Luigi Franchi Imperial Monte Carlo Extra: One of Italy's "Best" SxS Doubles

As on London’s gun-maker’s row, Italians had skilled craftsmen who made “Best” guns of superb quality

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And in the parade of fine double-barreled shotguns, the Imperial Monte Carlo Extra must be included.

My cell phone rang, and it was my son Ernie calling to say, “Dad, I just picked up an Imperial Monte Carlo Extra. When can we get together?”

Before long, he pulled into the driveway. Once out of the gun sleeve and onto the bench, the gun was easy to recognize as a sidelock stocked to the fences. Because I do not know anything about this gun, that was a good start. The frame had a pewter finish that was profusely engraved with bold intertwined vines and leaves that offered a special elegance. Kudos to the skilled engraver; if I had tried this, I would have lost my mind.