The Accurate Reloading Forums
Fusil Robust cal 16/70
17 December 2007, 15:26
mouse93Fusil Robust cal 16/70
Hi guys, a friend of mine (he is not a hunter) has inherited a nice French S/S shotgun made by Fusil Robust in cal 16/70. Right barrel has semi choke and left barrel full one. Gun is almost as new, tight, barrels are shiny new. I have no clue when it was manufactured. I handled it today and it fits like a glove.
So, I am willing to buy this sweetie but don't have a clue what is it worth. I would like to offer my friend a fair price. Gentlemen your help would be appreciated!
17 December 2007, 16:04
b.martinsThe Robust shotgun made by Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (Manufrance) is a beautiful gun but a very common one.
A friend bought a 12/70, almost as new, at an auction this year for less than 400 €.
If you do a Google or eBay search you will find a lot of those guns and at all sort of prices.
B.Martins
What every gun needs, apart from calibre, is a good shot and hunter behind it. - José Pardal
17 December 2007, 16:22
wildboarHere the value of a 16 gauge is lesser than a 12. Not more than 300€.
19 December 2007, 02:59
enfieldsparesThere is a book about these, I saw in the Armurerie de la Bourse in Paris, The comapny made guns at various times but is no longer in business.
Yours looks fairly modern. Here is a link to French Proof Marks that may help date your gun:
Proof CodeProof Code LinkThere were various model numbers of these guns. I have a 16 bore Model 28E. This is a true spring assisted easy opener using the Holland "Spring Tube" system.
21 December 2007, 13:37
mouse93Thaks guys - we settled for 200€ and some duck hunting (we might have a new hunter

) . I plan to remove varnish finish and replace it with oil finish.
21 December 2007, 18:07
b.martinsquote:
Originally posted by mouse93:
I plan to remove varnish finish and replace it with oil finish.
That is a good idea and will definitely improve the looks of that beautiful gun.
The 12/70 comes with a nice fixture I like very much: it has an embedded sling into the stock, that you can pull out whenever needed! Does the 16/70 have it too?
Merry Christmas!
B.Martins
What every gun needs, apart from calibre, is a good shot and hunter behind it. - José Pardal
21 December 2007, 23:47
enfieldsparesSome do have the sling, some don't. Perhaps the buyer had the choice?
22 December 2007, 00:58
Claret_DabblerA French guy of my aquaintence has one of these in 16 bore. It has a dinky retractable sling which automatically rewinds itself into the stock. Very handy little gun.
I think 200Eu is a good price Mouse.
Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you....
22 December 2007, 21:04
kayakerThats an interesting looking Greener cross bolt lug that it has...
24 December 2007, 11:32
mouse93quote:
Originally posted by b.martins:
The 12/70 comes with a nice fixture I like very much: it has an embedded sling into the stock, that you can pull out whenever needed! Does the 16/70 have it too?
Merry Christmas!
B.Martins
Yup

14 January 2008, 13:09
mouse93OK - bought the gun and took it out yesterday - it was rainy - stumbled on a bachelor group of 5 mallard drakes - they took off all at once - gun is light and points with ease - got a fancy "doublette" with fast right and left
11 February 2008, 15:26
mouse93Took the gun to the stock maker that gave it a face lift - I guess 60€ well spent.
11 February 2008, 15:39
Husqvarna M98Great rework, I hope that you have long and trusty service from that gun.
Best regards Chris
11 February 2008, 16:36
DUKVery nice and classic look. For the double trigger the English smooth stock seems to be the better choice.
11 February 2008, 17:31
Gerry
mouse.....
Very nice - much improved versus original.....
Cheers,
Number 10
11 February 2008, 17:35
enfieldsparesThat is absolutely, from the picture, superb. A very good piece of work from your "stocker". Losing the awful varnish has also made 110% difference. I think you going to enjoy that gun.
11 February 2008, 18:12
BoghossianWow, cinderella!
60 euros for reshaping the pistol grip, refinishing the stock and recheckering it?
We need to trade gunsmiths! I would still be on a waiting list somewhere...