My 1st Drilling - a Sempert & Krieghoff Blitz-Action - 16x16x8,57JR - 21-3/4" bbls

Although I've collected several Cape Guns over the years, I just purchased my first Drilling.

Its a - Sempert & Krieghoff Blitz-Action Drilling in 16ga,16ga, 8x57JR

I was drawn to this one because of the very short barrels, and its very good condition, with nice engraving. I've figured out the cocking and shooting sequence but have no idea as to the function of the little button ahead of the right trigger. Would like to know if anyone can help with information about this feature.

As always, comments are welcome.

Really, that’s just too cool for words. Gorgeous!

Love it! Those short barrels will make that a quick handling gun. I much prefer shorter barrels. I would bet that button has some role in the set trigger. Brayhaven on here might be the fellow to rank to about it. He has a lot of experience with unique drilllings.
Nice one.
Bfly

Hello rnovi, hello Black Fly,
Thanks for the reply.

Axel E is from Germany, and is very knowledgeable about all types of German guns. He answered my question in detail on the German Guns Forum. He has helped me many times with questions about German Guns. Here is what he said about this drilling:

" ... During the interwar years Sempert & Krieghoff propagated their short drillings with barrel lengths of 55 or 60 cm, about 22 or 24”. The shorter than usual barrels vastly improved balance and handling. They called their short drillings “Modell Waldschütz” = forest shooter. As your’s is fitted with a horn trigger guard, a cartridge holder in buttstock, high grade wood and engraving, it is a “Waldschütz Luxus”.
Afaik, on their early drillings with the separate cocking of the rifle barrel lock by the top slide, the front trigger did not automatically switch back to the right shot(gun) barrel on pulling the slide back. You had to push that little button to reactivate the shot(gun) barrel lock. Check it out this way: Load the drilling with snap caps or empty cases. Push the selector slide forward to Kugel = rifle position. Now the automatic rear sight ought to be raised, indicating the front trigger will fire the rifle barrel. Pull back the top slide to the Schrot = shot(gun) position. Pull the front trigger, but nothing ought to happen, unless you pushed the small button in between.
By 1930 Krieghoff had redesigned their lockwork, omitting the button and the extra movement. ... "

I tested as recommended by Axel, and that's exactly what the button does. He is a remarkable source for answering questions.

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Am only seeing this now. What a great Drilling! Congratulations. And superbly cased (which is very rare to see!)

Here in Germany a lot of experienced hunters still actively shoot Drillings, where a lot of hunting is done from high seats. You are out hoping for pigs to come along by using the 7x65R or whatever caliber it may be and a fox or stoat comes along and bingo the 16 or 20 bore barrel is there for you!

Versatile and flexible!

Congratulations on a great find and thanks for sharing!

Charlie

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Hello Charlie64,
Thanks for the reply.

I will be using this in the Fall for deer hunting, and maybe a grouse or two.

A classic...and in spectacular condition it appears...and no scope mounts
...open sights since 1927!!

Yes, I was glad no one added a scope.