For the past decade, in the United States and elsewhere, the hammer gun has been enjoying a quiet renaissance. The price of old hammer guns has climbed steadily as shooters have come to respect anew the streamlined simplicity of this pinnacle of the gunmaking arts.

There is no denying the appeal of a vintage example. However, new guns have the distinct advantages of modern metallurgy and unused, unstressed working parts—not to mention custom dimensions. Tate actions and barrels are made in Italy and finished and stocked to the client’s specifications in the United States.

The Tate line began with the Vintager model, built on actions by S.I.A.C.E. de Gemini. In response to demand for still higher-grade models, Tate hammer guns now have barreled actions produced for us exclusively by F.lli Poli Armi, maker of fine Italian shotguns. The new model is called the Concours.

The Tate hammer gun is available in various gauges and whatever configuration the client wishes—as a simple field model with minimal embellishment, or as a fully engraved masterpiece. Each gun’s internal parts are hand-fitted and highly polished, and all guns are stocked in select Turkish walnut.