doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Malin SXS

Joe, the only contact that I am presently aware of who knows about Malin shotguns is Ronnie Roberts at Sold USA Auctions in North Carolina. He was involved in the Malin project in some way. He should be easily reachable.

Will be interesting to see how it holds up then. This particular one has chopper lump barrels which is a bit excessive for a junker, and fit and finish is a good as you would expect to see. Again, the photos above give a good idea of the gun's cosmetics. It absolutely could be an imported action. Indeed, the only one I can find listed is on the British Sporting LTD site where it is identified with an Arietta action (and they aren't exactly giving it away). I didn't see any interior mark on this one, though it is cleanly put together with well polished gold washed action. Will try to get in touch with Ronnie and see what he has to say. Interesting! And thanks Murph.

Frank Malin was ahead of the curve,today its OK; for Purdey to import actions and barrels from Italy, finish same and Market them as a Purdey!My how perspective changes over time.
I first met Frank Malin 1978-9 at that time he was manager of a gun shop in Woodstock, Ontario,named, "Ontario Gun Sports." The store was owned by Frank,s brother; who was unfortunately killed in a U.K. car accident.
Following the death of his brother, Frank established a gun making busines in Melbourne, Ontario.He was joined in the business by Ron Collings a very talented english engraver.
Frank imported actions and barrels, In the white, from the U.K. and Europe. the guns were completely finished at the Melborne location.U.K. proof testing was an optional extra. By this time Frank had hired from the U.K.
Tony Tomlinson, actioner, ex; Churchill *
David Catchpole,stocker,ex; Holland & Holland and Gallyons*
Peter Cook,engraver and actioner.
[*both sadly deceased]
The guns produced were in the best English style and sold for 50% of the cost of English guns of the period.
Frank ever the business promoter, decided to make agun as a wedding present for H.R.H Prince Charles.[A 16 G.sidelock ejector built to the Prince,s specifications.}
By this time I had high hopes for the Malin business. I introduced Frank to my late friend Geoffrey Boothroyd.The result was an article in the British magazine," Shooting Times" reviewing the business and the gun built for the Prince.
It was about this time that Arthur Troth,stocker and metal working wizard and Nick Mackinson master barrel and gunmaker became associated with the business.
Shortly there after things took a Turn for the worse,likely due to over expansion. The result was the business was sold to Barnett international[A Cross Bow manufacture].Following the sale, Frank was named Production Manager and the business was relocated to London ,Ontario.[The book,"Game Gun" by Richard Grozik,contains many pictures of the Malin shop in London and the craftsmen Employed].
The next chapter is a grey area! The business was relocated to Florida and the company name was changed to Saxon Arms.It was at this time I believe that some guns were made that carried the name, Charles Boswell.
Whilst in this transition the Ontario Provincial police charged Malin with 23 counts of fraud and one count of theft.Frank was was found guilty on only two counts of fraud. These charges were related to deposits on guns that were not delivered.
I was to be called as an expert witness, this never occured. The police found that with two minor exceptions the charges were without foundation.
Malin Guns represent excellent value. If you happen to own a boxlock with the Malin name I can attest to the fact that it was made by W.& C. Scott.
Frank Malin passed away on March 8 2006 at the age of 63, God rest his soul.

Roy, thank you very much. This one is obviously of Canadian assembly. It is marked on the rib "Custom built for _______" followed by "F E Malin Makers London". As I suggested, I suspect he was, more than anything, a decade or so ahead of the curve. It is a lovely gun. Thank you.

after reading game gun by richard s. grozik and seeing pics many thought they were gettin something made lock, stock, and barrel in ontario canada. most never suspected they were gettin spanish gun repackaged in canada. i looked over one of frankies pigeon guns. it was very nice.

Roy,

As always, you help educate all of us. A great personal account. Thank you.

Pete

I have been studying what I could find on Malin for many years, and Roy Hebbes gave me much to add to what I have learned. Thank you.

Hello Gents
A friend of mine inherited a pair of Malin 12GA sxs 7 pin side locks. Beautiful engraving by Peter Cook. Unfortunately we discovered upon a cleaning by our local Gunsmith that Gun 1 had nice parts gun 2 on the other hand had different parts (shotty locks) and a different barrel as well as file marks and shims to make it all fit. I know there are many rumour surrounding F E Malin and perhaps I have proof that there is some truth to them. The good news is they shoot great! Anyone else have first hand intell on Malins?
Cheers

Nice guns.Never handle one that look shotty.Would be interested in the good gun.PM me if he would like to sell it.

Might be interested in the clobbered up gun with a 14 day inspection.PM me if you are interested.