This feature appears in the September ‘16 issue of NRA America’s 1st Freedom, one of the official journals of the National Rifle Association.
Unique challenges make for unusual firearms. Two side-by-side shotguns in the NRA National Firearms Museum collection have specially curved stocks to allow the shooter to shoulder the gun on their right shoulder, but aim using their left eye. For those who are cross-eye dominant or who may have lost their sight in one eye, these two smoothbores could offer a priceless opportunity to continue enjoying the shooting sports.
These two sinistral shotguns are a Winchester Model 21 double that was donated by Dr. Robert Boomer and a Parker DH Grade that was received from Arthur Chevrette. The Winchester factory records document that the Model 21 was shipped in July 1935 and repaired in 1944. The Parker is one of two sinistral guns that are noted in that company’s records. The amount of custom woodwork and metal craftsmanship shown on either would represent a challenge to any modern master gunsmith.
The NRA National Firearms Museum at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va.; the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo.; and the Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M.; each have fine selections of historic arms on display. Admission to each is free, and donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, phone (703) 267-1600, visit nramuseums.com, or email nfmstaff@nrahq.org.
