And this gun doesn't seem to be in either category. As far as I can gather so far, Francotte was in the business of making guns for the military in early 1800's, and now is into custom building shotguns. There is some engraving along the open rear sighting plane, and further up the barrel, the name of the manufacturer.Īnyone who can supply me with more information about the time of manufacture, and if they have ever seen a similar gun from Francotte before, will be greatly appreciated. It seems to me that the reason there are the matching numbers is for purposes of matching parts after bluing etc at final assembly. The number is repeated on the left side of the receiver under the small circular Francotte logo. There are no proof marks that I can see, but the 22LR is stamped on the barrel on the left, and a number 14xxx is stamped on the opposite side. I am sure it will be more accurate than I can hold. I think I will take it to the range and try my hand at schuetzen. I presume if I can remove the lever/shaft, the entire action will drop out, but I hesitate to do so because it will not come out with finger pressure only.Īs front heavy as it seems to be, when supporting it by the palm rest, and shouldered, it seems comfortably balanced and stable. It weighs in at 11.5 pounds, and it has a single lever on the right side of the receiver - if rotated counter-clockwise, it will allow the entire trigger plate and action to drop downward and forward, hinging on the lever shaft.
It has a double set trigger, and an integral palm rest connected to the trigger guard. Just unpacked my schuetzen, which is a A Francotte a Liege with a Martini action, 29" octogon heavy barrel in 22LR caliber.