Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/433799
protects the hammers, but also reduces friction. The next step was the development of a gizmo they call the Invictus Block (patent applied for). It's a replaceable locking device that engages the front of the barrel lug, providing a broad, heavy-duty locking surface that supplement's the conventional rear bolt. The beauty of this device is that it not only enhances the gun's durability, but in the unlikely event that it should wear out, it's easily replaced. In addition, the rear locking bolt itself is redesigned to provide an increased bearing surface, which enhances both strength and durability. S ince all of the goodies listed above guarantee a dramatic increase in durability, you would think that the folks at Guerini would've been satisfied. Not so! The next thing they came up with is probably the most revolutionary of all their redesigns. All double guns, whether side-by-side or over-and-under, are dependent on the receiver mating properly with the barrel faces—or the face of the monoblock, if there is one. The problem is that most designs rotate on a hinge pin or on trunnions that fit into recesses in the receiver. Of course, like all mechanical devices, these are subject to wear. Over time the gun becomes loose and then the barrels don't mate properly with the breech face. When this happens, the gun is said to be "off face." At that point, the gun is either effectively trashed or requires an expensive re-build. To cure this problem, Guerini came up with a new system that incorporates eccentric cams that are mounted on the monoblock and fit into recesses in the receiver. As a result, the relationship between the breech-block and the monoblock is S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 4 6 The Invictus is built on a heavier frame than other Guerini over-and-unders. adjustable. If and when the gun comes off-face, the cams can simply be adjusted to put it right! The combination of this comprehensive redesign is nothing less than a staggering achievement in the evolution of the over-and- under shotgun. Did the folks at Guerini achieve their goal of building an over-and- under that will withstand a million rounds? I don't know, but having seen and shot the Invictus, I