Shooting UK

Shooting UK is your complete shooting resource. From gun reviews to shotgun licence and firearms certificate information, to clay pigeon shooting, game shooting, shooting lessons and gundog training.

A Verney Carron Helice

A Verney Carron Helice

Bill Harriman


By Bill Harriman

Saturday, 22 October 2011

Q) I have been given a Verney Carron side-by-side 16-bore Helice 33 shotgun,No. 0441. It appears to have a “fixed” foreend so I am unable to remove it to see any proof markings etc. Can you tell me about this gun and the fore-end also? A. COOPER By email

A) The Verney Carron Helice shotgun was first designed in 1904. The name Helice refers to the screw thread-like system which formed the third locking point on the action. Some fore-ends can be very stiff and difficult to remove. Those with the push-in Anson catch can often be released by pushing in the catch with a short piece of dowel while at the same time pushing a piece of hard non-metallic material, such as a piece of plastic with a bevelled edge, between the barrels and the fore-end wood. A gentle tap with a hammer may make it come loose.

If the fore-end is the Deeley type with a lift-up catch then the same process can be tried while the catch is held in the fully open position, preferably while wedged in place with a small piece of wood. It is possible to remove a snap-on fore-end by gently inserting a small wooden wedge between wood and barrels and tapping gently. It’s always a good idea to protect the barrels with several layers of masking tape. Don’t use a screwdriver or other metal tools as you will scratch the barrels and bruise the wood.



CompPrevious
Refrigerated units

Refrigerated units

A) The regulations state that the temperature of s...

CompNext
Cartridge cabinets

Cartridge cabinets

A) Purpose-built cabinets for model cars and the l...


Guns

Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifle review

Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifle review

Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifle review: The Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifl... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

Firearms certificate age limit

Firearms certificate age limit

Bill Harriman advises on what age you can obtain a firearms and a shot... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

'Big cat' filmed in Gloucestershire

Video footage released of 'slim, black leopard' near site of... Read more


More in News...


Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss this week's Shooting Times (on sale Wednesday 30th May)! In our syndicates special issue: Read Nick Millman's article on the benefits offered by shooting with others. Plus, Rob Fenwick looks at how to get the best from a roving syndicate! For all this and much more - get down to your newsagents today!

Subscribe to magazine


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.