E.J. · Shotgun
Churchill XXV
Break action · 12 Gauge · introduced 1925
Also known as Churchill XXV, E.J. Churchill XXV, Imperial XXV
About the Churchill XXV
The Churchill XXV is a British best-quality side-by-side double-barrel shotgun designed by Robert Churchill and introduced in 1925. Its defining feature is its short 25-inch (635 mm) barrels — the Roman numeral 'XXV' from which it takes its name — paired with a distinctive high, narrow tapered rib that creates the optical illusion of a longer barrel. Built in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge, it was offered as a sidelock or boxlock ejector game gun with chopper-lump barrels, double triggers and a bespoke-fitted walnut stock. Churchill argued that the shorter, lighter barrels gave faster handling and quicker, more instinctive pointing, challenging the prevailing belief that long barrels were essential for accuracy.
E.J. Churchill was founded in 1891 by Edwin John Churchill in London; his nephew Robert Churchill joined in 1899 and went on to develop the XXV. A noted ballistics expert who served as an expert witness in British murder trials, Robert Churchill marketed the XXV as 'the gun that shot where you looked,' championing instinctive wing-shooting over calculated aim.
Churchill XXV specifications
General
- Type
- Shotgun
- Action
- Break action
- Firing mechanism
- Internal hammer
- Calibres
- 12 Gauge
- Magazine capacity
- 2 rounds
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 635 mm (25.0 in)
- Overall length
- 1080 mm (42.5 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 2.92 kg (6.44 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- Smoothbore
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Walnut
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 400 m/s (1312 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 2560 J (1888 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 40 m
History
- Introduced
- 1925
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- GB
- Designer
- Robert Churchill
Features
- Sidelock ejector
- Chopper lump barrels
- Raised tapered rib
- Side by side barrels
- Bespoke stock fitting
- Double triggers
Safety
- Manual safety
- Automatic safety
Quoted weight is for a typical 12-bore example (roughly 6 lb 6 oz / 2.9 kg); individual bespoke guns vary. Chambered for 2 3/4-inch (70 mm) cartridges. The XXV designation was a registered Churchill trademark.
