Simson Suhl East German 12 GA/.30-06 Sprg Drilling Combination Gun, 1985
SOLD FOR: $2275
LSB#: 210316GM05
Make: Simson
Model: Drilling
Serial Number: 258664
Year of Manufacture: June, 1985
Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells over .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Boxlock Drilling With Extractors, Wrist-Mounted Safety, Tang Mounted Selector and Cocking Indicators
Markings: The top of the left barrel is marked “SIMSON SUHL / MADE IN GDR”, the top of the right barrel is marked “SPECIAL-GEWEHRLAUFSTAHL”, found again on the left of the rifle barrel, under the forend. The shotgun barrels’ flats have East German proof marks. The left of the rifle barrel at the lugs is marked “30-060R”, the right has an East German proof and “685” date code. The bottom of the rifle barrel is marked “7025”. The left of the barrel lug is marked “258664”. The inside of the forend iron is marked “8664”. The left shoulder of the receiver is marked “258664”, the right has an East German proof mark. The inside of the trigger plate, visible through the water table, is marked “8664”, the bottom of the trigger plate is marked with a Simson logo over “SUHL”.
Barrel Length: 24 3/4”
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Improved Modified, Both Fixed
Weight: 7 lb., 12.5 oz.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade in-line dovetailed to the front of the rib. There is a folding “U”-notch rear sight which is flipped up and down when the rifle-selector lever is activated/deactivated. There are two bases for claw-type optic mounts installed on the rib (no mount or optic included). The top of the rib has wavy serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, curved comb with cheekpiece, checkered black plastic Simson buttplate and a sling swivel mounted in the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the bottom of the rifle barrel in front of the forend). The stocks have a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a very minor loss at the front edge of the wrist on the left. There are no cracks. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear with well defined checkering. Drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8″, drop at heel 2 3/4″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have generally strong finish with a few scattered minor nicks, scuffs and a few spots of minor surface oxidation. The receiver’s case color has handling wear toward the bottom-front, light surface oxidation on the top tang, but with strong case color on the top around the lever and around the triggers. The guard has handling wear and scattered light surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this drilling is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. There is a lever on the top tang which is pushed forward to select the rifle barrel, also flipping up the rear sight automatically. The front trigger is used for the rifle barrel and is a single set-trigger, pushed forward to set. NOTE: With the rifle barrel selected, the front trigger will fire the rifle barrel AND the rear trigger can still fire the left shotgun barrel. The front trigger can be set whether the rifle or shotgun barrel is selected and will fire the right shotgun barrel if set with the shotgun barrels selected. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Combination guns have been a popular “do-all” gun for generations, with some still being produced today. The combination of a shotgun for fowl and a rifle for terrestrial game allows the hunter to become familiar with one gun for all their trips to the field. This example was produced by Simson, an East German gunmaker in Suhl. It is chambered for 12 gauge shotgun shells and the .30-06 Springfield rifle cartridge, which will make for a fine sporting gun here in America. In its condition and with its interesting origin and configuration, this would make a great piece for drilling or fine European firearms collectors. If it gets past the collectors, it will also be a great hunting gun which can hunt just about anything in North America on the ground or in the air. Please see our photos and good luck!