Hunter Arms Hunter Special
Hunter Arms Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1937
Also known as: Hunter Special, Hunter Arms Co. Hunter Special
Overview
The Hunter Arms Hunter Special is a side-by-side double-barreled shotgun built on an Anson & Deeley boxlock action by the Hunter Arms Company of Fulton, New York, the maker of the L.C. Smith line. Introduced in 1937 at a $30 retail price to compete for the low end of the market, it used the rotary bolt locking system designed by Alexander Brown rather than the sidelock mechanism of the L.C. Smith grades. It was chambered in 12 gauge, fitted with double triggers and a walnut stock, and remained in production until 1945.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock Action, Double Trigger, Extractors, Top Lever Break Open
Production
Estimated total produced: 8,876 · Production years: 1937-1945
Roughly 8,876 built, under 2% of total Hunter Arms output; the boxlock budget companion to the more numerous Fulton model.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Alexander Brown
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The Hunter Special did not carry the L.C. Smith name and is not classified as an L.C. Smith shotgun; it and the Fulton were the boxlock budget models of the Hunter Arms Company. Fewer than 9,000 were produced, making it scarce and collectible.
Background
John Hunter Sr. long resisted producing a boxlock double gun, preferring the company's sidelock L.C. Smith guns; it took persuasion from his employees before the inexpensive boxlock Fulton and Hunter Special were allowed into the line to compete with cheaper rival doubles during the Depression.