Cogswell & Harrison Victor
Cogswell & Harrison Ltd · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1879
Also known as: Extra Quality Victor, Victor Ejector, Best Quality Victor
Overview
The Cogswell & Harrison Victor is a British best-quality side-by-side double-barrel shotgun, most commonly chambered in 12 gauge (12 bore). First introduced in 1879 as one of the firm's earliest hammerless guns, the Victor evolved into the 'Extra Quality Victor' sidelock ejector grade for which the London maker became best known. It is a break-action game gun with two side-by-side smoothbore barrels, concealed hammers carried on detachable sidelocks, double triggers and Edgar Harrison patent automatic ejectors that throw spent cases clear on opening. Built to order with fine bench engraving and figured walnut, the Victor was a premium sporting and game gun rather than a service arm, produced across many decades from Cogswell & Harrison's Piccadilly, London premises.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| 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 | 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: Side By Side Barrels, Hammerless, Sidelock Ejector, Double Trigger, Automatic Ejectors, Fine Engraving
Service history
Operators
- Civilian game and sporting shooters
Production
Production years: 1879-1900s
Made to order in relatively small numbers as a best-quality game gun across the late 19th and early 20th centuries; no comprehensive production figures published.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Edgar Harrison
Notes
The Victor was offered in several grades; the top-tier 'Extra Quality Victor' was a sidelock ejector, while side-plated boxlock ejector guns were also sold under the Victor name. Surviving examples typically have 28 to 30 inch barrels and 2 1/2 or 2 3/4 inch chambers, with weights ranging from roughly 5 lb 12 oz for light game guns to about 6 lb 13 oz.
Background
Cogswell & Harrison, one of London's oldest gunmaking houses with roots reaching back to 1770, introduced the hammerless Victor in 1879, following it with the Avant Tout hammer ejector gun in 1888 and a single-trigger double in 1895. The Victor name endured as the firm's flagship sidelock ejector and remains prized by collectors of best London 'between-the-wars' game guns.