*SOLD* F.W. Heym -DURAL FRAME- Drilling 16ga/7x57R *DESIRABLE GERMAN COMBO GUN*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

Drilling is the German word for triplet. The development of breech-loading center-fire guns made it possible and practical to make guns with three barrels. Although Drillings were made in several countries, they are and have been most popular in Germany and Austria. Overlapping hunting seasons provide hunters and foresters with a versatile gun for hunting a wide variety of game animals with a single firearm.
 
Hammerless German Drilling combination guns are masterful expressions of traditional European gunmaking, valued for their versatility, precision engineering, and refined aesthetics. These three-barreled firearms—typically comprising two side-by-side shotgun barrels over a single rifled barrel—offer hunters a unique ability to seamlessly switch between ammunition types depending on game encountered in the field. The hammerless design, a significant innovation over earlier external-hammer models, conceals the firing mechanism within the action, resulting in a streamlined, snag-free profile that is quicker to deploy and inherently safer. These guns often employ tang-mounted selectors or sliding switches disguised as safeties, enabling the shooter to choose between shotgun or rifle barrels with ease. The internal cocking mechanisms are typically engaged when the action is opened or manually activated, while features like set triggers, automatic flip-up rifle sights, and Greener crossbolt locks reflect the engineering sophistication behind these firearms.
 
Manufactured by Friedrich Wilhelm Heym under the direction of August Heym, this drilling is a fine example of German gunmaking tradition. August, the third generation to lead the company founded in 1865, guided Heym through significant historical challenges—including two world wars, economic turmoil, and the Cold War—before passing leadership to Rolf Heym in 1963. Known for producing high-quality sporting arms, Heym crafted this combination gun with two 16-gauge barrels over a 7x57R rifled barrel, all built on a lightweight Dural aluminum alloy frame, keeping the weight around six pounds. A notable feature is its pop-up rear sight, which automatically raises when the rifled barrel is selected, enhancing accuracy without compromising speed. Additionally, it comes equipped with an installed German Supra 4x36 L81 E/D/S scope, making this drilling both a practical hunting tool and a collectible piece of firearm history.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Friedrich Wilhelm Heym (F.W. Heym)
Model: German Drilling
Serial: 42557
Caliber: 16 Gauge (Top Left & Right Barrels) and 7x57R (Bottom Barrel)
Finish: Alloy Receiver with Blue Barrels
Barrel Length: 24"  
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Folding Leaf Rear and Installed German Supra 4x36 L81 E/D/S Scope
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Buttstock with Curved Comb and Cheekpiece, and Checkered Walnut Forearm
Action: Top-Lever Break-Action "Drilling" Combination Gun
Markings: The top of the left barrel is stamped “CHROM (B/V/G) VANADIN.” The frame, barrel, and forearm all feature a matching serial number, along with the inscription “AH” for August Heym. The frame and bottom of the barrels feature German stampings and proof markings. The bottom of the frame is stamped “FR. WILH. HEYM / DURAL.”

Jun 10th 2025 Bryant Ridge

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