Is the repeating shotgun an endangered species? If the Italian manufacturer Cosmi is any indicator, then, yes, the single-barreled gun firing more than two shots is under threat. Cosmi, whose most iconic product is its unique break-open, seven-shot autoloader, is now offering a new over/under by Italian design legend Ivano Tanfoglio.
Tanfoglio is commonly known for his work with Battista Rizzini and Ferlib. Now he has partnered with Cosmi to create this new sovrapposto, or superposed. On the outside it’s a Boss; on the inside it’s a Dickson. Featuring the stepped forend so familiar on Boss O/Us, the design breaks from tradition with long bow-like mainsprings similar to those inside Edinburgh’s John Dickson & Son side-by-sides.
“Aesthetically, our sovrapposto is inspired by the clean lines of the Boss, even to the point of using its iron front” Tanfoglio said. “However, mechanically, everything is new, starting with the hand-detachable battery with its mainsprings similar to those used in John Dickson’s famous round action to its completely new ejection system.” Currently available only in 12 gauge with an action of steel or titanium, the O/U has a delivery time of about eight months, depending on the engraver chosen by the client.
Tanfoglio currently is working on two new guns for Cosmi: a side-by-side and an O/U, both with sidelocks, and plans to work soon on an Anson & Deeley boxlock with a round body.
Cosmi’s strategy appears to be one of at least supplementing its autoloader with a broad choice of alternatives. But let’s hope the company’s idiosyncratic auto remains a feature of its catalog.
For more information, contact US importer Nighthawk Custom or visit cosmi.net/en.
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