Last week we had a Steyr rifle. This week we’ve got something much less common: a Steyr shotgun. Sited near the Erzberg mine in what is now the state of Upper Austria, Steyr has been an important ironworking center since the 11th century. Steyr Arms got its start in 1821, when a blacksmith named Leopold Werndl began making gun parts. His son Josef took over the business, which grew to the Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft (translation: Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company—but it looks so much better in German) that comprised several companies, among them Steyr-Mannlicher. Much better known for its rifles, such as last week’s gun and, on the military side, the AUG bullpup rifle, Steyr has made a few shotguns during its long history as well.

From all accounts I can find, this fine quality Austrian Steyr was produced…