Montrose sets sights on high-caliber auction of exceptional firearms, July 19 at their new venue in Greensboro, Georgia

GREENSBORO, Ga. – On Saturday, July 19, Montrose Auction will roll out a 550-lot arsenal of American and European firearms specifically assembled with today’s quality-conscious collectors in mind. Superlative workmanship and stellar condition are the watchwords that define the auction lineup, from start to finish. Collectible arms enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on some of the most desirable rifles, shotguns and handguns currently available in the firearms marketplace, many coming from old private collections. Each piece has been expertly vetted and researched to give bidders an extra level of confidence, whether they are participating live at Montrose’s recently-launched central Georgia gallery, or remotely by phone or via the Internet.

A top prize amongst the rifles is a Strasser Evolution RS 14 sporting bolt-action model chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor. It has highly figured and marbled oil-finished walnut stocks, a blue-finish takedown, single-set trigger, and a straight pull design with a detachable magazine. This mechanically-excellent gun shows no indications of ever having been used and comes with a factory takedown luggage case.

One of only 401 of its type to have been produced and shipped in 1898, a scarce Colt .44-40 caliber Lightning slide rifle is marked “S.F.P. 13” on its lower tang, an abbreviation for “San Francisco Police 13.” It has a 26-inch round barrel with oil-finished walnut stocks, a crescent butt plate and German silver blade front sight with a factory sporting elevation adjustable rear sight. The barrel is marked with the traditional 2-line Colt address and the chamber is marked “44 CAL.” The manufacturer’s Rampant Colt monogram appears on the left side of the receiver. Antique rifles of this type are highly desirable but rarely encountered. The auction example is in very fine condition with 60% finish on the receiver and 30% finish on the barrel.

Next up is a rare Ruger .44 mag International Carbine semi rifle manufactured in 1966. It has a 4-round internal tubular magazine with forged steel receiver, displays a blue finish and is fitted with factory sporting sights. In exceptionally fine condition with little use evident.

Presenting a special buying opportunity, a matched pair of E.J. Churchill 12 gauge sidelock ejector XXV 12 bore double rifles have Mod & IC choked 2½-inch chambers with ejectors and Churchill ribs with gold-inlaid marks that say “XXV” at the breech and “#1” on the top lever. Further specs include 9-pin side locks with rose & scroll engraving and a single trigger with ejectors. Both are graded exceptionally fine as “English Refreshed” with brilliant bores and 99% of the barrel finish intact. The engraving and legends are crisp, and the stocks are excellent with sharp checkering and very few handling marks. Mechanically fine, the guns are housed in a double Emmebi leather trunk case.

A Fabarm Autumn 20 gauge double shotgun is equipped with a selective trigger and ejectors, 3-inch steel shot certified chambers with patented Tribore construction, five long-screw choke tubes and a wrench. Beautifully presented, it features select-grade Turkish walnut checkered pistol grip stocks, a richly case-colored receiver, and scroll engraving and gold accents at the trigger and trigger guard. Four locking blocks prevent the action from ever getting off face, even with the heaviest of use. In excellent condition, both visually and mechanically, there is no evidence of use. Together with its factory box with luggage case and all instructions, this shotgun is expected Impress.

One of the top highlights is a Blaser 12 gauge F3 over/under shotgun with a sporting sideplate receiver, 30-inch raised-vent rib barrel, 3-inch chambers, and single selective trigger with ejectors. Its French grey receiver has been profusely engraved by Bonsi Brothers in their Heritage (vine & scroll) pattern. The gun has varnished checkered pistol grips and competition stock of highly figured burl walnut with a matching forearm and comes complete with five extended choke tubes, a wrench, takedown tools and barrel weights. Mechanically excellent and in exceptionally fine condition with little or no use evident, it will convey in its fine factory luggage case with factory slip cases.

The plentiful array of over/under shotguns continues with two coveted Berettas. An SO4 Trap 12-gauge, a true side-lock manufactured in 1969, is a model regarded as one of the finest available over/under shotguns, even used by celebrated American author and sportsman Ernest Hemingway. It has 29-inch tapered-vent rib barrels, 2¾-inch chambers choked Full and Modified, and a single selective trigger with ejectors. The coin-finished receiver and locks are embellished with light scroll engraving, and the varnished checkered pistol-grip walnut stocks have a factory Beretta pad. Graded very fine with 97% of the barrel finish intact, the gun has brilliant bores, an excellent receiver and very fine stocks. It is mechanically excellent and housed in a partitioned leather case.

