Midland SxS
Midland Gun Company Ltd · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1888
Also known as: Midland Boxlock, Midland Gun Co. Side-by-Side
Overview
The Midland Gun Company SxS is a British side-by-side double-barrelled break-action shotgun produced in Birmingham, England. Built around the Anson & Deeley boxlock action, most Midland shotguns were chambered in 12 bore and were typical of the well-made, economically priced machine-made guns that characterised Birmingham's gun trade. They served generations of British sporting and game shooters as affordable working doubles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 250 m (273 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 Action Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Anson Deeley Boxlock, Double Trigger, Extractor
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sporting and game shooters
Production
Production years: 1888-1964
Acquired by Parker-Hale Ltd in 1952, which continued the Midland brand; the original Birmingham operation closed in 1964. Company records were destroyed in the WWII Blitz.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Joseph Lightwood
Discontinued: 1964
Notes
Midland boxlock guns were largely built on Webley & Scott actions and barrelled work, finished and regulated as classic English doubles. Surviving examples vary widely in barrel length (typically 28-30 inches) and chambering; many early guns used Damascus barrels.
Background
Founded in 1888 by Joseph Lightwood at 76 Bath Street, Birmingham, Midland Gun Company set out to compete with makers like BSA for good-quality, economically priced machine-made guns, and by the 1930s ran a London office selling firearms and shooting equipment from British and foreign makers.