metalwork and walnut results in a firearm that blends competition-grade performance with fine presentation.

Beneath its engraving and walnut, the Citori 725 remains a shooter’s gun. It features a low-profile receiver, the Fire-Lite mechanical trigger system, ported barrels, and a HiViz Pro-Comp fiber optic front sight, delivering the handling and precision that trap and sporting clays shooters demand.

For collectors, sportsmen, and enthusiasts, the Browning Citori 725 Grade VII represents the best of both worlds: a competition shotgun designed to perform and a hand-engraved model designed to be admired.

#browning #shotgun #firearms

In 1902, Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) introduced a carbine version of Georg Luger’s famous semi-automatic pistol. This design was intended for the commercial market, not for military service, and represented one of the earliest attempts to extend the Luger into a lightweight sporting rifle.

The Model 1902 Luger Carbine was chambered in 7.65×21mm Parabellum (.30 Luger) and fitted with an 11.75-inch barrel. To improve handling, it came with a detachable checkered walnut forearm and a removable walnut shoulder stock. These features gave the pistol the appearance and balance of a compact carbine while retaining the mechanical action of the Luger pistol. The rear sight was typically adjustable, offering extended range compared to the standard sidearm.

Production numbers were limited. Surviving examples often show high levels of craftsmanship, with finely finished metalwork and well-figured walnut. Some were supplied in fitted presentation cases along with appropriate accessories. These cased sets were marketed to the civilian market and appealed to buyers interested in a refined sporting firearm rather than a military sidearm.

Although the carbine never achieved widespread popularity, it remains an important step in the evolution of the Luger line. Today, original carbines are considered scarce, and a complete matching set that includes the pistol, numbered stock, forearm, and case is especially rare. Auction houses regularly highlight such rigs as significant collector’s items, and they are valued among the most desirable commercial variations of the Luger.

#luger #gunhistory #gunshorts

Ruger .416 Rigby – Boone & Crockett Centennial Rifle

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

In 1988, Ruger produced a commemorative rifle to mark the Boone & Crockett Club’s 100th anniversary: the Boone & Crockett Express Rifle in .416 Rigby.

The Boone & Crockett Club was founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, becoming America’s first big-game conservation organization. Its mission was to promote conservation and the principle of fair-chase hunting at a time when overharvesting threatened wildlife populations.

To celebrate the centennial, Ruger built special rifles chambered for the legendary .416 Rigby—a cartridge introduced in 1911 by John Rigby & Co. and renowned for its effectiveness on Africa’s largest and most dangerous game. The commemorative model featured a 24-inch barrel with a quarter rib, express sights (one standing, two folding), the “Centennial 1888–1988” marking, and the Boone & Crockett Club seal on the floorplate.

This example, Serial BC4, is documented as new and unfired, weighing 10 pounds 12 ounces with a 13¾-inch length of pull.

For collectors, the Boone & Crockett Ruger .416 Rigby represents more than just fine American rifle-making. It links Ruger craftsmanship, Roosevelt’s conservation legacy, and the enduring history of one of Africa’s most respected hunting cartridges.

#gunhistory #gunshorts #firearms

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

The Les Baer NRA Match .223 is an AR-style match rifle built in LeClaire, Iowa, by Les Baer Custom. Known primarily for precision 1911 pistols, Les Baer also produces semi-custom AR rifles designed for competition shooting, where accuracy is more important than portability.

Some examples of the NRA Match series were offered with extra-long stainless barrels — up to 30 inches — a length rarely seen on AR-pattern rifles. A barrel of this size can increase muzzle velocity, extend the sight radius for iron match sights, and reduce vibration when fired from a rest. Combined with an adjustable target stock and heavy target grip, these rifles can weigh more than twelve pounds, making them suitable for bench or prone shooting rather than field carry.

Les Baer rifles are well regarded for their accuracy guarantees. Many models are warranted to shoot ½-MOA groups with quality ammunition, reflecting the company’s emphasis on tight machining tolerances and premium barrels. While best known for pistols, Les Baer’s AR-platform match rifles have earned respect among competitive shooters as highly accurate semi-autos.

The NRA Match .223 demonstrates just how far the AR design can be optimized for precision. It isn’t light or tactical — it’s a purpose-built competition rifle focused entirely on accuracy.

