Yes, very interesting. I would have thought Wieland's definition of a "best" gun should have also included a statement of being built to the highest standard of quality. Wouldn't that be an important aspect of a classic English Game gun?
Anyway, I'll give you Wieland's definition of a English Game Gun;
"The British call their definitive shotgun a "game gun". The term differentiates a high quality gun from a "keepers gun", a waterfowling gun, or even a punt gun. While British shotguns come in every imaginable shape and size, the game gun is the standard from which the others deviate....In broad terms, a game gun can be described as follows: a 12 bore, with 28 inch barrels choked 1/4 and 1/2, double triggers, and a straight stock with minimal drop. It weighs from 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 pounds. It can be either sidelock or boxlock, but when picturing a game gun, most conjure a sidelock. The gun has 2 1/2-inch chambers and is proofed for a 1 1/16 ounce load. The gun will be regulated with #6 shot (the equilvalent of American #7) and will pattern best with that shot size and load....The game gun is intended primarily for shooting driven birds---red grouse, pheasant, partridge, woodcock---but is equally sound for birds flushing over dogs, walk up snipe, and flighting ducks. This is the standard pattern that evolved in Britain during the heyday of estate shooting, from 1890 to 1914....qualities the English sought in a gun can be summarized quite simply: Fine, responsive handling combined with reliability and extreme durability. Handling is a combination of weight and balance that ensures the gun comes to the shoulder, swings smoothly and shoots where you are looking. Reliability and durability are the result of a combination of the best basic materials and first-rate workmanship." Source: Vintage British Shotguns, by Terry Wieland, published 2008, pgs.47, 49.
Boothroyd's definition of an English Game Gun;
"The game gun has evolved over many years and today one would expect it to be double barrelled, hammerless, with selective ejectors, possibly a single trigger and an easy opening facility, and chambered for the standard 12 bore 2 1/2 inch cartridge. Weight would be around 6 1/2 pounds with 28 inch barrels.....In general the gun would have a standard English fore-end, not a beavertail, and...the preference would be for a straight hand and not a pistol grip. Engraving is not obtrusive, for the gun is intended for use and not display as a work of art; to allow room for such work it would be a sidelock rather than a boxlock. If we add a top lever operation and a tang automatic safety our ideal "best" English game gun is outlined....In describing the best game gun I have taken a number of things for granted: quality of raw materials, quality of workmanship and impeccable functioning both as to operation and quality of the pattern. The English game gun is perfection and this applies to "English" guns made in Scotland, Italy, Spain and elsewhere, providing that the makers stick rigidly to the standards." Source: Boothroyd on British Shotguns, by Geoffrey Boothroyd, published 1993, pgs. 90,92.
Tim
