A three-barrel gun 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. Similar modifications are also called drillings. Consider their features and characteristics.
Historical facts
The first models of three-barrel rifles appeared in Germany (the second half of the 19th century). Peter Oberhammer received a patent for a three-barrel in 1878. The word drilling itself, translated from German, means "tee." The city of Suhl, like some other German settlements, were famous for their weapons masters. Versions with three trunks were produced by the best craftsmen, they were distinguished by the highest build quality and original design.
The considered weapon was immediately loved by hunters, due to its multifunctionality and economic effect. After all, with one model you can hunt for different game throughout the season. Thanks to the variation of caliber, the three-barrel has become universal, which relates to its advantages.
For Russian consumers, “tees” began to be actively used in the 19th century. Most often, they were intended for an elite, driven hunt, in which representatives of the nobility participated. At the same time, they shot at the whole beast that met on the way. Consequently, the gun was required as much as possible unified. The three-barrels of that period were distinguished by luxurious finishes, made to order from local craftsmen or brought from abroad.
Drillings are currently used for commercial hunting by travelers traveling on long expeditions, which may require independent food production. The uniqueness of the weapon in question is that from a long distance you can shoot a large beast from a rifled barrel, and small game from smooth-bore analogues.
Combined designs
The operation of three-barreled hunting rifles is advantageous for a number of reasons, since they combine the advantages of shot 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 trunks of the same configuration have a different caliber. A similar product is referred to as a three-barrel fitting.
The location of the trunks can also differ (vertically or horizontally, all three units, or one of the elements is located above, below or sideways). The combination of two types of guns in one with different calibers allows you to simultaneously hunt game of different sizes.
Each type of barrel is equipped with appropriate sights:
- ring, optical or lifting version - for rifled configuration;
- sighting front sight or level - for a smooth bore;
- restructuring from one type to another is done by means of a special selector mechanism, a pair of descents or a sneller.
Tees with all smooth trunks
A number of hunters have an opinion that the rifled barrel in the structure is useless, and the three "smooth bore" would be just right. This is not without meaning: it becomes possible in one design to configure the choke, payroll and “drilling”. Similar samples of three-barreled rifles were produced by German, Belgian and other gunsmiths at the beginning of the 20th century. The production of such modifications was quickly turned off, as they turned out to be very inconvenient in operation.
The main essence of the "tee" is precisely the presence of a threaded element so that the user simultaneously has a rifle and a shotgun. The relevance of combining the three smoothbore trunks is questionable, since the weight of the modification increases significantly, the stability during salvo breaking. In addition, the cost of such a version increases markedly, compared with a double-barrel shotgun. In connection with these shortcomings, there is no and is not expected to mass production of the same tricuspid.
Russian Drillings
Among the "tees" of domestic production, the MT-140 shotgun is distinguished. It is not the cheapest variation among analogues, it is equipped with a pair of smooth trunks 12 gauge and one rifled barrel. The combination of elements can be different (seven configurations are provided). The first copy was developed and tested in 1988.
Key parameters:
- the type of smooth parts of the barrel - 12/65;
- threaded modification - 7.62 / 53;
- product weight - 3.4 kg;
- barrel in length - 6500 mm.
The MC gun belongs to the elite group, focused on professional and amateur hunting. All models are made with careful fitting of parts; they are distinguished by high quality indicators. A pair of triggers is placed on one base. The material for the manufacture of the butt is processed high-quality nut. The design includes recesses under the arms and cheek.
Three-Barrel Combined Shotguns by Krighoff
Drinking "Neptune" is one of several representatives of the "tees" from the specified brand. The company is known for specializing in the production of tricuspid. This kind 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, the Krighoff gunsmiths were forbidden to engage in the production of weapons. During the Second World War by the occupation authorities, the company's production facilities were completely destroyed.
The revival of the company dates from the second half of the 20th century, when the reconstruction of obsolete rifles and carbines was practiced. Fully production was restored in 1950, the launch of the first line of air rifles began, which was an innovation for the company.
Three years later, the ban on the production of rifles with three trunks was lifted, after which Krighoff was closely engaged in the manufacture of drills. A pilot batch called Waldschutz was operated by forestry. Samples were appreciated, as a result of which regular orders began to arrive. The company began to actively develop and expand. In the 60s, Trumpf and Neptun modifications came out, which are still being produced in a modernized form.
Unlike early production with manual labor, modern designs are made using automated equipment controlled by operating systems. All components and parts pass quality control, which positively affects 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 trunks and one lower rifled analog.
Brief characteristics of the three-barrel Sauer system rifle:
- 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 trunks. As a sighting mechanism, a front sight with a lifting shield acts. If desired, or necessary, it is possible to install an optical sight.
Another variation of the three-barreled guns of the Sauer system is model-30. The first series was released in 1930. After all the manipulations, the characteristics of this weapon showed their positive points, including the practicality of using models.
Options:
- smooth trunks - 12/65;
- rifled barrel - 9.34;
- weight - 3.4 kg;
- barrel length - 650 mm.
Exclusive Sauer M30 three-barreled hunting trunks are very expensive. Their price reaches several million rubles.
Merkel BBF B-3
Three-barrel rifles of this brand have high build quality. The barrel unit is equipped with an engaging clutch that reliably fixes the muzzle, preventing them from “playing”. In this case, the aiming point does not go astray, regardless of the number of shots. Trunks are adjusted using special screws, which is much more convenient than using control inserts.
