Three-barreled shotgun is not the most popular type of hunting weapon, especially in Russia. Nevertheless, in arms stores and "on hand" you can find worthy representatives of this line of domestic and foreign production. Such modifications are also called drills. Consider their features and characteristics.
Historical facts
The first models of three-barrel guns appeared in Germany (second half of the 19th century). A patent for a three-barrel gun was received by Peter Oberhammer in 1878. The word drilling itself, translated from German, means "tee". The city of Suhl, like some other German settlements, was famous for its gunsmiths. The three-barrel versions were made by the best craftsmen, distinguished by the highest build quality and original design.
The weapon in question immediately fell in love with hunters, thanks to its versatility and economic effect. After all, with one model you can hunt different game throughout the season. Thanks to the variation of the caliber, the three-barreled shotgun has become universal, which is one of its advantages.
URussian consumers "tees" actively began to use in the 19th century. Most often they were intended for elite, driven hunting, in which representatives of the nobility participated. At the same time, they shot at all the animals that met on the way. Consequently, the gun required the most unified. Three-barreled shotguns of that period were distinguished by luxurious finishes, made to order from local craftsmen or brought from abroad.
Currently, drills are used for commercial hunting and by travelers going on long expeditions, which may require self-sustaining food. The uniqueness of the weapon in question is that from a long distance you can shoot a large animal from a rifled barrel, and small game from smooth-bore counterparts.
Combined designs
Exploitation of three-barreled hunting rifles is beneficial for a number of reasons, since they combine the advantages of shotguns and rifled weapons. The combined design usually includes a pair of rifled and one smooth barrel, or vice versa. There are versions in which two barrels of the same configuration have a different caliber. A similar product is called a three-barrel fitting.
The location of the trunks may also differ (vertically or horizontally all three units, or one of the elements is located above, below or on the side). Combining two types of guns into one with different calibers allows you to simultaneously hunt game of different sizes.
Each type of barrel is equipped with the appropriate sights:
- ring, optical or lifting option - for threaded configuration;
- sighting front sight or bar - for a smoothbore;
- restructuring from one type to another is done by means of a special selector mechanism, a pair of escapements or a shneller.
Tees with all plain stems
A number of hunters have an opinion that a rifled barrel in the design is useless, and three “smooth-bore” would be just right. This is not without meaning: it becomes possible to configure a choke, pay and “drilling” in one design. Similar samples of three-barreled guns were produced by German, Belgian and other gunsmiths at the beginning of the 20th century. The production of such modifications was quickly curtailed, as they turned out to be very inconvenient to use.
The main essence of the "tee" is precisely the presence of a rifled element, so that the user simultaneously has a rifle and a shotgun. The relevance of combining three smoothbore is doubtful, since the weight of the modification increases significantly, stability during a salvo is violated. In addition, the cost of such a version is noticeably increased compared to a double-barreled shotgun. Due to these shortcomings, there is no mass production of the same type of three-barreled shotguns and is not expected.
Russian drills
Among the "tees" of domestic production, the MTs-140 gun is distinguished. It is far from the cheapest variation among analogues, it is equipped with a pair of smooth 12-gauge barrels and one rifled muzzle. The combination of elements can bevarious (seven configurations are provided). The first copy was developed and tested in 1988.
Key parameters:
- type of smooth muzzle parts - 12/65;
- rifled modification - 7, 62/53;
- product weight - 3.4 kg;
- barrel length - 6500 mm.
The gun MTs belongs to the elite group, focused on professional and amateur hunting. All models are made with careful adjustment of details, differ in high quality indicators. A pair of triggers is placed on the same base. The material for the manufacture of the buttstock is a processed high-quality walnut. Designed with recesses for arms and cheek.
Krieghoff triple-barrel combination shotguns
Drilling "Neptune" is one of several representatives of "tees" from the specified brand. The company is known for its specialization in the production of three-barreled shotguns. This type of weapon has become a kind of symbol of the company. The same "Neptune" is known to all real hunters, and its production started in the 19th century. It is worth noting that during the First World War, Krieghoff gunsmiths were forbidden to engage in the production of weapons. During the Second World War, the occupation authorities completely destroyed the company's production facilities.
The revival of the company dates back to the second half of the 20th century, when the reconstruction of obsolete guns and carbines was practiced. Production was fully restored in 1950, the launch of the first line of air rifles began, which wasinnovation for the company.
