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Fusil Robust cal 16/70

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17 December 2007, 15:26
mouse93
Fusil 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.martins
The 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
wildboar
Here the value of a 16 gauge is lesser than a 12. Not more than 300€.
19 December 2007, 02:59
enfieldspares
There 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 Code

Proof Code Link

There 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
mouse93
Thaks guys - we settled for 200€ and some duck hunting (we might have a new hunter Wink) . I plan to remove varnish finish and replace it with oil finish.
21 December 2007, 18:07
b.martins
quote:
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
enfieldspares
Some do have the sling, some don't. Perhaps the buyer had the choice?
22 December 2007, 00:58
Claret_Dabbler
A 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
kayaker
Thats an interesting looking Greener cross bolt lug that it has...


http://orionmind.blogspot.com/
24 December 2007, 11:32
mouse93
quote:
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 Smiler
14 January 2008, 13:09
mouse93
OK - 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 Cool


11 February 2008, 15:26
mouse93
Took the gun to the stock maker that gave it a face lift - I guess 60€ well spent.


11 February 2008, 15:39
Husqvarna M98
Great rework, I hope that you have long and trusty service from that gun.

Best regards Chris
11 February 2008, 16:36
DUK
Very nice and classic look. For the double trigger the English smooth stock seems to be the better choice.
11 February 2008, 17:31
Gerry
Big Grin

mouse.....

Very nice - much improved versus original.....


Cheers,

Number 10
11 February 2008, 17:35
enfieldspares
That 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
Boghossian
Wow, 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...
12 February 2008, 11:20
mouse93
Smiler guys glad you like it as much as I do - a certain step up - gun became sticky sweet - some more pics: