EVANS Sporting Rifle……SOLD
Created on October 8th 2019
The Rare and Unusual Evans Sporting Rifle, New model
Interesting for the mechanically minded collector. On first impression this item appears to be the “New model” as it is fitted with both butt stock pieces. Produced as a sporting carbine with a 30″ barrel and flush fitting for-end. Another pointer to it being a “New Model” is the fact that there is no serial number. Chambered in the larger, 1,1/2″ .44 Evans cartridge it had a capacity of 28 rounds. They were stored in the butt and moved forward on the principle of the Archimedes screw. Fully loaded the rear end starts to put on weight!
This example has lost most of it’s finish, from both the action and the barrel. However, the steel grey patina that remains, is for the most part, even and without serious incursion by corrosion. The stocks are in far better shape with evidence of a recent highly professional refinish. Ramped, sliding rear ladder sights, graduated to 1100 yards. Simple barley-corn front sight dove-tailed into muzzle. Overall length of the rifle is 47.1/2″. The trigger pull is 13.1/2″ The round barrel has the following marked on the top, just before the rear sights; “EVANS SPORTING RIFLE” This is the first real clue as to what we have in front of us. It is thought to be a rifle assembled from parts which were purchase by two other companies, following the Evans company entering bankruptcy. In a way this could be construed as an additional model to the Evans range.
The rifle functions as well as can be expected from such a complicated mechanical device of this vintage. The underlever also actuates a cover on the RHS of the action, which opens, to allow spent cartridges to be ejected. The bore is reasonable condition with rifling reminiscent of the Henry rifling found within the British Martini. There is corrosion in the bore and some misting. The previous owner has reported pleasing accuracy on the range.
A fine and unusual piece of American firearms history ready to move on to its next keeper.
£ 1000. SOLD
Comments Off on EVANS Sporting Rifle……SOLD