BC Miroku Charles Daly Field Grade 12 GA O/U Over Under Shotgun, 1963-1976
SOLD FOR: $960
WOA#: WY240321ST018
Make: B. C. Miroku (Imported by Charles Daly)
Model: Field Grade
Serial Number: 319830
Year of Manufacture: 1963-1976
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under Top Break Double-Barrel Shotgun with Extractors and Single Inertial Trigger
Markings: The left side of the top barrel is marked “CHARLES DALY N.Y., N.Y. VENTURE 12GA- 2 ¾”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “MIROKU FIREARMS MFG. CO., KOCHI JAPAN”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked with the full serial number, “S319830”. The underside barrel flat is marked with a series of proof marks and factory stamps. The interior forend iron is marked with the serial number without prefix, “319830”. The underside of the receiver is marked “B. C. MIROKU”. The upper and lower grip tangs are marked with the serial number without prefix, “319830”. The receiver and grip tang feature floriate engraving. The buttpad is marked “B. C. MIROKU”.
Barrel Length: 30” with textured vented barrel rib.
Choke: Top: Full, Fixed. Bottom: Full, Fixed.
Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel rib. There is a mid bead.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with checkered semi-pistol grip and forend, fluted monte carlo comb, and Miroku orange rubber buttpad. The buttstock has scattered light nicks most notable on the belly. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and there is no erosion. There is fouling at the mid lengths of both bores. In this writer’s opinion the bores each rate 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The right side of the barrel shows a few light scuffs under the forend. The receiver has taken on a distinct plum hue. Screws show minor tool marks with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This shotgun was imported by Charles Daly in a time where American markets were experimenting with adoption of Japanese shotguns. A precursor to the Browning Citori, this ‘Field Grade’ was manufactured by C. B. Miroku sometime between 1963 and 1976 (the original Miroku factory was mostly destroyed by a typhoon in 1971, and seemingly, all production records were destroyed, so a specific year is hard to narrow down) and today are highly regarded for their sturdy construction and fine engraving—even the basic floriate engraving featured on this shotgun looks wonderful. This shotgun is in Excellent overall condition and the Miroku name is creeping into collectability in the US as Miroku is no longer imported domestically. Good luck and happy bidding! – L.S.