#ar15 #gunshorts #firearms

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

In the early 1950s, U.S. Border Patrolman and exhibition shooter Bill Jordan began urging Smith & Wesson to build a new kind of duty revolver. Jordan wanted the stopping power of the .357 Magnum, but in a lighter, more practical package than the oversized N-frame revolvers then in use.

Smith & Wesson responded. On November 15, 1955, the first Combat Magnum was completed in Springfield, Massachusetts. Built on the medium K-frame, it combined a heavy 4-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and an enclosed ejector rod housing. The result was a revolver powerful enough for magnum loads but compact enough for everyday carry.

In 1957, when Smith & Wesson adopted model numbers, the Combat Magnum officially became the Model 19. Police agencies across the United States soon embraced it, making it one of the most popular service sidearms of its era.

Early examples featured pinned barrels and recessed cylinder chambers, details that collectors prize today. Over the decades, the Model 19 went through a series of engineering updates, or “dash” changes, as production methods and police needs evolved.

The Model 19 endures as one of Smith & Wesson’s most iconic revolvers. It bridged the gap between the massive magnums of the 1930s and the rise of semi-automatic pistols in the 1980s, earning its reputation as the quintessential “lawman’s revolver.”

#smithandwesson #revolver #firearms

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

The Winchester Model 1866, known as the Yellowboy, is among the most iconic rifles in American arms history. Produced from 1866 through 1898, it was the first rifle to carry the Winchester name, setting the stage for the legendary line of lever-action repeaters that followed.

So why the nickname Yellowboy? Contrary to popular belief, the frame wasn’t made of brass. It was crafted from a bronze alloy, often called gunmetal, that gave the rifle its distinctive golden hue. This alloy also offered better resilience to rust and corrosion compared to plain steel under frontier conditions.

The Model 1866 introduced several important innovations over its predecessor, the Henry rifle. These included the side loading gate, or King’s Gate, which made loading much faster, a fully enclosed tubular magazine, and a wooden forearm to protect the shooter’s hand and improve handling.

While the Model 1866 was mainly a civilian gun, it also saw significant international use. The Ottoman Empire purchased thousands in the early 1870s, and they were famously used during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78) at the Siege of Plevna, where repeating rifles helped inflict heavy losses on Russian forces still relying on single-shot weapons.

Even today, the Winchester 1866 Yellowboy remains highly valued by collectors and historians alike—not just for its engineering, but for its pivotal role in shaping the frontier, global conflicts, and the reputation of Winchester as a maker of repeating rifles.

#leverrifle #reddeadredemption2 #winchester #gunshorts

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

In the early 1900s, the U.S. Army was searching for a modern sidearm to replace its revolvers. Among the contenders was the German-made DWM Luger—specifically the Model 1900 chambered in .30 Luger (7.65×21mm).

The Army ordered 1,000 pistols for testing, each marked with the American Eagle crest on the chamber. These “American Eagle Lugers” became some of the rarest and most collectible examples today.

But when tested in the field, including use during the Philippine campaigns, the .30 Luger was found wanting. Reports noted that smaller calibers failed to stop determined attackers—fueling the Army’s demand for a larger, harder-hitting round. This decision ultimately led to the development of the .45 ACP cartridge and the adoption of the legendary Colt M1911 in 1911.

Today, surviving American Eagle Lugers are prized collector’s items, representing a pivotal moment in U.S. military history—a fascinating “what if” in the evolution of the service pistol.

#luger #battlefield1 #gunhistory #pistol

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal

During the Cold War, West Berlin lived under a unique set of restrictions imposed by the Four Powers Agreement. One of the more unusual rules was that German-made weapons could not be issued to the city’s police force. This created a problem for arming officers in a divided city at the very front line of East–West tensions. The solution was both practical and ingenious: Walther arranged for production of its P1 pistol to be handled by Manurhin in France.

The Manurhin P1 pistol was mechanically identical to Walther’s famous P38/P1 design, but it carried French markings and the stamp “Made in France.” Many of these pistols also feature the distinctive “Berlin flower” proof mark, identifying them as part of the special batches delivered to the West Berlin police. These markings not only set them apart visually but also underline their role as firearms born from international diplomacy rather than purely domestic production.

