doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com ideal shotgun

Hi I'm new but the reason for me joining is because a have a shotgun that i cant find any information on. I know its french but that's about all. Its an Ideal sxs 12g. shotgun with a duel triggers and each trigger has its own guard. It also has a leather sling that comes out of the stock. Does anyone have any information on this shotgun??

Made by Manufrance, formerly that country's largest maker of shotguns. That particular style of trigger guard was called "lunettes"--like eyeglasses. The retractable sling is also typical. The Ideals are very good guns, but come in a number of different grades--from fairly plain to quite elaborate. But the quality is excellent on all of them.

I have one in 28 ga and it is a fun little gun. The retractible sling always amazes everyone.

As Larry said....quality is excellent. These "Ideals" are pretty amazing. Stallones says that the retractable sling always amazes everyone...I agree, but I would also like to point out a couple of other features that amaze most gun enthusiast. First would be the fitting of the rising bolt to the barrel extension, sometimes fitted so tight you don't even know its there unless someone shows you. Second, the two position forend fastner, turn the lever half way to remove the forend, turn it 180 degrees and you can remove the barrels with the forend still attached, plain and simple genius. Third, you can decock the gun with the action closed by pulling up the cocking lever and then pulling the triggers back, then releasing the opening/cocking lever, and then if you want.. recock it just by pulling up on the opening lever. The damn gun is just brilliant. Wish they made more of them and I wish someone would start making them again!

Dustin

Mine was actually a 24 gauge and I had Brileys chamber sleeve it to 28 ga. It is a serious bird killer with the (backbore) equivalent.

Hello Dustin,

I could not agree more, they are brilliant!
As you say, someone should start making them again.

JC

P.S.: Here is an interesting article on the Manufrance Idèal: The Lost Idèal. jc

The very great majority of "lunette" triggerguard Ideals are black powder proofed. If we could see a photo of the barrel flats, it would tell us exactly what level of proof was applied to the gun when it was built.
A gun with black powder proof can be used with low pressure ammunition.


Best,
Ted

Slings rot and break. You are fortunate to have the sling, disconnect and reel. I have the retract reel only.

jack

Another Ideal (pronounced Id-dee-AHL') junkie here. Mine is a 16 with the original retractable sling intact. I removed it and stored it to prevent damage. Mine is a low grade gun with no engraving, but I wouldn't trade it for anything--I absolutely LOVE it. The straight stock on mine appears to be rather rare, as most seem to be a swan-belly or pistol grip configuration. I have a search set up on gunbroker as I'm always trying to locate another. Enjoy your Ideal, my friend!! If you want more info, contact Kirby Hoyt at vintagedoubles.com, he's an Ideal buff as well. All the best... --jay

The gun also has an ambidextrous safety, which is a neat idea. However, the fact that forward is on safe and back is off--the exact opposite of your standard safety on a double--is not so good.