I know another shotgun photo, how boring. Yes, it is my day off but heck I enjoy photographing fine firearms. Today Timber and this gun did their jobs well.

I'm a grouse hunter and this is the perfect grouse hunting tool. It is a 12 gauge H&H Boxlock Game Gun. For me it is a dream gun and something I never thought I would own. English side by side shotguns are the best in the world.

The dimensions fit me to a tee. This game gun weighs just a hair under six and one half pounds. It has 2 3/4" chambers and is choked improved cylinder and modified bore. For the quick shooting we have in the grouse coverts you want a light, nimble, quick handling shotgun. When a ruffed grouse thunders from the underbrush you only have seconds to make the shot before the bird has slipped around the nearest tree. I've shot more trees in my days hunting grouse than I've shot birds.

Here is a copy of the nice email I received from Andrew Ambrose of Holland & Holland.

"Dear Mr. Bates,

Thank you for your email.

We do provide a historical research service for a charge of £30.00 but having checked our records on your shotgun, the record is in fact blank and so would be unable to provide you with any further information.

However I can confirm that your gun was finished in 1967. Your shotgun was one of a number of Boxlock Ejector's that Holland & Holland commissioned to be built through the Birmingham gun trade as it was cheaper to produce and thus cheaper to retail. When the guns were nearing completion they were sent to the Holland & Holland factory for final test shooting, regulating and finishing. Therefore since they were not true Holland & Holland shotguns built entirely at the factory we engraved "H&H" on the sideplates and not the full "Holland & Holland" name and the model name; "Shot & Regulated" engraved on the barrels.

As mentioned these were made through the Birmingham gun trade with a large number, as you correctly pointed out, being made by Webley & Scott and coincidentally your gun was actually made at the Webley & Scott factory.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Andrew Ambrose
For Holland & Holland"

The mighty hunters and their prey