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Posted By: WBLDon Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 06/03/19 08:50 PM
Been looking at combo/cape hammer guns and it seemed most I looked at had the rifle barrel on the right side. This would mean it would be fired by the front trigger and fired first. I am curious if there was a reason this was done.

The reason I ask is that it would seem to make more sense to have the rifle on the left side as it would make it easier for a right handed shooter to cock the right hammer more quickly when snap shooting upland birds or waterfowl. I would think since you typically have more time the rifle barrel would be on the left.

Anyone have any idea why most of these guns (Hammer or Hammerless) seem to have the rifle barrel on the right side?

Thanks,
WBLDon
Posted By: Der Ami Re: Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 06/03/19 09:30 PM
WBLDon,
In my experience, it seems most British and Belgian SXS combo guns have the rifle barrel on the left, whereas German and Austrian guns usually have them on the right. I have both, so I speak from experience when I say I much prefer the right hand barrel. The trigger pull for the left barrel is really weird( my opinion) in that you seem to have to pull up and back. German and Austrian guns usually have single set trigger in the front- much nicer. Which barrel is fired first depends upon which trigger is pulled. With experience, mistakes are seldom. BTW O/U combo guns usually have bottom rifle barrels/front trigger. BRNO is the exception and it has an unusual single/double arrangement.
Mike
Posted By: WBLDon Re: Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 06/03/19 11:27 PM
Der Ami,

Thanks so much for the information, it makes sense. I have a few drillings (all German) and hadn't thought about the fact that the rifle barrel is fired from the front trigger as well as being a set trigger.

Again thank you for your input and have a Wonderful Evening...

WBLDon
Posted By: Der Ami Re: Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 06/04/19 12:39 PM
WBLDon,
Since you have drillings; if you install an Einstecklauf( EL)( insert barrel) in the right hand shot barrel, the set trigger will work for it as well as the full caliber rifle barrel. After a scope, an EL is the most useful accessory for a drilling( one man's opinion).
Mike
Posted By: WBLDon Re: Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 06/04/19 06:20 PM
Der Ami, I agree with you and I do have one for one of my Drillings in .222 and it is a hoot to shoot making the gun far more versatile.

Have a great day!
WBLDon
Posted By: eightbore Re: Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 06/20/19 02:16 PM
I guess we would have to ask the makers, but maybe a set trigger is more easily installed on the front trigger.
Posted By: ellenbr Re: Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 08/16/19 02:26 AM
It really comes down to use. The chambering on the right tube is for the most used. True, on O/U - Austrians will have the rifle on the lower tube but Czech guns will have the rifle on the top tube and it appears a bit odd....


Cheers,

Raimey
rse
Posted By: Der Ami Re: Why the Rifle barrel on the right? - 08/16/19 01:59 PM
eightbore,
The set triggers on these guns are single set triggers, which are pushed forward to set. It is harder to get behind the rear trigger in order to set it, doubly so in very cold weather.

Raimey,
By locating the rifle barrel on the bottom, it puts less stress on the action, by locating it closer to the hinge point( but not as close to centerline of the scope). This would also hold for the Brno; but since they are "hell for stout" and lock up like a vault, they have enough strength to put the rifle barrel closer to the sights or scope.
Mike
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