It sounds like English single triggers are highly suspect. Are they just bad or just hard to work on? Does anyone know who's single Beesley would have used ? Is there a way to identify which one it is and are there some just to stay away from?
Frederick Beesley instigated five patents for single triggers in the late 1890s. He tended to fit one or other of these to his guns. His single trigger was written up favourably by Teesdale-Buckle in his 'Experts on Guns & Shooting' book, including a test he carried out on a Beesley fitted with the patent single trigger. The chapter on Beesley also carries descriptions and illustrations of the single trigger mechanism. I quote:
"In fact, the gun shot as perfectly as we could wish, the second barrel never once failing to go when required, and no simultaneous discharge whatever taking place throughout the trial (250 shots in quick time), with various heavy and light loads."
As was the case with many of Beesley's intriguing and technically exquisite ideas and patents, witness the Purdey action he designed, very fine tolerances were required, along with first class workmanship, when making up, regulating and fitting these mechanisms, as well as, importantly, during their subsequent servicing during use.
