Belgium is considered a leader in the production of first-class firearms. Today it is difficult to imagine any other country when they are interested in high-quality weapons. Experts in this matter are advised to pay attention to the Belgian gun. His country has been producing for three centuries. It all started back in the 17th century. At that time, production began in an artisanal way, and only after some time did Belgian gunsmiths begin to manufacture it on machine tools. It was the use of special types of steel and the unique look of products that made Belgium a favorite in the arms industry.
A bit of history
The production of guns in Belgium began in the 17th century. At first they were sold in the country, and only after some time, sales began to be carried out abroad. At first the parties were small, butwith the acquisition of popularity, they began to grow. It is known that in 1860 Belgium was able to sell weapons in the amount of 11891960 francs. There are a lot of countries to which the goods were exported. Russia is only in the thirteenth place in this list. Leading the top ten:
- Chile.
- England.
- Prussia.
- France.
Now Belgium also sells a large number of weapons both at home and abroad.
Appearance in Russia
In our country, Belgian guns appeared in the last century, during the revolutionary unrest. Most hunters keep them as a treasure, as a legacy left to them by their ancestors. As you know, the first guns imported to the Russian Federation were quite expensive, and only we althy people could purchase them. Only after a while people were able to buy cheap products available to everyone.
Stamp
In the production of Belgian hunting rifles, great attention was paid to the stigma. It began to be branded in the 17th century, even at a time when weapons were made in an artisanal way. This was done so that every knowledgeable person could see whether this or that gun was of high quality or not. Since all gunsmiths had different levels of ability, the quality and reliability of each one was different.
In 1672 it was decided to correct this circumstance and it was decided that every Belgian gun should be tested before it was put on sale. Those models that passed the test were branded by applyingdrawing, which depicted a column on the coat of arms of the city.
More extensive checks began during the time of Napoleon in 1810. At the station built in Liege, it was tested. Firearm models that were not tested were not branded and were not allowed for sale.
After a while, new laws were issued, which spoke of more thorough and strict control over the quality of weapons produced. Thanks to this, they gained fame and became a standard among their brethren. Now these rules are used not only in Belgium, but also in other countries involved in the production of firearms.
Belgian arms manufacturers
A huge number of factories in Belgium are engaged in the production of high-quality Belgian guns. Consider the most popular and well-known firms:
- State factory (abbreviated as FN). Located in the city of Erstal, which is located near Liege. It produces 90% of hunting weapons in all of Belgium. The company produces mass-produced models that include self-loading, smoothbore shotguns and double-barreled shotguns with vertical barrels. Known as "Brownings", named after the master who made them, John Browning.
- "Dumoulin". This factory produces mainly hunting carbines and fittings, in which the barrel is located horizontally.
- "Lebo-Kuralli". One of the revered companies, founded in 1865. The first guns that she produced were produced under the brand name "August Lebo". Thanks tothe masters of their craft appeared author's works, which, in their quality, were in no way inferior to their English counterparts of the highest class. Such Belgian guns were highly valued even outside the country. For example, in Russia, the presence of this model in a weapons store was considered prestigious, and therefore many owners tried to get at least one copy for themselves in the trading room.
- "August Francotte". They were also highly valued by us. These models were produced in several variations, from cheaper models to the most expensive.
Unfortunately, in the early forties, a huge amount of Belgian weapons were seized by the NKVD and sent for remelting, so most of the first models of hunting weapons did not survive to our times.
Belgian 12 gauge shotguns
Among smoothbore guns, 12 gauge is especially popular. This is due to the fact that such a model is easier to handle. You can easily handle the amount of powder charge. There is also no restriction when choosing a charge: bullets, buckshot, shots. Any type and number can be used.
Among the Belgian 12 gauge shotgun, the following models are widely known:
- "Walrein" ("Legrand"). This type is famous for its high quality steel.
- Grand Rus. A distinctive feature is the fine engraving that completely covers the last.
- Prince Albert. Minimal engraving applied to the sides of the boards.
- "Count Kodashev". Weapon with small pattern inEnglish style.
- "Paris Count". Features a single drop and wide reinforced bar.
- Colorado. Also has one descent. The rounded last is covered with a small pattern.
- "Boss-Verre". Low landing of a trunk and a small block. This model was released in memory of the late J. Verne. He ruled the firm until 1982.
These are the most popular and widely known models in this caliber.
Belgian 16 gauge shotguns
Among these models of firearms, the Browning Auto 5 is very popular and famous. This model was developed in 1898, but weapons of this type were not immediately launched, since most arms companies believed that 16-gauge guns were not promising and no one would buy them.
But FN did not succumb to pessimistic forecasts and started producing a new type of hunting rifles. The first ten thousand copies were sold in just one year. This model was very popular and sold for a hundred years.
Depending on the year in which the model and release was released, the Browning was equipped with:
- barrels, both with and without a scope;
- chokes (replaceable or fixed);
- barrels of different lengths;
- stocks (semi-pistol or straight);
- variety of receiver and wood finishes.
In a word, the 16-gauge Browning proved to be an excellent fighter, which is made of the highest quality steel. Thanks totherefore, it has excellent ballistic and mechanical properties.
Thus, Belgian weapons, due to their quality and reliability, have gained immense popularity among hunters and not only.
