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Make: Famars Abbiatico & Salvinelli
Model: Venus
Serial Number: 383
Year of Manufacture: 1980 AF date code.
Caliber: 28 Gauge
Action Type: Sidelock, Side by Side shotgun with single trigger firing the right barrel first with split ejectors and tang mounted safety.
Markings: The left barrel is marked “ABBIATICO & SALVINELLI”. The bottom of the barrel set has all the correct Italian proofs, “28”, “a&s”, “383”, “JOE BOJALAD-PITTSBURGH”, “DANTE MARIO GIAN POLI Remo Tony”, and the date code “AF”. The forend “303 60”. The receiver also has the Italian markings, manufacturer and “383”. The upper tang “S”, the lower tang “383” and on the side “Pedersoli”.
Barrel Length: 27”
Choke: Fixed chokes left barrel Modified “***” and right barrel Improved Cylinder “****”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small brass bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered for the purpose of reducing glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set on this shotgun is a high grade checkered walnut, with a push button forend and a straight hand, fluted straight comb stock with checkered wood butt. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2” the length of pull is 14.25”. This shotgun weighs 5lbs 8OZ. The forend has an inlaid A&S crest. The wood shows light lines and small compressions scattered throughout with a notable compression on the left side of the stock about an inch in front of the butt with a scratch next to it. The butt shows very minor wear with sharp checkering. There are no visible chips or cracks. Overall the wood is in Very Good+ to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrels with Coin receiver.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion and no lines from use. In this writer's opinion the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel set has some very light scattered handling wear with no real notable marrs or marks. The receiver shows minor rub wear on the upper tang where the lever rubs and some wear on the inside of the receiver from assembly and disassembly that is concealed when assembled. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and the pins are clean. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up solidly. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but does function properly when engaged manually. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun includes an A&S luggage case, silver A&S oiler, silver case for the two replacement firing pins, bore brush, bore mop, cleaning jag, and gun socks.
Our Assessment: This Abbiatico & Salvinelli made to order custom Venus 28GA is a fine Italian side-by-side shotgun that showcases the brand’s reputation for artisanal quality and bespoke design. This model features 27-inch barrels with fixed chokes, the left barrel being modified (*) and the right barrel improved cylinder (**), making it well-suited for upland bird hunting. Its sidelock action is exquisitely engraved by world famous master engraver Gianfranco Pedersoli, depicting detailed game scenes of ducks, grouse, and chukar surrounded by intricate scrollwork, elevating it to a true work of art.
The shotgun is stocked with high-grade checkered walnut, featuring a push-button forend, straight hand, and fluted straight comb, completed with a checkered wood butt. Measuring a 14.25” length of pull, with drops of 1.5” at the comb and 2” at the heel, it offers a classic fit for sporting use. Weighing only 5 lbs. 8 oz., this Venus is exceptionally lightweight and well-balanced, combining elegant handling with remarkable craftsmanship, making it both a collector’s piece and a refined upland bird gun.