Italian hammerguns are rare, since the Val Trompia’s fine-gun trade didn’t fully evolve until after the development of the hammerless design. But one maker has been active since the outset. In 1948 Stefano Fausti began building hammer shotguns in a small atelier in Marcheno, Italy. His skill and business acumen quickly made him one of the country’s most sought-after gun designers. This year Fausti is celebrating its 75th anniversary while one of its most significant importers, William Larkin Moore, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is commemorating its 50th. Now the two companies have teamed up to give us the Fausti Classico WLM Hammergun in 28 gauge.
The locks and action body were hand engraved with ornamental scroll by Stefano Muffolini before being color-case hardened using the traditional bone-charcoal method, creating the lustrous finish familiar from vintage British hammerguns. Another feature from the golden age is double triggers. The stock was created from a stunning stick of Turkish timber provided by William Larkin Moore. It features an English-style hand and is complemented by a slender semi-beavertail forend carved from the same piece of walnut. The 30" barrels, which have 2¾" chambers and a smooth concave rib, are choked Modified (.017") in the right and Full (.040") in the left.
The price of $14,900 includes a maker’s ABS case, but with a gun this “classico,” perhaps the new owner will upgrade to a canvas-covered, oak-and-leather motoring trunk.
For more information, visit williamlarkinmoore.com
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