GTW Blaser
FEATURE
The Blaser Custom Shop team has created an exceptionally beautiful pair of
over-and-under shotguns in 20-gauge (3in). A completely newly designed receiver
in which the metal has been shaped by hand, high-gloss polished barrels, an
exquisite engraving and a distinctive rib concept make the pair one of a kind.
From the very beginning the pair has been
devised as one of a kind, and the idea
has never been restricted to the exterior
design only: “We have completely redesigned
the receiver,” says Jann Ahrenholz, head of
the Blaser Custom Shop.
“Taking the F3 just as a starting point,
a 3D model with a broader geometry was
developed. Th e following realization was
extremely elaborate: After a fi rst milling,
many individual details near the barrel breech
were custom fi tted by hand. Just to shape the
shotgun body by hand has easily taken more
than 30 hours of handwork process for this
small step.
“Th e broadening of the receiver allowed
the gunsmiths to use thicker side plates
which could then be let-in fl ush instead of
simply being screwed on. By this measure the
surface of the side plates appears larger and
looks especially harmonious. Moreover, it was
possible to add a concave fi llet which curves
boldly and seamlessly from the side plates to
their bottom side.”
With equal consistency, the classical design
was applied to the trigger guard. “Because we
wanted to have a trigger guard with inserted
nuts, we had to redesign the whole latch
plate,” remembers Jann.
“In the end the new concept system,
which included diff erent side plates as well
as a diff erent trigger guard, lead to a new
stock, too, which had to be perfectly carved
out of the precious wood. Th is diff erent
form of geometry was perfectly suited to
accommodate a pistol grip in Prince of Wales
style which off ers, together with the stock, an
exceptionally comfortable grip.
“Rising pheasants, woodcocks in fl ight,
partridges and grouse are at the centre of the
side plates. Delicate leaf arabesques form the
frame around the elaborate broader modeled
receiver, which is engraved in a so-called
Basso relief.”
By creating this beautiful scenery of a
perfect day in the fi eld, master engraver
Stefano Pedretti once again impressively
demonstrates his talent and experience.
“With this design we crafted a pair of
classical shotguns that off er extraordinary
balance and make them a pure joy to shoot,”
says Jann.
“Th e stocks are made from the rarest of
walnut wood in the highest exhibition grade.
Th e one-piece stocks do not feature recoil
pads, but boast a fi ne checkering underlining
their classical, traditional look.”
An especially prominent characteristic
of this particular pair of guns is the twopiece
concept of the barrel rib, which gives
the shotguns their unique appearance. An
additional highlight are the fl ush chokes.
Th ey perfectly blend with the barrels and
merge into one with the muzzle of the barrels
so that the possibility of changing them is
not visible. As a result the whole muzzle area
appears particularly slim and elegant.
A hand-made leather case provides a safe
and classy transport option.
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Blaser
www.blaser.de
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