The main parameters of the German Trifle BBF B-3:
- smooth trunks - 12/76, 20/76;
- threaded element - 6.5x57, 7x65 R;
- Drilling weight - 3100 g;
- trunk in length - 600 mm.
The most convenient is the 12/76 caliber, since the likelihood of getting into the game from a long distance increases. It should be noted that the weapon has a rather serious impact, and this requires some preparation and a “firm” hand. The exterior of the carabiners looks aesthetically pleasing, the butt is made of elite wood varieties.
Four-barrels
Four-barrel shotguns are a rare occurrence. The generic name of such products is firlings. Usually smooth elements are located horizontally, threaded analogues are located above and below. To fire from the last trunks, it is necessary to perform a synchronous platoon made using a gate. At this point, smooth trunks become inactive, and vice versa.
The firlings are equipped with a pair of triggers, the front of which activates the large-caliber lower barrel. Accordingly, the rear element drives the upper small-caliber muzzle. The weapon in question has a decent mass, which is partially offset by a shorter size. In general, the design of the four-barrel is convenient and compact. Similar versions at the end of the 19th century were exploited by the Russian elite. 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 back in 1960. At the same time, the company released the appropriate weapons. Oddly enough, almost all manufacturers of firearms began to manufacture weapons under 22 WMR almost simultaneously. It is worth noting that the specified ammunition was the first cartridge operating on a ring type.
Despite his personality, the cartridge belongs to the charges of a small-caliber variety. The product in question has a larger diameter and length. Characteristics allow you to withstand high pressure when fired. In this regard, volleys from the 5.6 mm family were considered almost impossible. If you resort to other analogues, the short sleeve is often inflated and difficult to remove after shooting. There were craftsmen on the arms market offering a replaceable drum oriented to all existing types of cartridges.
Features
It is worth noting that 22 gauge can be found among manufacturers of modern three-barreled and double-barreled guns. In this case, the trunks may vary in diameter and cut. For clarity, we consider in general what a caliber is.
In the 20th century, the first definition for smoothbore specimens appeared in Britain. The meaning was found out as follows: 453.59 grams of lead (one pound) were taken. Ammunition identical in mass and dimensions was cast from this mass. If the units were 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 an analogue 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, a quiet sound of a shot and cheapness. However, in real sports, such a cartridge has never been used. The fact is that professional shooters require an increased bullet speed, as a result of which the direction of the cartridge 22 was reoriented to hunting.
In this area, it was possible to maximize the realization of the ring type charge parameters. The most common core is copper-plated, not salted lead. This is due to the possibility of disruption of a shellless bullet from barrel rifling, or melting from friction. Quite often, this element is equipped with an expansive configuration in the head cavity. In addition, special cartridges are made with small shots placed in the capsule. They are intended for the extermination of small rodents, rabbits and birds. It should be borne in mind that at close range the charge can greatly damage the carcass of the alleged production. Muzzle energy is enough to defeat animals such as the jackal or coyote.
Other popular calibers
The following are other calibers most commonly used in modern guns:
- No. 12. This indicator is present in all manufacturers of smoothbore guns. This popularity is due to versatility, as the owner can adjust the amount of powder charge in a wide range using any fraction or buckshot. This caliber is ideal for experienced hunters and beginners.
- No. 16. Domestic traders are well acquainted with this size of bullets. Ammunition is slightly smaller in size than the previous version, which makes them more convenient to carry. In addition, a three-barreled shotgun with such a caliber gives reduced returns.
- No. 20. Weapons loaded with ammunition of this size are great for women, have significantly less weight compared to standard counterparts.
- No. 24 and 28. Such calibers are not often used, since they have a low accuracy parameter. Most often, tricuspids are made with different sizes, one of which can be of a specified size.
Choose a 22 gauge or some other - 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 should be not only practical, but also convenient.
The disadvantages of tricuspid
In order to maximize the adjustment of the sight of the weapon in question, you will need an adjustment to a certain type of barrel. A single sight for firing from different types of elements will not work. Another significant drawback of shotguns is a significant mass, as well as the lack of a store. This minus is typical for old models, new versions are made of lightweight steel, which significantly reduces the mass of weapons.
At the same time, technical indicators do not change, and qualitative modifications of German production do not require repeated adjustment of the sight, even after several volleys. In the updated three-barrels, such as Sauer-3000, the length of the barrel is much shorter. This adversely affects the quality of the battle, but increases the ease of use and reduces the weight of the gun.
According to the law, the possession of rifled models requires special permission. 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 whose age exceeds 70 years with a drilled rifled barrel that does not work. As a result, a person simply acquires a weighted double-barreled shotgun with smooth trunks and a complex switching mechanism. At the same time, he will have to spend more money than on the standard option.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a three-barrel weapon, you first need to decide which game or animal will be hunted. This is the dominant criterion. For example, when hunting birds it makes no sense to acquire a “tee”. It is much more practical and cheaper to buy a good smoothbore instance. As a rule, all three-barrels are equipped with a shortened muzzle (no more than 660 mm), the effectiveness of smooth trunks is manifested only at close range. Drilling is focused on medium and large animals.
The considered variety of weapons is aimed at professionals and aesthetes, who not only aimlessly track down any prey, but get real pleasure diluted with excitement from their activities. In addition, the hunting process itself must be cultural and proper. Fishing involves certain risks, such as encountering a wounded animal or an angry bear. This should also be considered when choosing a shotgun. For women hunters, it is necessary to choose a lightweight version with a reduced return. It is better to refuse 12 gauge, looking for a version for 16-20 bullet size.