The second featured Beretta is a Model 687 EELL 20 gauge over/under shotgun with 3-inch chambers and a single selective trigger and ejectors, choked Modified & IC (Improved Cylinder). It is engraved with a game scene and has a gold-accented trigger and oil-finished walnut stock with factory pad. It is mechanically excellent and has 98% metal finish with brilliant bores.

The renowned Italian workshop of Caesar Guerini produced the auction’s Magnus Jaspe 12 gauge over/under shotgun manufactured in 2007. Its features include a single selective trigger and ejectors, and 3-inch chambers that accommodate the five included interchangeable chokes (wrench included). It is engraved in gold with a game scene and has a case-colored receiver by Master Bottega Giovanelli. The mechanically-excellent gun displays very fine stocks, bright bores and 99% of its barrel finish. The shotgun is accompanied by a factory luggage case.

An LC Smith Ideal Grade SxS 12 gauge shotgun manufactured in 1949 has a long list of features including a checkered pistol grip stock with case-colored receivers engraved with broad-leaf scenes, a single Hunter trigger and ejectors, and a full beavertail forearm with a high solid rib with dual sight beads. All numbers are matching. The barrels are of London steel and have 3-inch chambers. Choked Full & Modified, the gun remains as new with some handling. Accompanied by a numbers-matching shipping carton with numbers-matching hang tag.

Alchemy Custom Prime Weaponry of Fort Wayne, Indiana, manufactured the 9mm 1911 pistol entered in the sale. It has a 5-inch barrel, blue finish with combat sights, and a skeletonized hammer with checkered front and back straps. Additionally, it has a beavertail safety with match barrel. Mechanically and visually, it is graded excellent, with no indication of prior use. The pistol has its factory carry pouch with instructions, and a spare factory magazine.

Manufactured in 1973, a Colt .45 Second Generation Buntline Special Single Action Revolver is impressive with its 12-inch barrel, blue and case color, and two-piece walnut grips. It is in excellent condition with 99% of its finish present, with only a slight trace of box wear at the muzzle and some light rubs on grips. Mechanically, it is excellent, and it comes in a contemporary black box with a full Buntline label.

For collectors who like unusual editions, Montrose suggests a Ruger .45lc Joe Bowman Commemorative Vaquero revolver, serial-numbered JB-00363 and one of only 500 manufactured in 2006 as a tribute to one of the fastest shooters in recorded history. Its grips are faux-ivory, and it has “Straight Shooter” inlaid in gold at the top of the back strap and “JOE BOWMAN” on the right side of the barrel, also in gold. Unused, in mechanically excellent condition and with its original box with commemorative label.

Montrose Auction’s July 19, 2025 Fine Firearms Auction will start at 10am ET, following an in-person preview from 8-10am. The sale will be held onsite at Alligood’s, 203 North Main St., Greensboro, GA 30642; on GA44 only 2.7 miles from I-20, exit 130. Live online bidding will be available through Montrose Live, LiveAuctioneers and Proxibid. To leave an absentee bid, book a phone line for bidding on auction day or to obtain additional information about any auction item, please call 478-376-4559 or email staff@montroseauction.com. Online: https://www.montroseauction.com. Georgia Auction License No. GAL2006

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Travel Notes: Several major airports serve north-central Georgia, as well as Greene County Regional Airport (3.7mi from Greensboro) for smaller commercial and private aircraft, including light jets. Those wishing to book accommodations will find a variety from which to choose, whether their preference is for a bed and breakfast, a hotel such as Tru by Hilton or the brand-new Holiday Inn Express; or the 5-star luxury of the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, approximately a 90-minute drive from Greensboro. 

About Montrose Auction: Montrose Auction was founded in 1977. Since 1992, it has been owned and operated by company president Trey Cottle. Conducting up to 16 auctions per year, Montrose has positioned itself as Georgia’s leading auction house for the most-desired antique, vintage and modern firearms, edged weapons and sporting-related items. In addition of its popular gallery and online sales, Montrose Auction works closely with estate executors to evaluate items and prepare them for auction, confidentially and professionally. Georgia Auction License No. GAL2006