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The Fenian by Kavanagh & Sons

TGS Outdoors
Published on September 25, 2021
Category: Reviews
Duration: 8:34

This video provides an in-depth review of the rare Kavanagh & Sons Fenian shotgun, a unique 1950s firearm featuring a vertical barrel configuration and a novel sliding breech mechanism. The presenter highlights its unusual design, hand-checkered stock, and adjustable striker faces, while also noting its aesthetic shortcomings and the historical context of its development alongside more mainstream over-under designs. The Fenian is presented as a fascinating, albeit unconventional, piece of firearms history.

Tags

Kavanagh & Sons Fenian
Vertical Barrel Shotgun
Sliding Breech
Birmingham Gun Maker
Adjustable Striker Faces
1950s Shotgun
Rare Firearm
Shotgun Action

Quick Summary

The Kavanagh & Sons Fenian is a rare 1950s shotgun featuring a unique vertical barrel arrangement and a sliding breech mechanism assisted by mainsprings. It also includes adjustable striker faces for headspace tuning, a notable feature for its era, though its aesthetic design is considered unconventional.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Unusual Firearms
  2. 00:35Stock and Aesthetics
  3. 01:24The Fenian Action Explained
  4. 01:30Kavanagh & Sons History
  5. 02:17Safety Mechanism
  6. 02:34Sliding Breech Operation
  7. 03:01Shell Ejection and Reloading
  8. 03:38Visible Mechanics and Workmanship
  9. 04:01Manufacturing Location and Company
  10. 04:23Adjustable Striker Faces
  11. 04:44Extractor Mechanism
  12. 04:55Auction Lot and Rarity
  13. 05:11Historical Context: Competition
  14. 05:39Barrel Construction and Rib
  15. 05:53Rear Bead Sight
  16. 06:26Overall Design Critique
  17. 06:44Headspace Regulation Ease
  18. 07:13Built to a Price?
  19. 07:30Rarity and Collectibility
  20. 07:40Stock Design and Comb Height
  21. 07:49Conclusion: Interesting History
  22. 08:01Wholesale Bid Auction Mention

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kavanagh & Sons Fenian shotgun?

The Kavanagh & Sons Fenian is a rare 1950s shotgun known for its distinctive vertical barrel configuration and an innovative sliding breech mechanism. It was manufactured in Birmingham, England, for the Athenian Gun Company.

What makes the Fenian shotgun's action unique?

The Fenian's action is unique due to its sliding breech, which is assisted by mainsprings for a rapid opening. It also features a lifter that ejects spent shells and resets the springs when the action is closed.

Does the Fenian shotgun have adjustable features?

Yes, the Fenian shotgun is equipped with adjustable striker faces. This allows for fine-tuning of the headspace, which can be advantageous for handloaders or when using ammunition with varying specifications.

What is the historical context of the Fenian shotgun?

The Fenian was developed in the 1950s, a time when more conventional over-under shotguns like those from Beretta and Browning were already dominant. Its unconventional design suggests an attempt to innovate outside the mainstream.

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