Boss & Co Over-Under
Boss & Co Ltd · Shotgun · In Production · 1909
Also known as: Boss Over-and-Under, Boss O/U, Boss 1909 Pattern
Overview
The Boss & Co Over-Under is a 12-gauge break-action double-barrel sidelock shotgun built by the London gunmaker Boss & Co. Introduced in 1909, John Robertson's design was the first British over-and-under and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and influential over-under shotguns ever made. Its slim sidelock action, light weight and elegant lines earned Boss guns the nickname 'the racehorse of best guns', and the 1909 pattern remains in near-unchanged production as a bespoke best gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1160 mm (45.67") |
| Barrel Length | 737 mm (29.02") |
| 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, Single Or Double Trigger, Rose And Scroll Engraving, Best Grade Finish
Variants
- Boss & Co Side-by-Side - Side By Side
- Boss & Co 1812 Edition - Ambidextrous Sidelever
Service history
Operators
- Sporting and game shooters
Production
Production years: 1909-present
Hand-built in small numbers as bespoke best guns; the 1909 over-under pattern has remained in virtually continuous production
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: John Robertson
Notes
Built to order as a 'best gun' with bespoke dimensions, engraving and fit. Available with single (Boss patent, 1893) or double triggers and automatic ejectors. Barrel lengths typically range from 25 to 29 inches; a 12-bore with 29-inch barrels weighs around 6 lb 8 oz.
Background
In 1909 John Robertson, then owner of the firm founded by Thomas Boss in 1812, working with factory manager Bob Henderson, devised an over-under that replaced the bulky central lug with side-mounted studs, giving the gun a slim, low-profile action. The result became the most copied over-and-under in the world.