Three years later, the ban on the production of three-barrel shotguns was lifted, after which Krieghoff came to grips with the manufacture of drills. An experimental batch under the name Waldschutz was operated by forestry enterprises. Samples were appreciated, as a result of which regular orders began to arrive. The company began to actively develop and expand. In the 60s, modifications of Trumpf and Neptun came out, which are still produced in a modernized form.
Unlike early manual production, today's designs are made using automated equipment controlled by operating systems. All components and parts are quality tested, which has a positive effect on the final product.
Sauer system
Three-barrel "Sauer", produced by German gunsmiths, is of high quality and practicality. The system is equipped with upper horizontal shafts and one lower rifled counterpart.
Brief characteristics of the three-barreled shotgun of the "Sauer" system:
- trunks - 16/70-7/65 (smooth/rifled);
- weight – 3, 1 kg;
- barrel length - 1065 mm.
It is worth noting that a pair of working triggers is responsible for the action of rifled and smooth barrels. A front sight with a lifting shield acts as an aiming mechanism. If desired, or necessary, it is possible to install an optical sight.
Another variation of the three-barreled shotguns of the Sauer system is the model-30. FirstThe series came out in 1930. After all the manipulations, the characteristics of this weapon showed their positive points, including the practicality of using models.
Parameters:
- trunks are smooth – 12/65;
- rifled barrel – 9, 34;
- weight – 3.4 kg;
- barrel length - 650 mm.
Exclusive Sauer M30 hunting rifles are very expensive. Their price reaches several million rubles.
Merkel BBF B-3
Three-barreled carbines of this brand have a high build quality. The barrel block is equipped with a clutch that securely fixes the muzzle, preventing them from "playing". In this case, the aiming point does not go astray, regardless of the number of shots. The barrels are adjusted using special screws, which is much more convenient than using control inserts.
The main parameters of the German triple-barreled BBF B-3:
- stems are smooth – 12/76, 20/76;
- threaded element - 6, 5x57, 7x65 R;
- drilling weight – 3100 g;
- barrel length - 600 mm.
The caliber 12/76 is considered the most convenient, as it increases the likelihood of hitting game from a long distance. It should be noted that the weapon has a rather serious impact, and this requires some training and a "firm" hand. The exterior of the carbines looks aesthetically pleasing, the stock is made of elite wood.
Four-barreled shotguns
Shotguns with four barrels are quite rare. The generalized name of such products -firlings. Usually smooth elements are arranged horizontally, rifled counterparts are located above and below. To fire from the last barrels, it is necessary to perform a synchronous platoon, produced using a gate. At this point smooth trunks become inactive and vice versa.
Fierlings are equipped with a pair of triggers, the front of which activates the large-caliber lower barrel. Accordingly, the rear element actuates the upper small-caliber muzzle. The weapon in question has a decent mass, which is partially offset by shortened dimensions. In general, the design of the four-barrel is convenient and compact. Similar versions were exploited by the Russian elite at the end of the 19th century. Serial production of such guns is not practiced. Their main prerogative is museum and private collections.
Caliber WMR-22
The specified cartridge was created by the eminent weapons company Winchester (Winchester Repeating Arms Company). This happened way back in 1960. At the same time, the company also produced the corresponding weapons. Oddly enough, almost simultaneously, the manufacture of weapons under 22 WMR began all American manufacturers involved in the production of firearms. It is worth noting that the specified ammunition was the first cartridge to operate on the annular type.
Despite its individuality, the cartridge belongs to the small-caliber variety of charges. The product in question has a larger diameter and length. Characteristics allow you to withstand increased pressure when fired. In this regard, volleys from the 5, 6 mm family were considered practicallyimpossible. If you resort to other analogues, a short sleeve often swells and is difficult to remove after shooting. There were craftsmen on the arms market offering an interchangeable drum oriented to all current types of cartridges.
Features
It is worth noting that 22 gauge can also be found in manufacturers of modern three-barreled and double-barreled shotguns. In this case, the trunks may differ in diameter and cutting. For clarity, let's consider in general what a caliber is.
In the 20th century, the first definition for smoothbore specimens appeared in Britain. The value was found out as follows: they took 453.59 grams of lead (one pound). Ammunition was cast from this mass, identical in mass and dimensions. If the units turned out to be 22 - caliber 22, 10 - 10th. Thus, the smaller the bullet, the larger the value in question.
