The Drilling is a triple barreled, shoulder held firearm. The gun's name is derived from the German word for three "drei". As a "combination gun," the Drilling is comprised of various combinations of shotgun and/or rifle barrels, giving the flexibility of shooting both types of cartridges with a very wide range of caliber from one firearm. Designed for the discerning hunter or survivalist, these guns were originally designed for the German and Austria forests where there was an advantage to carrying one gun with multiple loads when hunting the dense forests filled with various types of game, from deer, to wild boar and fowl. The option of quickly choosing a specific caliber enabled the hunter to be ready for whatever came out of the woods.
Primarily made by small manufacturers, Drillings were offered in a broad range of barrel configurations, combinations, and calibers. Many of these firearms were custom made and are highly decorated through detailed engraving, stock carving and customized metal work. This book is an essential reference to this type of gun and looks at both older as well as contemporary Drillings and gives instructions on their use.