Grand Prix 12 bore shot Gun

[Dr Narendra Yadav]

Any one have idea about Grand Prix shot gun.Please put light on it.

Regards

Dr Narendra Yadav

[Vikram]

Country of origin,maker etc?Any pictures? All will help.


Best-
Vikram

[Dr Narendra Yadav]

England make,28" barrel 3 1/4 "chamber,thanks Vikram.

Regards
Dr Narendra Yadav

[marksman]

A very popular British shotgun during the Raj. I have had the good fortune of using an engraved side lock with great satisfaction. It wore a 25" barrel and kicked quite a bit due to it's short butt. I am not aware if it was made in box locks. They generally came in 2.5" chamber as all good game guns do. Go right ahead and buy it if unfiddled with and in good condition.
Marksman

-- 17 Jun 2010 08:41 pm --

3.75" Chamber ??????
Marksman

[Dr Narendra Yadav]

Thank Marksman it is good condition.

Regards

Dr NArendra YAdav

[marksman]

This must be one of the market hunting models when you say its 3 1/4" chambered shotgun. I am afraid the 28" barrel does not meet that requirement. Please make sure that the barrel is not chopped. Besides, this one could have been made anytime between 1890 and 1920.
Marksman

[Bespoke]

Dr Narendra ,

Grand Prix was name used by Midland gun company for exports,one of the importer in India for "Grand Prix" was Goolamhusain Allibhoy & Sons Ltd Bombay.
3 1/4 "chamber is the odd one out i have my doubts there.

Marksman ,

The Grand Prix sidelock you mentioned would most probably be Midland's light model,they did come in 25" barrels option and ha 2 1/2 chambers

[marksman]

Thanks Bespoke for the vital added information. Frankly at that age I did not know and care much about the history of guns. This one belonged to an ex ruler and a close friend. It's the sheer beauty of this particular shotgun that has stayed etched in my memory. It had a Tiger made on its locks in relief engraving with a semi precious stone for it's eye with the typical Tiger forest in the background. Unfortunately a friend from our hunting circle bought it from him for Rs. 3000/ in the late 70s and ruined it beyond repair. Many a wonderful fire arms have been ruined by ignorant idiots in my country. I have also seen a top grade side lock fully engraved Westley Richards completely ruined by a local police armorer. Wood screws and and copper wires were liberally used with heavy blows of hammer for accompaniment to correct minor flaws.
Marksman

[Bespoke]

It had a Tiger made on its locks in relief engraving with a semi precious stone for it's eye with the typical Tiger forest in the background.
Marksman

Then it might not be a Light model because "Light" were not suppose to be expensive sidelock I suppose might have been "Silver Jubilee" then.

Many a wonderful fire arms have been ruined by ignorant idiots in my country.
Marksman

Our country my friend

I have also seen a top grade side lock fully engraved Westley Richards completely ruined by a local police armorer. Wood screws and and copper wires were liberally used with heavy blows of hammer for accompaniment to correct minor flaws.
Marksman

I come across those kinds very often and its most annoying.