From: Honey badger (Original Message) Sent: 10/20/2002 7:35 PM
Hi Guys,

Just wondered if anyone can help out with some information on a gun I own. Its a 12 bore (guage) side by side shotgun, marked 'Bristol De Luxe'. It is a box lock ejector and the lock work appears to be made from bright stainless steel - niceley engraved. It has an english style straight hand stock of very nice walnut or something similar, and quite fine chequring. The barrels are blacked and 26 inches. Don't know the chokes. I found it in a gunshop in London which was full of Ł2000+ guns, but it was priced at a tenth of that, so I snapped it up. I don't think its up to the quality of an English 'name' gun but it did seem a very nice gun for the money.

I've never seen another Bristol gun anywhere, although a friend tells me that they used to make ridiculously large wildfowling pieces, so that may explain the stainless action - if it was intended to be used in wetlands. I'd just like to know something about the company, the gun and whether I got the bargain I think I did. Can anyone help?

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From: safari Sent: 10/20/2002 10:49 PM
Although I have no idea about your shotgun, if you can not get an idea from this group, try the "gunowners" group. They have some very knowledgable people there.

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From: Nitro Sent: 10/20/2002 11:56 PM
Honey Badger

Sorry I haven't any info to give on the Bristol make of shotguns. I have a vague re-collection of seeing the name "Bristol" with regard to firearm manufacturer somewhere. If I place it I will let you know. Maybe someone else here has some info.

At the price you paid for it if you like the gun it sounds like a very good price. In the end if you like the shotgun and it fits and shoots well that is what is important.

What is the chambering in 12 bore? Is it 2 1/2 inches or 2 3/4 inches? Sometimes the slightly lesser priced guns are the 2 1/2 inch chambering, so be careful if you were planning to use the longer shells.

If the 2 1/2 inch shells are reasonably available, I bought some a few months ago for an old hammer gun I have. Some very nice balanced shotguns are available in this chambering also. Can be very tempting.

If you go to the gunowners group per safari's suggestion and find out something, let us know as well.

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From: gunner1 Sent: 10/21/2002 8:57 AM
H.B. you have peeked my curiosity as well my memory ,I seem to recall something about Bristol guns but can't be positive.I think there may have been a factory there at one time I could be mistaken.I am a current gun smithing student and may run across more info in my studies if I do I will post you.If you could would you please post some pictures of the gun?

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From: Honey badger Sent: 11/14/2002 7:28 AM
This message has been deleted by the author.

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From: Honey badger Sent: 11/14/2002 7:33 AM
Gunner1 reminded me of this earlier message of mine. If I've done this computer thing right there should be a picture of my bristol shotgun.

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From: Honey badger Sent: 11/14/2002 8:03 AM
Obviously hasn't worked. Will someone please tell me how to attach pictures to posts?

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From: Anthropoid Sent: 11/16/2002 10:44 AM
Right old boy, now let me see....

Hit the reply button as usual
Click on the picture icon (the little chappie with the mountains)
On the new screen, click "My Computer"
This brings up a browse button, click it.
Find the location on your computer of the picture you wish to post.
Highlight it, click save, and check it appears in the file name box.
When this is done, click on "Add Photos", and wait (it can take some time)
A new reply box will appear with your chosen picture displayed in it.

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From: Honey badger Sent: 11/16/2002 8:09 PM
Thanks for the advice, old boy. Here's a general view of the gun (on my bathroom floor, with my toes showing!). More detailed ones to follow.

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From: Honey badger Sent: 11/16/2002 8:13 PM
The action:

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From: Honey badger Sent: 11/16/2002 8:21 PM
Proof marks and serial numbers on the action. Having had a closer look at these and the ones on the flats of the barrels I suspect the gun was made in continental Europe (God forbid) as the pressure information is given in metric units. I don't know if the Birmingham and London proof houses use these or stayed with imperial units. The action and barrels are also marked (12-70). Date of manufacture, possibly?

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From: Anthropoid Sent: 11/16/2002 11:50 PM
Looks very nice old boy. I think you'll find the 12-70 is the calibre and maximum length of cartridge rather than the date of manufacture.

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From: Honey badger Sent: 11/17/2002 2:04 AM
Doh!!!

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From: Nitro Sent: 11/17/2002 3:19 PM
Honey Badger

So your shotgun is definitely a 2 3/4 inch chambered gun. For GBP200 that sounds like a great price. I went looking for another lighter side by side recently and the prices for 2 1/2" chambered guns were all around A$800 and I think the UK prices are normally higher than here. 2 3/4" guns were considerably more.

Looks a nice box-lock from the photos too.

The important question though, is how does it shoot? If it shoots well, enjoy it.

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From: gunner1 Sent: 11/19/2002 7:10 AM
H.B. ThankYou for posting the pics ,it is a lovally shotgun.I hope you have a good time fireing it.