doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Early E.J. Churchill 20 gauge

Hi Marcus,
With its build date of early 1911, it's probably a bit of a corporate transition gun. As you may know, old Ted (E.J. Churchill) passed away 16 November 1910, and the running company was then taken over by his nephew Robert Churchill. During this time, (according to the 1906 and 1914 price lists) they went from simply listing their better guns as "best-quality hammerless sidelock ejector" at �70 and "best-quality Anson & Deeley ejector" at �60, to the range of model names that we are familiar with now, in particular the "Hercules finest-quality Anson & Deeley ejector" at 50guineas.
If it has the EJC monogram, and the rest of what you describe, I would think that it would have been bought, and built as one of the previously described "best -quality" A&D ejectors.
Just FYI, the description in the catalog I have (circa mid to late teens) reads;
" The 'Hercules' model, finest quality. This gun is made on the Anson & Deeley" principle (without side locks), of modest appearance, built for strength and solidity. All other particulars as the "premier" model.
Price per gun ... ... 50 guineas. "
If you can post some pictures, it would be of great help.

Roalco, I really appreciate the information as the Churchill book, as thorough as it is in most respects, doesn't talk about the early models much at all. I did notice that short barrel guns don't seem to be too common in the pre-WWI Churchills.I will post some pics ,but I have sent the gun to Ken Eversull to have it put back on face.It is probably off .001-.002 and toplever is at the end of its travel. Strangely enough, the hinge is tight, and the gun has all of its original wood and metal finish,but it must have been slammed shut quite a bit to be like it is.I think Mr. Eversull should be able to put it right.The other kind of strange thing about this gun,at least to me, is that both barrels are cylinder.They are both without the 'Choke' marking on the bottom of the tubes ahead of the flats.

Hi Marcus,
Good choice sending it to a proper double gunsmith to get it serviced and put back on face ( a fine Birmingham gunsmith once told me, " A double gun a being just little off face is like being just a little bit pregnant!"). I have two of their early 1930's XXV guns, and they are truly a joy to shoot. Balanced, dynamic and wand-like, if I miss, it's my fault! Do get a copy of one of Bob Churchill's books on game shooting, his ideas on intuitive shooting skills and style work well with their light, shorter barrelled guns. Don't worry about the lack of choke, shoot light loads, as the lack of pellet deformation leading to "flyers" will mostly make up for it. There is too much blame put on guns, chokes, loads etc, for missed birds, most of it is just caused by poor shooting skills. Bad form for a craftsman to blame his tools.
It's a fine gun, from a fine maker, treat it well, cherish it, and shoot it as it was meant to be shot! Enjoy!

Roalco, Thanks for the info on the catalog offerings. Apparently, they did not call the boxlock a model name early on, just an A & D boxlock. Would you be willing to photocopy your catalog for me ? I'd be happy to pay you for your trouble. You are right about the balance of their guns; this one handles beautifully. I would love to see what a 20 ga. sidelock would feel like. Regards, Marcus

Marcus, PM sent.