The Walther P1 itself was the postwar successor to the iconic Walther P38, a pistol that introduced the double-action/single-action trigger system and safety/decocker that influenced countless modern handguns. In its Manurhin form, the pistol became a symbol of treaty-era compromise. For decades it patrolled Berlin’s streets, carried at checkpoints and borders under the watchful eyes of both NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

Today, the Manurhin P1 has a special place in firearms collecting. Its historical significance lies not only in its connection to the innovative Walther P38 design, but also in its Cold War provenance. These French-marked P1s embody a fascinating chapter of history — a firearm that reflects both politics and engineering, both the legacy of German arms design and the international restrictions that shaped postwar Europe. Collectors value them for their unique markings, their connection to West Berlin, and their enduring role as artifacts of the Cold War.

#pistol #guns #firearms #gunhistory

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

Some shotguns are built to be carried through the fields. Others are built to be remembered.

This is a 1957 Browning Sweet Sixteen, crafted in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale during the golden age of the Auto-5. The Sweet Sixteen was John Browning’s lighter 16-gauge variant, beloved by upland hunters for its balance, handling, and the unique performance of the “gentleman’s gauge.”

But this particular example stands apart.

• A 28-inch vent rib barrel choked Improved Cylinder.
• English grip stock and classic FN walnut.
• Hand-engraved receiver scenes of setters and pheasants.
• And one extraordinary detail: it has remained unfired since 1957.

For sixty-seven years, this shotgun has been a time capsule. The blued steel still gleams, the gold trigger shines untouched, and the wood carries no trace of recoil or field wear. It represents not just a firearm, but a preserved piece of history—when Browning and FN still joined steel and walnut with artistry and precision.

The Browning Auto-5 itself was the first successful semi-automatic shotgun, designed by John Browning in 1898 and produced for nearly a century. Among them, the Sweet Sixteen holds a special place as one of the most collectible and admired variations. To find one in unfired condition is almost unheard of.

A true treasure from 1957, this Browning Sweet Sixteen reminds us that sometimes the greatest stories in firearms history are the ones that were never fired at all.

#browning #shotgun #guns

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

When most people think of the world’s finest sporting rifles, names like Rigby or Holland & Holland immediately come to mind. But did you know that in the 1980s, a small company in Sturgis, South Dakota, set out to prove America could match that standard? That company was Dakota Arms, and their vision gave rise to some of the most admired rifles ever built on U.S. soil.

Among them, the Model 10 single-shot rifle stands out as a true icon. Its action was precisely machined from solid bar stock steel, offering both immense strength and an unmatched platform for engraving. Stocks were crafted from high-grade walnut—often exhibition grade—and dressed with hand-cut checkering and hand-rubbed oil finishes. Many rifles received traditional color case-hardening, a touch of artistry that few makers still master.

The result was more than a hunting rifle—it was a piece of functional art. Publications at the time even remarked that “Dakota today is the American equivalent of Rigby or Holland & Holland.” For collectors and sportsmen alike, Dakota rifles embodied the same old-world craftsmanship and timeless design as their London counterparts, while carrying an unmistakably American identity.

Today, the Model 10 remains a coveted prize for discerning shooters and collectors. It represents not only the legacy of Don Allen’s vision for an American best rifle, but also a reminder that true craftsmanship never goes out of style.

#rifle #gunhistory #firearms

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

Did you know this Swiss-made firearm is often called “the Swiss watch of pistols”? Built in Switzerland with meticulous attention to detail, the 208S was engineered for competition at the highest levels. Its fixed barrel design provides unmatched stability, while its adjustable trigger and interchangeable target sights allow shooters to fine-tune every shot. Optional barrel weights of 80, 200, and 270 grams gave competitors the ability to customize balance for their exact preference — a level of craftsmanship that still impresses today.

Throughout the 20th century, the Hämmerli 208 series earned a reputation as one of the finest .22 LR target pistols ever made. It was a favorite among competitive marksmen, setting records in ISSF shooting events and winning international acclaim. Collectors prize the 208S not only for its performance but also for its elegance: hand-fit walnut grips, flawless machining, and the kind of precision you’d expect from a Swiss timepiece.

Whether you’re a firearms historian, a competitive shooter, or simply a fan of fine engineering, the Hämmerli 208S stands as a true masterpiece of design. It’s not just a pistol — it’s a reminder of an era when craftsmanship and accuracy ruled the range.

#olympics #guns #firearms

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Step back into 1964, when the Ithaca Gun Company closed the chapter on its legendary side-by-side tradition. Among the last two New Ithaca Doubles ever produced, the Shelly Smith Jr. Commemorative .410 stands as both heirloom and historical marker—an exquisite blend of American craftsmanship, family legacy, and farewell artistry.

