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10 members (Muskylew, Carcano, FlyChamps, cable, 12boreman, Hammergun, 1 invisible),
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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 142
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 142 |
I really did enjoy shooting it! It fit me and it shot where I pointed it. I would go so far as to say it had nearly perfect handling qualities for me, light enough to be very quick on the target, but not so light as to make it difficult to swing smoothly.
That's precisely what I like about mine. BTW, you twisted my arm about a picture so here goes: 
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 227
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 227 |
Very nice! Nice shotgun, great photo! I really like the lines of your gun-
Doug
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 696
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 696 |
Doug, my first sxs was a 16b Belgian guild gun, basically the same as your MAC, but spruced up a little. Its lightweight barrels and superb handling converted me to the 16 (I mostly use it for upland duty). Point being, if you can fix the gun and use it, you will really enjoy it.
Good luck,
Mark
Imagination is everything. - Einstein
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 227
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 227 |
Thank you one and all for your advice and well wishes. I spoke to Kirk Merrington (recommended by forum members...thanks for that in particular) today, what a nice English gentleman!
I have the action off the butt stock (the only tools required were my Swiss Army pocket knife combination bottle opener and screw driver blade and something to punch out a pin) and boxed up and ready to send to Kirk as soon as I can get to a UPS office. Taking the action off of the stock was a bit easier than taking a Fox action off the stock, but a very similar operation (both the MAC and Fox have trigger plates and require the removal of the trigger sear pin and sears before the wood can be removed). The action did seem very robust and very well engineered.
This way Kirk can have a look at what needs to be done to fix this gun. I'll drive the rest of the gun (stock, barrels and fore end) up next month on my way home to Illinois for a visit---in the meantime he can have a look and give me an estimate.
I do enjoy my double 20s, and have become very attached to my 12ga Fox, but if I am able to get it fixed I am starting to suspect this humble understated French 16ga is going to find a special place in my gun rack...like the prodigal son.
I would love to hear and see more from other French side by side owners. Once repaired, perhaps I will be fit to join not only the ranks of the 16ga owners, but the few French shotgun shooters.
Doug
Last edited by dbadcraig; 01/16/07 08:34 PM.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 404
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 404 |
Looks like a nice little gun. JJ is a great guy and I'm sure he can help you with the parts. I have a nice little 12 bore game gun thats Franco-Belgian. The action was probably made in Leige and then finished by a artisan/guild maker Seytre in the 1950s in St. Etienne. 
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 227
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 227 |
Chasseur d'ours-
Now there is a photo to make the heart of the Francophile glow: French gun, ammunition and knife! Aren't those Opinel knives handy? I have had one for years and need to dig it out of my knife collection and start carrying it again.
Your shotgun is absolutely a work of art! I am no expert but I would say that is a true side lock and the engraving is just stunning.
I did not hear anything regarding the possibility of getting the parts for my MAC, after hours spent on the Internet trying to find something about the MAC; my shotgun appears to be somewhat of an oddity. MAC was a national armory (closed since 1968) and I could find no reference to any civilian, commercial or sporting arms production. My MAC has all the features of a sporting firearm, yet also has that serial number on the butt stock. I wouldn't bet the farm on it, but my best guess is because it has the 65mm chambers and just the overall feel of it, it is likely of pre-war production and a "bring back" by an American serviceman.
The action was shipped to Kirk in Kerrville, TX. I'll keep you all posted on the progress of the repair, and anyone who owns a French shotgun, please keep posting the nice photographs, it will help me pass the days of waiting!
Thanks again-
Doug
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