Lancaster Four-Barrel Shotgun With Double-Action Trigger

Published on March 18, 2018
Duration: 7:23

This review details a rare Charles Lancaster four-barrel shotgun, a 20-gauge model with a unique rotary striker double-action trigger system. The design prioritizes balance with its smaller bore, and features a Jones under-lever action with simultaneous four-shell extraction. The shotgun showcases exceptional Victorian-era gunsmithing quality.

Quick Summary

The Lancaster four-barrel shotgun features a unique rotary striker double-action trigger. A partial pull cocks and rotates the striker, while a full pull fires. It can also function like a double-action revolver for sequential firing, and uses a Jones under-lever with a cross-shaped extractor for all four shells.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Lancaster Four-Barrel Shotgun
  2. 00:37History of Charles Lancaster
  3. 01:39Design Evolution: Multi-Barrel Firearms
  4. 02:58Shotgun Specifications: 20-Gauge
  5. 03:29Markings and Safety Features
  6. 04:22Unique Trigger Mechanism Explained
  7. 05:28Action and Four-Shell Extraction
  8. 06:22Aesthetics and Auction Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the trigger mechanism on the Lancaster four-barrel shotgun unique?

It utilizes a complex rotary striker system. A partial trigger pull cocks and rotates the striker to the next barrel, while a further press fires it. It can also be pulled through like a double-action revolver for sequential firing.

Why was this Lancaster shotgun made in 20-gauge instead of 12-gauge?

The 20-gauge chambering was chosen to help maintain better balance and manage the overall weight of the firearm. A 12-gauge version would likely have been prohibitively heavy and cumbersome.

How does the Lancaster four-barrel shotgun extract spent shells?

When the action is opened via the Jones under-lever, a large, cross-shaped extractor simultaneously removes all four spent shells from the breech.

Who was Charles Lancaster and what was his company known for?

Charles Lancaster founded his London gun-making business in 1826. His company was renowned for high-quality firearms, particularly pioneering breech-loading shotguns and multi-barrel pistols.

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