Iceland's Domestic Guns: The Drífa and Others

Published on December 2, 2022
Duration: 21:51

This guide details the disassembly and basic maintenance of the Drífa shotgun, a unique Icelandic firearm. It covers removing the bolt for cleaning and lubrication, emphasizing safety throughout the process. The information is presented with the authority of Ian McCollum, an expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The Drífa is a unique bolt-action 12-gauge shotgun domestically manufactured in Iceland by Jón Björnsson, who produced around 120 units starting in 1977. It features a distinctive safety mechanism requiring the trigger pull to cycle the bolt fully. Rare variants used Stevens box magazines for a 2+1 capacity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Icelandic Firearms History
  2. 03:34Early Icelandic Gunsmiths
  3. 05:19Jón Björnsson and the Drífa Shotgun
  4. 08:31Þorsteinsson Break-Action Mechanism
  5. 12:36Drífa Technical Design
  6. 16:20Drífa Magazine Variations
  7. 18:18Materials and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Drífa shotgun and where was it made?

The Drífa is a unique bolt-action 12-gauge shotgun domestically manufactured in Iceland by Jón Björnsson. He produced approximately 120 units starting in 1977, often using salvaged materials for its construction.

What are the key mechanical features of the Drífa shotgun?

The Drífa is a bolt-action 12-gauge shotgun with a distinctive safety mechanism that requires the trigger to be pulled to fully cycle the bolt. It also features dual extractors and an ejector, unlike some simpler firearm designs.

Were there different magazine configurations for the Drífa shotgun?

While most Drífa shotguns were single-shot, a few rare variants were made with an internal magazine or adapted to use imported Stevens box magazines, providing a 2+1 round capacity.

Who were some notable Icelandic gunsmiths mentioned in the video?

The video highlights Jósep Jóhannsson, known for large-bore shotguns, and Jón Þorsteinsson, who produced single-shot break-action shotguns. Jón Björnsson is recognized for manufacturing the Drífa shotgun.

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