Watson Bros. Round Action
Watson Bros Gunmakers Ltd · Shotgun · In Production · 1995
Also known as: Watson Bros Round Body, Watson Bros Round-Bodied Over-and-Under
Overview
The Watson Bros. Round Action is a bespoke 12-bore round-bodied over-and-under sidelock ejector shotgun, hand-built in London. Developed over two years and launched in 1995, it pairs a sleek, slimmed-down round-bodied action with a lightweight self-opening (self-cocking) ejector mechanism designed entirely in-house and protected by a British Design Registration. Each gun is made almost entirely by hand to the customer's individual specification, with Teague chokes and fine engraving, making it a flagship of one of London's last independently-owned gunmakers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2948 g (104.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1175 mm (46.26") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammerless |
| Trigger Type | Single Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| 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 | Color Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Two Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety, Intercepting Sears
- Features: Round Bodied Action, Self Opening, Sidelock Ejector, Single Trigger, Pistol Grip Stock, Teague Chokes, Bespoke Hand Built
Service history
Operators
- Sporting and game shooters
Production
Production years: 1995-present
Bespoke production limited to roughly 12 to 15 guns and rifles per year; 12-bores account for about half of all orders
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Michael Louca
Notes
Watson Bros. offers the 12-bore over-and-under in three nominal weights: light (about 6 lb 8 oz), standard (from about 6 lb 13 oz), and heavy (from about 7.25 lb). Barrels are commonly supplied in 28, 30, or 32 inch lengths; the figures here reflect a 30-inch light configuration. Production is limited to roughly 12 to 15 guns and rifles per year.
Background
Watson Bros. traces its London gunmaking lineage to Thomas Watson, son-in-law of gun and revolver maker William Tranter, who in 1875 acquired the premises of the celebrated Swiss-born gunmaker Durs Egg in Pall Mall. The round-bodied action was conceived by proprietor and lead gunmaker Michael Louca, who refused to merely copy the established London trade and instead engineered a new lightweight self-opening ejector system from scratch.