Belgium is considered a leader in the manufacture 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 advise to pay attention to the Belgian gun. His country has been producing for over three centuries. It all started back in the 17th century. At that time, production began in a makeshift way, and only after some time the Belgian gunsmiths began to produce it on machines. It is the use of special types of steel and the unique type of products that brought Belgium to the favorites in the arms field.
A bit of history
The production of guns in Belgium began in the XVII 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, but with the acquisition of popularity, they began to grow. It is known that in 1860 Belgium was able to sell weapons in the amount of 1, 189, 960 francs. There are a lot of countries to which goods were exported. Russia is only in thirteenth place on this list. The top ten are headed by:
- Chile.
- England.
- Prussia.
- France.
Belgium now also sells a large number of weapons both at home and abroad.
Appearance in Russia
In our country, Belgian rifles appeared in the last century, during the revolutionary unrest. Most hunters keep them as a jewel, as a legacy that they have left from their ancestors. As you know, the first guns imported into the Russian Federation were quite expensive, and only wealthy people could purchase them. Only after some time, people were able to buy cheap products available to everyone.
Stigma
In the manufacture of Belgian hunting rifles, much attention was paid to the stigma. He began to be branded in the XVII century, even at a time when weapons were made in the artisanal way. This was done so that every knowledgeable person could see a quality gun of one kind or another or not. Since all gunsmiths had a different level of ability, the quality and reliability of everyone was different.
In 1672, it was decided to correct this fact and it was decided that every Belgian rifle must pass the test before it goes on sale. Those models that passed the test were branded by applying a drawing on it, where a column was depicted on the coat of arms of the city.
Larger checks began during the time of Napoleon in 1810. At the station built in Liege, it was checked. Gunshot models that did not pass the tests were not branded and were not allowed for sale.
After a while, new laws were issued that spoke of more thorough and strict control over the quality of weapons produced. Thanks to this, they gained fame and became the standard among their brothers. Now these rules are used not only in Belgium, but also in other countries involved in the production of firearms.
Belgian weapons manufacturers
A huge number of factories in Belgium produce high-quality Belgian guns. Consider the most popular and well-known companies:
- State Factory (abbreviated FN). Located in the city of Erstal, which is located near Liège. It produces 90% of hunting weapons throughout Belgium. The company produces serial models in which there are self-loading, smooth-bore shotguns and double-barreled shotguns with barrels located vertically. They are known as "Browning", named after the master of their making, John Browning.
- "Dumoulin." This factory produces mainly hunting carbines and fittings, in which the barrel is located horizontally.
- Lebo Curally. One of the revered companies, founded in 1865. The first guns that she produced were produced under the brand name “August Lebo”. Thanks to the masters of their craft, author's works appeared, which, in their quality, were in no way inferior to the English brothers of the highest class. Such Belgian rifles were highly valued even outside the country. For example, in Russia, the presence of this model in an arms store was considered prestigious, and therefore many owners tried to get at least one copy for themselves in the trading room.
- "August Francott." They were also highly appreciated 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 re-melting, so most of the first models of hunting weapons did not survive to this day.
Belgian rifles 12 caliber
Among smoothbore guns, 12 caliber is especially popular. This is due to the fact that such a model is easier to handle. You can easily cope with the magnitude of the powder charge. There is also no restriction when choosing a charge: bullets, buckshot, fractions. Any types and numbers can be used.
Among the 12-caliber Belgian rifle, the following models are widely known:
- “Valrein” (“Legrand”). This type is famous for high quality steel.
- Grand Rus. A distinctive feature is the fine engraving that completely covers the block.
- "Prince Albert." Minimal engraving on the sides of the boards.
- "Count Kodashev." Fine-style weapons in the English style.
- "The Count of Paris". It has one descent and a wide reinforced bar.
- "Colorado". Also has one descent. The rounded block is covered with a fine pattern.
- The Boss Verre. Low landing trunk and a small block. This model was released in memory of the late J. Verne. He ruled the company until 1982.
These are the most popular and widely known models of this caliber.