Application
The above cartridge is suitable for use as analogs of the 5.6 mm family. This includes personal training of shooters, training. This feature is due to such qualities of ammunition as minimal recoil, quiet shot sound and low cost. However, in real sports competitions, such a cartridge has never been used. The fact is that professional shooters need increased bullet speed, as a result of which the focus of the 22 cartridge was reoriented to hunting.
In this area, it was possible to maximize the parameters of the ring-type charge. The most common core is copper-plated, not s altedlead. This is due to the possibility of a shellless bullet breaking off the barrel rifling, or melting due to friction. Quite often, this element is equipped with an expansive configuration in the head cavity. In addition, special cartridges are made with small shot placed in a capsule. They are designed to exterminate small rodents, rabbits and birds. Here it is worth considering that at close range, the charge can severely damage the carcass of the intended prey. Muzzle energy is enough to defeat animals such as a jackal or a coyote.
Other popular calibers
The following are other calibers most commonly used in modern shotguns:
- 12. This indicator is present in all manufacturers of smoothbore guns. Such popularity is due to its versatility, since the owner can adjust the amount of powder charge in a wide range using any shot or buckshot. This caliber is ideal for experienced hunters and beginners.
- 16. Domestic fishermen are well acquainted with this size of bullets. Ammunition is slightly smaller than the previous version, which makes it easier to carry. In addition, a three-barreled shotgun with this caliber gives reduced recoil.
- 20. Weapons loaded with ammunition of this size are great for women, have a significantly lower weight than their standard counterparts.
- 24 and 28. These calibers are not often used, because they have a low accuracy parameter. Most often, triple-barreled shotguns are made with different sizes, one of which can bespecified value.
Choosing 22 caliber or some other is a purely individual matter, depending on the preferences of the owner and the main purpose of the ammunition. The main thing is that the weapon is not only practical, but also convenient.
Disadvantages of triple shotguns
In order to maximize the adjustment of the sight of the weapon in question, you will need to zero in on a certain type of barrel. A single sight for firing from different types of elements will not work. Another significant drawback of tee guns is the significant mass, as well as the lack of a magazine. This minus is typical for old samples, new versions are made of lightweight steel, which significantly reduces the weight of the weapon.
At the same time, technical indicators do not change, and high-quality German-made modifications do not require re-adjustment of the sight, even after several volleys. In the updated three-barreled shotguns, such as the Sauer-3000, the muzzle length is significantly shorter. This negatively affects the quality of the battle, but increases the ease of use and reduces the weight of the gun.
According to the law, possession of rifled models requires a special permit. In this regard, used "tees" are often sold with an inactive rifled barrel. It is worth noting that even 20-25 years ago, a rifled gun for hunters was an unattainable luxury. There are samples on the market that are over 70 years old with a drilled rifled barrel that does not work. As a result, a person simply acquires a weighted shotgun with smooth barrels and a complex mechanism.switching. However, he will have to spend more money than the standard option.
Selection criteria
When choosing a triple-barreled weapon, you first need to decide what kind of game or animal will be fished for. This is the overriding criterion. For example, when hunting birds, it makes no sense to purchase a "tee". It is much more practical and cheaper to buy a good smoothbore specimen. As a rule, all triple barrels are equipped with a shortened muzzle (no more than 660 mm), the effectiveness of smooth barrels is manifested only at close range. Drilling is aimed at medium and large animals.
This type of weapon is aimed at professionals and aesthetes who do not just aimlessly track down any prey, but get real pleasure from their activities, diluted with excitement. In addition, the hunting process itself must be cultural and correct. Fishing is associated with certain risks, such as a meeting with a wounded animal or an angry bear. This should also be taken into account when choosing a gun. For female hunters, it is necessary to select a lightweight version with reduced recoil. It is better to refuse 12 gauge, looking for a version for 16-20 bullet size.
Right of Use
Combined three-barrel guns are legally equated with rifled variations, which causes certain restrictions on its operation. To obtain a permit for such a weapon will have to spend a lot of time and effort. But this is not a fact that it will be possible to achieve the intended goal.
To get a license,the hunter must have considerable experience in the use and storage of smoothbore weapons. With drilling, it is allowed to hunt birds exclusively from unrifled trunks, within the time limits established by law (in relation to fishing for upland and mountain game). Failure to comply with the rules and requirements leads to sanctions in the form of a significant fine. In addition, confiscation of weapons is often practiced, so it is better not to neglect the legal rules. Also, when hunting game with a “tee”, cartridges for rifled barrels should not be included in the kit.