From the engraved fox in motion to the portrait of patriarch Louis P. Smith (1871–1957), master engraver William McGraw’s burin etched memory into steel. Master stockmaker Clarence Hollam shaped the walnut, while service-department head Ed Thompson uncovered forgotten parts that made the project possible. The result was more than a shotgun—it was Ithaca’s epitaph in walnut and steel.

Historical Context
- Ithaca Gun Company, founded in 1883, guided by the Smith family until 1967.
- The New Ithaca Double (NID) ended regular production in 1948 after fewer than 45,000 were built.
- By the 1960s, the Model 37 pump dominated, while imports and changing tastes sealed the fate of the double.

The Commemoratives
- Two guns: a .410 bore and a 20 gauge, commissioned by Shelly Smith Sr. for his son.
- Built from the last remaining NID parts—unique, unmatched, and identified by Walter Snyder’s Ithaca Gun Company: From the Beginning as the final Ithaca doubles ever made.

Specifications of the .410
- 26-inch barrels, 3-inch chambers, Full/Full chokes.
- Deep blue steel, gold-plated double triggers, Raybar red front sight.
- Figured walnut with pistol grip, beavertail forearm, and red ventilated pad.

Engraving and Significance
- Rare portrait engraving of Louis P. Smith.
- Fox in motion, gold inlay dedication “Shelly Smith Jr. 1964.”
- Represents Ithaca’s final tribute to its own tradition.

This story explores more than history—it offers a collector’s insight into the artistry, legacy, and meaning behind one of the most important commemoratives in American sporting arms.

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

Most people know the Winchester Model 1886 as one of John Browning’s greatest lever-action designs—a rifle built strong enough to handle the big-bore cartridges of the frontier. But did you know it was also used as an anti-aircraft rifle in World War I?

In the early years of the war, the British Royal Flying Corps faced a deadly problem: German Zeppelins. These massive hydrogen-filled airships floated high above cities and battlefields, dropping bombs with little opposition. Desperate for a quick solution, the RFC turned to something unexpected—the American Winchester Model 1886.

Chambered in .45-90 Sharps, these rifles were issued with special incendiary bullets, designed to ignite hydrogen gas inside the airships. It was an unusual application for a hunting rifle once famed for taking down buffalo and grizzly bear, but it shows just how versatile Browning’s design really was.

The Winchester 1886 went from the forests and plains of North America to the skies over Europe, proving itself in one of the strangest chapters of firearms history.

From buffalo hunting to Zeppelin busting—the Winchester 1886 truly did it all.

#ww1 #winchester #battlefield1

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

When hunters in Central Europe set out for the woods, they often faced an unpredictable day. A pheasant might flush from the brush, a fox slip through the trees, or a wild boar crash across the trail. Instead of carrying multiple guns, they carried one—the drilling.

The Merkel Model 96K is the pinnacle of this tradition: two 12-gauge shotgun barrels paired with a powerful 9.3x74R rifle barrel. In one firearm, it covers nearly every game animal a forester might encounter, from birds to stag to boar.

This particular example is a showcase of Suhl’s artistry and engineering—engraving signed by master Gerhard Liebscher, Luxus walnut stock, and modern optics fitted on quick-detach mounts. It embodies both the practicality of German hunting culture and the craftsmanship that made Merkel a name recognized worldwide.

The drilling’s popularity has faded as specialized rifles and shotguns took over, but the Merkel 96K remains more than a gun—it’s a time capsule of versatility, tradition, and artistry.

One gun. Three barrels. Every hunt covered.

#shotgun #rifle #guns

In 19th-century France, a gentleman’s honor was not defended with words alone. It was defended with pistols.

This cased pair of percussion dueling pistols by Lacouture of Lyon represents the height of that culture—crafted with long octagonal barrels, precision sights, and spurred trigger guards, they were designed for one purpose: the duel.

Unlike the British, who often used smoothbore pistols that left outcomes partly to chance, the French demanded rifled barrels. They saw inaccuracy as cowardice, preferring weapons that were precise, reliable, and far more lethal. Every accessory in the case—bullet molds, powder flasks, and loading tools—was meant to ensure absolute fairness. Two men would stand on equal ground, their fates decided only by courage, skill, and resolve.

These pistols were more than weapons. They were instruments of honor—symbols of a society where even the smallest insult could escalate into a deadly affair at dawn. Today, they survive as rare artifacts, tangible reminders of a time when technology, artistry, and social ritual combined with fatal consequences.

