William Evans 12 gauge arrived

[King Cobb]

Got my Boxlock from Kirby at Vintage Shotguns today. It is a staggering departure from my Parkers. Now, that is not to say it is better, they are just different....very different.

I am not going to bog this down as a comparison as I am going to enjoy my side x sides for what they are.

The "Best" (William Evans term not mine) grade boxlock has 30 inch barrels, ejectors, ribanded fences(which I do like), a straight stock(my first), freshly blacked barrels, a screwgrip(likely made by W C Scott), a 14.5 inch LOP, checkered buttstock with toe clips, bushed firing pins, and double safety sears. The engraving is very well done and quite full, double trigger, gorgeous wood, and I must say I love the button on the end of the forearm for taking it off the barrels.

The weight of the gun was shocking. It actually ways less than my parker 16 gauge and the action feels small in comparison to my Parker 12s. The balance is superb and the gun feels quite lively. Haven't shot it yet, but have some RST rounds ready to try her out.

The gun was made in January 1909 for Mr. A. G. Hogg, a somewhat famous Scottish clergyman who is credited with the rebirth of the missionary movement in the early 20th century and who had just published a book on missionary work just prior to this date, so one may assume the matched pair of guns he ordered in January 25 1909 were a bit of celebration?

Anyway, I seem quite happy with the gun, do not yet have the courage up to get my fancy screwdrivers out and explore its inner workings, but I can't wait to shoot it when the weather clears.