Manufrance Robust
Manufacture Française d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: Robust, Manufrance Robust No. 6
Overview
The Manufrance Robust is a French side-by-side double-barrel shotgun produced by the mail-order house Manufacture Française d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne. Built on a boxlock action with a nickel-chrome steel frame and a reputation-making triple locking system, it was sold in enormous numbers as a sturdy, affordable working shotgun. Robust models were prized for durability in harsh conditions and were offered in a range of gauges including 12, 16, 20 and 24, with the 12 gauge being the most common.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1150 mm (45.28") |
| Barrel Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double 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 | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock Action, Triple Locking System, Double Trigger, Nickel Chrome Steel Frame
Variants
- Manufrance Robust No. 6 - Grade
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters
Production
Production years: 1913-1984
Produced in large quantities from 1913 until the early 1980s; outside-hammer variants were discontinued around 1930 when an automatic safety was introduced.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Discontinued: 1984
Notes
Often described as the French equivalent of the Stevens 311 in production numbers but of higher quality. Barrels are commonly marked 'Acier Hercule' (Hercule steel). An economy-grade version was sold under the 'Costo' name.
Background
Manufrance built its name on mail-order catalogue sales from Saint-Étienne, and the Robust became the everyman's double gun in France. Famed for surviving rough use at the seaside, in equatorial Africa and in South America, it earned its name as a benchmark for a tough, inexpensive side-by-side.