The Becker shotgun is a very unusual blow-forward, revolving cylinder shotgun made in Germany in the 1920s (although it was originally patented in the late 1890s). Only a very small number were made – allegedly as few as 100. The serial number on this one appears to be 755, which could mean more were made, or that the company perhaps numbered several different types of guns in the same serial number block. All of the known examples are in 16 gauge, with a capacity of 5 rounds.
Thanks to Hire Arms in Johannesburg for giving me access to this very scarce gun to film for you!
This is most unusual design solution for self-loading shotgun I have seen. Very sophisticated, indeed. One thing which hits the eye though is somewhat ‘untidy’ appearance of cylinder’s outer surface. If it could be disassembled, it would answer the question as to how is made (since it involves gas pressure, it may be cast and machined inside).
After some thinking I conclude that BECKER work similarly to… revolver cannon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolver_cannon without feeding unit (and self-loading rather than full-auto)
That was my first though too, but did not feel for doing the digging. I knew Daweo will show up 🙂
The Jackhammer of the 1920s
In terms of external appearance it somewhat resemble MTs-255, see 1st photo from:
https://modernfirearms.net/en/shotguns/russia-shotguns/mc-255-eng/
I have seen it before. Lazarev is prominent Russian designer.
I’m 99% of 42% sure i’ve seen a picture of a Volksturm 14yr old with one “probably told it was Wunderwaffe” go and stick it up a Soviets ass for ze Iron Cross.
US patent Nr. 1487722
It’s clever, I’ll give it that, but it seems like it’s an answer to a question nobody was asking.
Lifes most important answers are found in questions nobody asked.
https://youtu.be/vauo4o-ExoY
“nobody was asking”
There existed other self-loading shotgun marketed in Europe in dawn of 20th century, namely Sjögren, so creating self-loading back then was not bound to market failure.
Never heard the term ‘blow bye’ before. Seems apt.
I do wonder how anyone, especially a left-handed shooter, would feel having the gas vent BACK through the previously fired chamber in order to eject.
This was useful in 1890, but after 1905 it was just silly.
Three guns you described recently are closely related by the persons involved, Reinhold Becker and August Coenders:
The WW1 20 mm Becker Automatic Cannon, postwar veloped to the 20 mm Oerlikon Anti Aircraft Cannon, was patented in 1914 by the industrialist Reinhold Becker, US patent # 1,144,285. A.Coenders worked for Becker then.
The “Becker” revolving shotgun was patented by A.Coenders in 1921, US patent # 1,487,722.
Later,Coenders invented his belt fed 9 mm submachine gun.
Armsel Protecta copied these case ejecting features, not to mention parent Striker and many other functions.
This is pretty cool
1920s striker 12
Guys, just read https://wp.me/p461yQ-5gA Google Translate will help
Fascinating shotgun! Thanks for this and your other videos. I recently came into possession of a Becker Revolving shotgun. Very interesting piece for sure. I took mine apart, not completely but enough to find the SN/Assembly numbers stamped on many parts. I took many pictures which you can find here, if interested. https://thesoldiersattic.com/2024/04/becker-revolving-shotgun-schrotflinte-system-becker/