A fine shotgun is far more than a hunter's tool. It is a skillful blending of wood and steel, a tribute to the gunmaker's art. A finely crafted shotgun can be aimed instinctively, to swing on and lead a fast-flying target effortlessly. A fine shotgun goes beyond mere function. The surfaces of a shotgun's frame and barrel offer opportunities for embellishment with engraving and precious metal inlay. Thus a fine shotgun can be appreciated on many levels, whether one is a shooter, hunter or collector.

These four classic shotguns are among the finest examples presently housed in the collections of the National Firearms Museum.

Browning Superposed Midas Grade
For decades following the introduction of John Browning's Superposed shotgun, the classic over-under model was the Browning Company's flagship gun. The Midas Grade displayed here was the "best of the best." Featuring stocks of highly figured walnut, Midas guns were decorated with deep relief engraving, gold inlays of upland game birds and a trigger guardinlaid in gold with the owner's initials. Browning Superposed Midas Grade shotguns were last made in 1976.

Winchester Model 12 Presentation Grade
Acknowledged as the most popular slide-action shotgun ever marketed by Winchester, well more than 2 million Model 12s were produced in both standard and deluxe grades between 1912 and 1976. As was Winchester practice, Model 12s having milestone serial numbers were set aside for presentation to notable individuals. The 12-gauge shotgun shown here bears the serial number 2,000,000 and was presented to former Governor of Texas and Secretary of the Treasury John Connally.

Winchester Model 21
Production of the Winchester Model 21 Shotgun began in 1929. Even during the lean years of America's "Great Depression" years, a double barrel shotgun, offered as a production item attracted considerable attention in the firearms industry. After World War II the Model 21 increasingly became a custom-made, lavishly decorated gun. The Grand American was the fanciest grade sold but as costs skyrocketed, even the custom guns were eventually discontinued. This 20-gauge Grand American, built in 1988, is one of the last examples manufactured.

Purdey Over and Under Model
Since its establishment in 1814, the firm of James Purdey & Sons has produced some of the finest sporting arms the world has ever known. Over-under shotguns bearing the Purdey label are relatively new, having been made only since the late 1940s. This 12-gauge shotgun made with several custom features, including a matted and ventilated sighting rib, was specially fabricated in 1954 for Thomas Purdey, then chairman of James Purdey & Sons.