Americans aren't the only people who appreciate Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co.’s guns. The English do, too. So this past year CSMC introduced the Christian Hunter line of guns—intended for the British market, but also sold in the US. Currently the line includes a boxlock side-by-side and a sidelock over/under, and plans call for a falling-block rifle in the near future.
The side-by-side Christian Hunter has an Anson & Deeley action, Southgate ejectors and platform lump barrels like the company’s RBL, but it has a scalloped frame, a detachable inspection plate and an extensive variety of engraving options to go along with a higher level of fit and finish. The inspection plate, on the bottom of the action, is removable by hand when the gun is broken down.
Prices start at $12,500, which includes rose & scroll engraving. Standard features include a long tang with a pistol-, semi-pistol- or straight-grip stock. Standard stock dimensions are 14¼" or 14¾" length of pull, 1-3/8" drop at comb, and 2½" drop at heel. Custom dimensions are available for an extra cost. A hard-rubber buttplate or recoil pad is standard, while a checkered butt, skeleton butt with heel and toe plates, or leather-covered pad are extras. Barrel lengths are 26", 28" or 30". The gun is offered in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge as well as .410, all with proportionally sized receivers. Single or double triggers are available. This is a truly custom gun and can be fitted out any way you choose. The sky’s the limit. The inaugural Christian Hunter side-by-side was a .410 with Diego Bonsi gold-inlaid engraving in a fitted and fully accessorized oak & leather case selling for $29,999.
The Christian Hunter O/U sidelocks are based on CSMC’s superlative A-10 Americans. These are marvelous guns made even more so when maxed out with customizations. They start at $21,000, with the included Celtic or game-scene engraving, before options such as exhibition Turkish wood, flat-top checkering, drop points, a long tang, a gold initial oval, chiseled fences, action rounding, fire-blued pins and the like. Custom engraving is optional. The guns are built to the customer’s specifications and come in 12- and 20-gauge frame sizes. Depending on what is ordered, the engraving can be by hand, by laser or a combination thereof. The Platinum Ornamental pattern is particularly stunning.
For more information on the Christian Hunter line, contact Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co., 860-225-6581; www.connecticutshotgun.com. —Bruce Buck