Pittsburg Anson Deeley

[Eric Grims]

A friend from our shooting club called me as he acquired a Pittsburg brand SxS in 16 gauge marked Anson Deeley on the action. He wanted to see if I knew anything about it. I will see the gun in a few weeks and what I see on the web suggests a british import (maybe Westly Richards) made for the export market. Most references are for 10 gauge. He was impressed with the condition, lock up and quality. I'll maybe get to shoot it.
Does anyone have any familiarity with the Pittsberg guns? I hope to get some pictures when I see it at the club.
Thanks

[John Campbell]

The Pittsburg Firearms Co. was a major importer/retailer of Westley Richards-made box locks in the late 1880s. And yes, the guns were made in England, but engraved/identified as PFA guns. The build quality is the same as base-to-mid-grade Westley guns.

In fact, I owned one in 12-bore for a time.

These were offered in most bore sizes from 10 through 16, with 16 indeed being less common.

It should be a fine gun and one well worth preserving and enjoying… with light loads.

BTW, there were other importers/retailers of these Westley guns as well.

[Bill Murphy]

I have seen a few of those A&D marked Westleys. They are every bit as a Westley Richards marked gun, and a 16 is a real find. I would love to see pictures.

[Gerald McPherson]

I looked at one yesterday. Everything about it seems to be honest and is very tight. However the finish is about gone. Thinking about buying it for a winter cleanup project.Is $800 reasonable? It is comparable to a D grade Parker with fine Damascus barrels in my opinion. Love the forearm design. What do you think.I am sure I can buy it for less maybe $600.

[John Campbell]

In general terms, I'd buy the gun in a heartbeat.

However... it is wise to make sure the stock dimensions suit you. A LOT of English guns sold in the US during those years were made with a LOT of drop at heel. Some weren't. It depends on the gun ... and how you shoot. Old timers shot with their heads up and not down on the stock comb.

[Gerald McPherson]

I guess I am an old timer as 3" drop at heel suits me very well. Not a lot of info to be found on these guns. Any input is appreciated. Thanks. PS.. 3 and 1/2 does not suit me so well and the best Parker i own has just that.