Roy Vail Shotgun

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

Scott, I own a Winchester Model 21 engraved and, I believe restocked by Roy Vail. His name and Warwick N.Y. are stamped very lightly on the guns watertable. He made guns for some very notable people including General Eisenhower ( prior to his presidency ). He was an excellent gunsmith as well, and was mentioned in a 1950's issue of the American Rifleman under the heading of " Americas leading Gunsmiths ".

[George Lang]

I have one of Roy's 12 gauge shotguns, fully engraved action, highly figured wood, bought it for $35 in early 60's from a pawn shop in Brooklyn NY. If I remember correctly the actions were English and/or Francotte's. He finished & engraved the actions and did the wood. All his rifles and shotguns were full custom orders and Gun Digest in the 50/60's usually had at least one of his guns pictured in their custom gun section My gun was obviously made for a big man as LOP is quite long(to a Roy Vail pad) and grip is very full. After I bought it, it became my go to gun for everything(IC/full chokes) and remained that way until I started getting into those gol danged Foxes and Parkers. The gun hasen't changed in over 50 years but I have and I don't shoot it as well anymore. Great custom for anyones collection and a prime example of the best builder's from years gone by. Enjoy it if you own it, if not BUY it.