James MacNaughton,
26 Hanover Street, Edinburgh & Perth
12 bore 'Edinburgh' Round Action Ejector
no. 2321
Year of production: 1900
Click on these images for more detail.
Heritage
Guns' Comment
This gun is a very fine example of the rare and
famous round action shotguns that MacNaughton is renowned for.
One does not have to look very hard to appreciate the loveliness
of this gun. Complete with damascus barrels and replacement wood
of excellent dimensions, this is a very desirable gun.
What is really interesting about the round-action design is that
although Dickson is synonymous with the action type, it was actually
patented and first used in the UK by MacNaughton. It was then
copied by Dickson which apparently caused some friction between
the two Edinburgh gunmakers, although it never came to court and
a private settlement is thought most likely. However, the cocking
slide and so called 'gear rods' are a Dickson patent and were
duly copied by MacNaughton:
What goes around, comes around!
Our sensitive restoration of this rare gun combined with excellent
stock dimensions, make it a very useable, pretty and collectable
gun for any connoisseur of Scottish gunmaking.
Presented in a modern leather case with original Maker's trade
label and some accessories.
WE
REGRET THAT THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR
GUN, PLEASE CONTACT US.
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The action is of MacNaughton's
triggerplate action design and features:
Double triggers;
Rounded action bar with Dickson's patent cocking slide;
Top tang mounted automatic swing safety;
Finely chiselled fences;
Top lever opening, operating a 'Purdey Bolt' by way of a 'Scott Spindle';
Removable, metal, striker access plate;
Over-centre ejector system powered by bow springs (RH a slightly weaker
replacement);
Anson forend catch.
There is some light pitting to the breech faces.
Engraving style Best Fine Scroll; 'MACNAUGHTON' & 'EDINBURGH'
in scrolling banner on fences. Probably engraved by Sumner.
Gun weight 7lb 1oz
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ¾
lbs Rear trigger 4 ¼ lb
The rebrowned damascus barrels are 28" in length, chambered
for 2 ½ " (65mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail'
lump construction with soft soldered ribs.
A few vestigial pits, left to maintain wall thickness.
Top rib is of smooth, concave game type.
Original London proof for 2 ½" nitro powder cartridges
in 1900.
Approximate barrel measurements
at date of publication:
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Nominal Proof Size
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Bore Diameter 9" from Breech
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Minimum Wall Thickness
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Choke Constriction
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Right Barrel |
12 (0.729")
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0.735"
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0.021"
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0.010"
(IC)
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Left Barrel |
12 (0.729")
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0.739"
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0.021"
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0.042"
(Full)
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The replacement Straight-hand Grip Stock and Splinter
Forend are crafted from highly figured walnut. The forend features
a finely engraved steel tip. The stock is finished with a 1"
leather covered recoil pad, features a gold oval engraved 'EM' in
ornate script and is cast-off for a right-handed shot.
The approx. 18 lines per inch chequering has
been refreshed to a traditional design.
The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based
preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers.
This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre,
only many hours of alternate build and flatting off of the surface.
Approximate stock
measurements at date of publication:
Pull to Heel
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Pull to Bump
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Pull to Centre
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Pull to Toe
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14 7/8"
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14 7/8"
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14 7/8"
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15 1/4"
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Drop at Comb
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Drop at Face
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Drop at Heel
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1 1/2"
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1 3/4"
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2 1/8"
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Cast-off at Comb
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Cast-off at Heel
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Negligible
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1/4" (approximate)
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For the purposes of these measurements,
'Drop at Face' is the 'drop' measurement taken on a line perpendicular
to the
line joining the trigger and centre of the butt at approximately 8"
from the trigger (front trigger on a double trigger gun).
Patents Exhibited include:
MacNaughton triggerplate patent no 2843 of 1879;
Dickson's cocking slide patent no. 294 of 1880;
'Purdey Bolt' patent no. 1104 of 1863;
'Scott Spindle' patent no. 2752 of 1865;
Anson's forend fastener patent no. 3791 of 1872.