Mystery Shotgun With a Very Unusual Action

Published on December 20, 2021
Duration: 10:53

This guide details the disassembly and action overview of a rare, mystery 16-gauge St. Etienne shotgun. The video, presented by Ian McCollum, highlights its unique sliding trigger guard pump action and buttstock-mounted tubular magazine. Expert disassembly reveals the intricate bolt, striker, and safety mechanisms, offering insights into historical firearm innovation.

Quick Summary

The St. Etienne mystery shotgun boasts a unique sliding trigger guard pump action where the trigger itself acts as the slide release. Its tubular magazine is housed within the buttstock, accessed via a trapdoor. The bolt locks by dropping down and unlocks by lifting up, with the striker needing to be cocked and lifted to disengage from the receiver's locking shoulder.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction
  2. 01:03Markings and Proof Marks
  3. 01:43External Features
  4. 02:11Stock Magazine System
  5. 03:02Unique Pump Action
  6. 05:21Action Assembly Details
  7. 07:02Bolt and Striker Mechanism
  8. 08:44Safety and Locking System

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the St. Etienne shotgun's action unique?

The St. Etienne shotgun features a highly unusual sliding trigger guard pump action. Uniquely, the trigger itself functions as the slide release, and the entire trigger guard assembly slides to cycle the action, differing from conventional pump-action designs.

Where is the magazine located on this mystery shotgun?

The magazine on this mystery St. Etienne shotgun is located internally within the buttstock. A trapdoor in the buttplate provides access to the tubular magazine, a distinctive design choice for this firearm.

What is the significance of the 'ST ETIENNE 17.0' marking?

The 'ST ETIENNE 17.0' marking on the shotgun is a French proof mark. It indicates that the firearm was manufactured and tested in St. Etienne, France, a region historically known for its arms production.

How does the bolt locking mechanism work on this shotgun?

The bolt on this shotgun locks into the receiver by dropping down. To unlock it for cycling, the bolt must be lifted up. The striker also needs to be fully cocked and lifted to disengage from the receiver's locking shoulder.

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