Ferlach Drillings: When Hunting Guns Were Works of Art
Three barrels, multiple calibers, and a level of craftsmanship that is increasingly rare today. The legendary drillings of Ferlach, Austria, rank among the most fascinating hunting firearms ever produced in Europe. Once the ultimate expression of hunting versatility, well-preserved examples have become highly sought-after collector's pieces. But what makes these remarkable firearms so special? Schuss & Stille firearms expert David Mischkulnig, from Alpen Adria Jagd in Villach, Austria, takes a closer look at a Franz Sodia drilling built in 1972. It's a journey into the rich heritage of Austrian gunmaking.
Beautifully figured walnut, intricately engraved steel, three precisely joined barrels, and a locking mechanism that still operates with remarkable precision more than half a century after leaving the workshop.
These were not simply firearms assembled to get the job done. They were expressions of craftsmanship, built by men who poured their knowledge, experience, and pride into steel and wood to create something that would outlast generations. "Now that's quality," says David Mischkulnig, gunsmith and firearms expert for Schuss & Stille, as he examines a Franz Sodia drilling manufactured in 1972. What looks almost like a mechanical masterpiece today was once a specialty of the legendary gunsmiths of Ferlach.
Ferlach: The Austrian Town That Made Gunmaking History
The story begins in southern Austria, in the Rosental Valley of Carinthia, beneath the rugged peaks of the Karawanks. As early as the mid-16th century, gunsmiths began establishing workshops in Ferlach. The availability of water, timber, and nearby iron deposits provided ideal conditions for firearms manufacturing.
Initially, military firearms established the town's reputation. But as industrial weapons production increasingly shifted to Steyr during the 19th century, Ferlach's master gunsmiths faced a difficult decision: adapt or disappear. They chose to specialize. Instead of competing with large factories producing thousands of identical guns, they concentrated on high-quality hunting firearms, often handcrafted to meet the individual requirements of their customers.
What began as an economic necessity eventually became an internationally recognized tradition of fine gunmaking. In 2010, the traditional gunsmithing craftsmanship of Ferlach was officially included in Austria's national inventory of intangible cultural heritage.
Franz Sodia: A Name That Helped Shape Hunting History
Among the most influential names in Ferlach's gunmaking history was Franz Sodia. His father, Anton Sodia, had established himself in Unterferlach as early as 1869. By 1901, Franz was operating independently and eventually developed the business into one of Austria's most important hunting firearms manufacturers.
While many other Ferlach workshops focused primarily on individually commissioned firearms, Sodia gradually introduced more organized, specialized production methods. New manufacturing facilities were established after World War II, and the company eventually employed around 120 workers at certain points in its history. During the 1960s and 1970s, Franz Sodia hunting guns found customers far beyond Austria's borders. Sodia drillings were even offered through the catalogs of Frankonia, the well-known German hunting equipment retailer. The selection included traditional drillings as well as more sophisticated over-under three-barrel combinations.
One remarkable example from this successful era has now found its way into the hands of Schuss & Stille firearms expert David Mischkulnig.
Three Barrels for Almost Every Hunting Situation
To understand the fascination with these guns, it helps to understand what makes a drilling different from other hunting firearms. The German term Drilling refers to a break-action firearm equipped with three barrels. The traditional configuration combines two shotgun barrels with a single rifle barrel. More specialized versions, including the Triumphdrilling, feature two rifle barrels of different calibers alongside a shotgun barrel. This unusual arrangement offered hunters extraordinary versatility in a single firearm.
The 1972 Franz Sodia examined by Mischkulnig is precisely such a Triumph drilling.
Its three barrels are chambered for:
6.5×57R: The larger rifle barrel, suitable for medium and larger game when paired with appropriate ammunition.
.22 Hornet: A smaller rifle cartridge traditionally favored for foxes and other small game.
16-gauge (70 mm / 2¾-inch chamber): A shotgun barrel providing additional versatility.
With this combination, a hunter could pursue everything from foxes and roe deer to alpine chamois and red deer without having to carry multiple firearms, provided the caliber, bullet selection, and hunting conditions were appropriate.
"If you can't decide which caliber to take hunting, you might as well buy yourself a drilling," Mischkulnig jokes during his presentation. But such versatility comes with considerable mechanical complexity. Three barrels, a shared sighting system, and an intricate trigger and barrel-selection mechanism demand exceptional precision from the gunsmith and careful, thoroughly practiced handling from the hunter.
The Real Art Lies in Regulating the Barrels
One of the greatest technical challenges in building a traditional drilling is barrel regulation. Unlike a conventional single-barrel rifle, a drilling must bring the points of impact of multiple barrels into close alignment at a specified distance.
With older combination guns, this required painstaking adjustments involving precise alignment, controlled heating, and soldering of the barrel assembly. It was work that demanded an experienced hand, extraordinary patience, and a thorough understanding of ballistics. Even today, different ammunition loads and changes in barrel temperature can influence the point of impact. "Getting those barrels regulated is a tremendous amount of work," explains Mischkulnig. For that reason, he emphasizes the importance of carefully checking both ammunition compatibility and the relative points of impact when evaluating an older drilling.
