What, and where, are the fences on a shotgun? It’s a word used a lot in gun reviews but I’ve never seen anything explaining it.
Would you like to speak to our readers? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our audience. Find out more.SHOTGUNS
Mike George
The term goes back to the old days of percussion cap muzzle loaders, on which there was sometimes a semi-circular steel fence behind the nipple on which the cap was placed.
The idea was that they would deflect any hot escaping gases, and bits of metal if a cap fragmented, away from the shooter?s face.
Today the term is usually only applied to side-by-sides, to describe the near-hemispherical faces which form the rear of the standing breech.
On quality guns they are often elaborately engraved.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have faced criticism from animal rights group PETA after they had a litter of puppies
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a judicial review over inheritance tax reforms that could force family farms out of business