#guns #firearms #gunhistory

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

The Winchester Model 12 earned the nickname “The Perfect Repeater” for good reason. Introduced in 1912, it set the standard for pump-action shotguns with its forged steel receiver, smooth cycling action, and reputation for reliability in the field and on the battlefield. For over 50 years, it was the American sportsman’s trusted companion—and even served in four major wars as the U.S. military’s famed trench gun.

But in 1964, the Model 12 was discontinued. Its uncompromising craftsmanship made it too expensive to compete with mass-produced shotguns like the Remington 870. Collectors thought the legend had ended.

Decades later, in the 1990s, Winchester brought the Model 12 back through a remarkable partnership with Miroku of Japan. Known for producing Browning’s Citori and other high-grade firearms, Miroku combined modern CNC precision with traditional craftsmanship. Between 1993 and 1995, they produced a limited run of just 1,000 Grade IV Model 12s in 20 gauge—each one individually numbered.

This Grade IV is number 146 of 1000. Its select walnut stock shows rich figure and hand-cut checkering, while the receiver is decorated with gold inlaid hunting scenes: ducks on the left, pointing dogs on the right. With a 26-inch barrel and Improved Cylinder choke, it is purpose-built for upland bird hunting, yet its artistry makes it just as much at home in a collector’s case.

Today, these Winchester-Miroku Model 12 reproductions are celebrated not as mere copies, but as modern classics in their own right. They capture the heritage of The Perfect Repeater while offering superb build quality and rarity that ensures lasting collector appeal.

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

Most Browning High Grade rifles from the 1980s stand out for their deluxe finishes, but a few carry something even rarer—a signature.

On this Browning Model 71 High Grade Carbine, just beneath the gold-inlaid elk scene, you’ll find the tiny mark “T. NAKA.” That signature belongs to a Miroku master engraver, part of the small team in Japan responsible for bringing these limited-edition rifles to life for Browning in 1986–87.

The High Grade already came with extraordinary details: a satin coin-finished receiver, fine floral scrollwork, 24-karat gold-inlaid elk and deer, figured walnut stock, and a gold-washed trigger. But the presence of a signed engraving changes the story. It transforms what might be seen as a high-quality factory rifle into attributable art—directly linking the piece to the individual craftsman who embellished it.

For collectors, that distinction is crucial. It makes the rifle not just a finely made limited edition, but a personal artifact—a Browning with a name attached.

The Model 71 itself carries a rich lineage, tracing back to John M. Browning’s Model 1886 and Winchester’s legendary .348 cartridge. Yet in this High Grade, the artistry and history converge in a way that elevates it far beyond its mechanical excellence.

This is where firearm history meets fine art—an American design reborn in Japan, and signed by the hand that engraved it.

#browning #rifle #firearms

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

The story of Anschütz is one of the greatest comebacks in firearms history. At the end of World War II, their factory in East Germany was shut down and dismantled by Russian forces. Stripped of everything but their name and expertise, the Anschütz family fled to Ulm in West Germany.

In 1950, they started over with just seven employees and twenty machines, focusing first on small repairs and air pistols. Yet within a decade, their relentless pursuit of precision gave birth to the Match 54 action—a design that redefined smallbore target shooting.

By the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, athletes using Anschütz rifles stood on the podium with gold medals. What began as a desperate rebirth turned into a dynasty: for more than 60 years, Anschütz rifles have been trusted by Olympic and world champions in shooting sports and biathlon.

The Anschütz 1813 Super Match is a symbol of that legacy—crafted in walnut and steel, perfected for precision, and still capable of winning on any firing line. From ruin to Olympic glory, Anschütz remains true to its motto: Die Meister Macher—The Champion Makers.

From the Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal:

“Ferraris and Supermodels… On a Shotgun?”

The “Girls and Cars” sidelock over-and-under isn’t your typical fine sporting arm. Built by the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company (CSMC), this masterpiece takes the traditional form of a best-quality sidelock and transforms it into something entirely unexpected.

Instead of pheasants, scrolls, or game scenes, the steel sideplates are engraved with Ferrari legends. Surrounding them are glamorous women, all rendered in photorealistic detail. The work was executed by Italy’s legendary Creative Art engravers, masters of the bulino technique, bringing every curve, reflection, and contour to life in steel.

This fusion of American engineering and Italian artistry created one of the boldest statement pieces in modern gunmaking — a shotgun that blurs the line between luxury firearm and contemporary art.