The remarkable results of that craftsmanship became evident when the 1972 Franz Sodia was taken to the shooting range. Despite being 54 years old, the firearm delivered outstanding shooting performance. Using the ammunition tested, the two rifle barrels produced points of impact that were impressively close together.
David was delighted. "The gun functions perfectly." It was an extraordinary demonstration of just how well a properly built and maintained drilling can perform, even after more than half a century. No expensive barrel re-regulation was necessary for this particular gun.
Fine Engraving, Walnut, and an Obsession With Detail
Of course, a classic Ferlach drilling is about far more than mechanical precision. Much of its enduring appeal lies in the artistry of its construction.
The Franz Sodia from 1972 features a traditional walnut stock with a German-style cheekpiece, finely executed checkering, and a distinctive Kaiser-style pistol grip. Its steel components are decorated with elaborate hunting-themed engravings. The sideplates feature wildlife scenes that give the firearm a character entirely its own.
Even the smaller details tell the story of a different era in gunmaking. A stock-mounted cartridge magazine provides convenient storage for spare ammunition. The trigger system incorporates a barrel selector, while the front trigger features a French-style set-trigger mechanism. For Mischkulnig, these are precisely the details that make an old Ferlach gun so fascinating. However, he also cautions prospective buyers against letting beautiful wood and intricate engraving distract them from the firearm's mechanical condition.
The condition of the locking mechanism, the integrity of the barrel assembly, and the proper operation of the triggers and safety are critical. Hidden corrosion can become a serious issue, even in firearms that appear exceptionally well maintained on the outside. A professional gunsmith's inspection and a live-fire evaluation are therefore essential before purchasing a vintage drilling.
Who Still Builds Ferlach Drillings Today?
The days when Ferlach drillings were manufactured in relatively large numbers are long gone. Today, these extraordinary firearms are predominantly produced as individually commissioned pieces, often requiring considerable time and highly specialized craftsmanship. Nevertheless, several renowned Austrian gunmakers continue to preserve the tradition.
Ludwig Borovnik
The Ferlach-based manufacturer continues to offer an over-under drilling in its product range. One available caliber configuration combines a 20-gauge shotgun barrel with rifle barrels chambered in 7×65R and .22 Hornet. These guns combine traditional construction with individually selected stocks and custom engraving.
Herbert Scheiring
Herbert Scheiring is another established name in traditional Austrian gunmaking.
The company offers specialized configurations, including double-rifle drillings and Triumph-style over-under combination guns. One of its distinguishing features is a proprietary block-locking mechanism. According to the manufacturer, drillings are now primarily produced for special customer commissions or collectors.
Johann Fanzoj
The prestigious Johann Fanzoj manufactory is internationally known for exceptional bespoke firearms. Its portfolio includes highly sophisticated triple-rifle configurations and other unusual drilling designs. The company represents the upper end of traditional Austrian custom gunmaking, where precision engineering and artistic craftsmanship meet.
Hambrusch
The Hambrusch name is also closely associated with Ferlach's long gunmaking tradition. The company is known for individually crafted hunting firearms and historic double-rifle drilling designs. Together, these traditional manufacturers represent a different approach to gunmaking.
Rather than competing with modern mass production, their strength lies in individuality, specialized knowledge, meticulous craftsmanship, and the ability to build remarkable hunting firearms to a customer's personal specifications. Rather than competing with modern mass production, their strength lies in individuality, specialized knowledge, meticulous craftsmanship, and the ability to build remarkable hunting firearms to a customer's personal specifications.
What Is a Ferlach Drilling Worth Today?
That raises an interesting question: How much are these historic firearms actually worth? The answer depends on several factors, including the manufacturer, age, mechanical condition, barrel configuration, engraving quality, caliber selection, and overall originality.
For the exceptionally well-preserved Franz Sodia drilling from 1972, David Mischkulnig estimates a selling price of approximately €4,000 to €5,000. Considering its excellent condition and impressive accuracy, he regards that as an attractive value for a firearm of this quality.
A similarly elaborate Triumph drilling manufactured today by a prestigious custom gunmaker would be an entirely different proposition. According to Mischkulnig, a newly manufactured example could easily cost €30,000 to €40,000 or more. Particularly exclusive bespoke firearms may command substantially higher prices. These figures are estimates for firearms of different ages and specifications, rather than universal market values.
A Hunting Gun Built to Last for Generations
But does the classic drilling still have a place in today's hunting world? After all, modern bolt-action rifles, interchangeable-barrel systems, and increasingly sophisticated optics offer practical advantages that hunters of previous generations could only dream of. From a purely functional standpoint, a drilling's complicated mechanism, the need to regulate multiple barrels, and its relatively demanding operating system can certainly be considered disadvantages.
But judging a Ferlach drilling solely by technical specifications misses the point. A Franz Sodia manufactured in 1972 is far more than an old hunting gun. It is a tangible piece of Austrian gunmaking history, created by craftsmen who understood how to transform steel, walnut, and decades of accumulated knowledge into something enduring.
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