Boss & Co Side-by-Side
Boss & Co Ltd · Shotgun · In Production · 1897
Also known as: Boss Hammerless Ejector, Boss Sidelock Ejector, Boss Side by Side
Overview
The Boss & Co Side-by-Side is a 12-gauge break-action double-barrel sidelock shotgun handmade by the London gunmaker Boss & Co. Built around the 1897 Boss Hammerless Ejector action devised by John Robertson, it is a 'best gun' made entirely to order, renowned for its slim action, fine balance and superb single trigger. Coil springs in the forend give the unfired gun an assisted, 'easy-opening' action, and from about 1933 a true self-opener version was offered. Boss side-by-sides are regarded as among the finest English game guns ever built.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3120 g (110.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1150 mm (45.28") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Color Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Automatic Safety
- Features: Sidelock Action, Automatic Ejectors, Assisted Opening, Boss Single Trigger, Side By Side Barrels, Straight Hand Stock, Best Grade Engraving
Variants
- Boss & Co Self-Opener - Self Opening
Service history
Operators
- Sporting and game shooters
Production
Production years: 1897-present
Hand-built in small numbers as bespoke best guns; the 1897 hammerless ejector side-by-side has remained in virtually continuous production. About 56 self-openers documented 1933-1937.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: John Robertson
Notes
Built bespoke as a 'best gun' with customer-specified dimensions, engraving and stock fit. Typically supplied with 28- or 29-inch barrels, a 2 1/2-inch chamber and a straight-hand stock; a 12-bore weighs roughly 6 lb 13 oz to 6 lb 14 oz. Available with the Boss single trigger (patented 1893) or double triggers, with automatic ejectors and automatic safety. Around 56 self-openers were documented between 1933 and 1937.
Background
John Robertson, who bought the firm Thomas Boss founded in 1812, perfected the Boss side-by-side in the 1880s and 1890s. His 1893 single trigger was famously demonstrated on a three-barrelled side-by-side fired from one trigger, and his 1897 hammerless ejector has been in near-unaltered production ever since, making Boss side-by-sides favourites of wealthy British and American game shooters.