Le Fusil, aka Dustin;
the photo of your beautiful gun as well as your straight on comments caused me to think more about what I am seeing in the very very low prices that such wonderful short barreled "bird" guns are being offered at in the United Kingdom at auctions and at dealers. Even after paying buyers premium and cost to ship to the USA these guns are selling at prices that are sometimes 40 percent less than what they are being offered at in the UK. Here are some examples from the upcoming Holt's Nov 2023 auction with 2 3/4 inch chamber proofs. The barrel wall dimensions for the Nov 2023 auction at Holts are not posted as of yet, so there may be some barrel issues that would cause one not to bid.
https://www.holtsauctioneers.com/as...++1759+&refno=++203346&saletype=https://www.holtsauctioneers.com/as...++1401+&refno=++169315&saletype=Not only are there very low price short barreled guns for sale but such bargains as this 28 inch barreled 2 3/4 inch chambered beauty from the 1960's.
https://www.holtsauctioneers.com/as...++1707+&refno=++209264&saletype=Wow what bargains
The link to the first auction is very interesting. My Churchill is also a “Viscount” grade gun. These guns were made in the 70’s for Churchill by Webley & Scott. My Churchill letter states that this grade is somewhat rare, not that many guns bearing the Viscount grade were made. At the time, they were offered as a lower cost, medium grade gun built to Churchills specifications. Mine is nicely finished inside and out, and it has been a serviceable hunting gun. It’s balanced exactly like the Utility and Regal grades XXV’s BLE’s I’ve owned in the past, but is probably a good 6 Oz.’s lighter than either of the previous guns. The Viscount is proofed at 2 3/4” @ 1 1/8 oz. It shoots 1 oz loads great. Not that there’s any need to, but I don’t think I’d want to touch off a full power 2 3/4” high brass load in it though😳.
