Krieghoff Unveils New Sidelock Game Gun

Based on the initial responses from fine-gun enthusiasts, the marketplace is eager for a German-made best-quality sidelock that has a high degree of hand fit and finish without the price tag of British or Italian guns of similar quality.

Krieghoff's new 20-bore back-action sidelock game gun, with its rounded, case-colored action, is a bit of a new foray for the German gunmaker, best known for its competition shotguns. But although at press time the gun is too new even to have a proper name, its design and desirability seem to have been well-considered: Krieghoff International offered its dealers 10 guns for 2004, and they were snapped up in two days. Only one of the dealers had even seen the gun, but with the maker's reputation and the offer of a German-made, British-style "best" gun with a base price of $19,000, they evidently were willing to speculate.

At this past September's Vintage Cup, the judges at the Gold Medal Concours d'Elegance of Fine Guns were able to view the one example of the gun in the US, and they liked what they saw. It took the silver award for New European Sidelock behind the double rifle that also took Best of Show, and it won the Shooting Sportsman Award for a contemporary, custom-fitted gun that best typifies the upland hunting ideal.

According to Krieghoff International President Dieter Krieghoff, the company was busy with its main line of competition shotguns, with little or no inventory, and went looking for a crossover gun that could take advantage of the firm's solid customer base. ("We don't have to explain to these people who we are," Krieghoff said. "We just have to show them what we have.") With a limited-production custom gun made entirely in Germany and hand-finished in partnership with German master gunsmith Jens Ziegenhahn, "We thought that we could produce this gun at a pretty interesting price point," Krieghoff said.

Regarding the 10 guns being offered for sale through its dealers, the company is pledging to begin delivery in August 2004. By then the facilities dedicated to production of the new gun should be fully ramped up, and within another year they should be scaled to meet market demand. "We want to take our time and make sure the gun is right," Dieter Krieghoff said.

The new gun is initially being offered only in 20 gauge, with sales determining whether the company may further consider introducing a 12 and eventually a 28. The standard setup will feature 28-inch barrels and three-inch chambers, with 261/2" and 30-inch barrels also available. Other features include a Purdey-style third fastener; chokes of 1/4 and 1/2 (Improved Cylinder and Modified); a solid, slightly raised rib; automatic selective ejectors; gold-washed triggers and lockwork; an articulated front trigger; a rolled-edge trigger guard; gold-plated cocking indicators; a non-automatic tang safety; a color case-hardened receiver with fine English scroll engraving and the name "Krieghoff" in gold on both sides of the action; a straight-grip oil-finished stock of Turkish walnut; a checkered butt; and a semi-beavertail forend with a Purdey-style pushbutton release. The gun will weigh about 61/4 pounds and come with a case by Americase.

Extra-cost options include a single, non-selective trigger; wood upgrades; choice of engraving; different receiver finishes; a fitted leather case and Briley choke tubes. Extra barrel sets with forends will be available in 16 and 28 gauge.

For more information, contact Krieghoff International, Inc., PO Box 549, Ottsville, PA 18942; 610-847-5173, fax -8691; management@krieghoff.com; www.krieghoff.com.