Francotte is one of my favorite gunmakers. In the 190+ years they were around, they made thousands and thousands of side-by-side shotguns from their factory in Leige, Belgium. Today, the ones we see more often are boxlocks like this. They were imported into the US by companies like Von Lengerke & Detmold and Abercrombie & Fitch.

The Francottes we rarely see are hammerguns like the one here – especially ones with fluid-steel barrels and straight grips. Hammerguns are a lot of fun to shoot, and every time I pick one of mine up I feel like I’m traveling back in time. If you would like to experience the same feeling yourself, this Francotte would be a great way to do it.

Here’s more about it from the seller:

12 gauge Francotte Steel Barrel Hammergun, Floral Engraving:  Here is nicely engraved Francotte Steel Barreled Hammer Gun with 28 1/4″ barrels. Rebounding hammers. Sideclips and Greener style third fastener. Double underbite lock up. Straight grip with long trigger tang. Francotte marked on the barrel flats – “Crown AF” for August Francotte. Elegant sculpted and engraved hammers – have the appearance of English style. Old swivel holes in stock and barrel – plug them for a better apperance. Slotted and engraved swivel plugs for the barrel are an excellent solution.

Right bore measures .730 with 25/1000 choke (Imp Mod) while left barrel also measures .730 with 35/1000 choke (Full). Forcing cones lengthened. Chambers measure 3″. Anson push rod forend fastening system. Recoil pad is a “Western Field” – poorly fitting and should be replaced. Top tang screw should be replaced as it is below the the top tang – budget $150 for this. Weight of gun is 6 LBS 8 1/2 OZ. Shipping is $35 and will be shipped in a hard case. Stock dimensions follow. LOP 14 3/4″, Drop at Comb – 1 1/2″, Drop at Heel – 2 5/8″. Price: $2,900