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Steinkamp SW1: The bullpup double rifle / shotgun

Steinkamp SW1

Of all the guns which I have written about this year, few have been as interesting as the Steinkamp SW1. The sleek polymer bullpup stock of the SW1 looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, and yet it is a double rifle, a type of firearm that is most associated with hunting in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Many of you are now asking yourselves "Why?". I say to you "Why not?". Double barrels rifles and shotguns are still popular and very useful. It is simply a very short double barreled rifle with modern ergonomics and great balance.

Amazingly, the total length of the rifle is just 2" longer then the barrel length!

At first glance is appears that the rifle has dual triggers, but this is not the case. The lower trigger-like lever unlocks the action. The spring loaded buttplate then opens and the ejectors fling the empty cartridges out of the gun. The reloading process is quick and can be accomplished without the operator having to take their hand off the pistol grip.

picture 5 tfb1 Steinkamp SW1: The bullpup double rifle / shotgun photo
Opening the action.

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Buttpad opens to reveal the chambers.

The trigger guard doubles as a cocking lever. This feature allows it to be safety carried loaded but uncocked in the field, yet be quickly cocked if a shot presents itself.

picture 11 tfb Steinkamp SW1: The bullpup double rifle / shotgun photo
The cocking action

Firing and reloading the SW1.

Demonstration of how the SW1 works.

Currently the SW1 can be purchased chambered in 8x57IRS, 8x68S, 9.3x74R, 20 gauge and 12 gauge but the company says that other calibers can be requested. The SW1 weighs 7.5 lbs.

The Launch Edition is priced at $4.998. Although it was available for order in 2008, the first rifles only started shipping last month.

Posted by Steve on Nov 21st 2009 | Filed in rifles | Comments (13)

Diamond inlaid front rifle sight. Functional bling?

HEYM USA, purveyor of fine rifles [I am unlikely to ever afford], offer a front sight for their double rifles that uses a diamond as the bead. Apparently it is a night sight. I have never seen this before.

Diamond Sight

Anyone know how effective these are?

When the boyz in the hoodz hear about these, the first to offer them as Glock sights will make a fortune ;)

Posted by Steve on Sep 30th 2008 | Filed in optics, rifles | Comments (4)

Huge firearm collection

Check out this auction. It has thousands of beautiful photos. I think all, or nearly all, come from one collection.

33793 tm Huge firearm collection photo
Daniel Fraser Miniature Double Rifle .22 Hornet

33926 tm Huge firearm collection photo
Franchi Model 1962 Semi-Auto Carbine 9mm

33937 tm Huge firearm collection photo
Smith & Wesson Mark I Light Rifle 9mm

 Auctions 233 Images Org 33102
Custom Martz Luger Carbine

34119 tm Huge firearm collection photo
Colt Model 1900 .38 ACP

Posted by Steve on Feb 14th 2008 | Filed in handguns, rifles | Comments (1)