Vierling combination gun - photos

[Ralphxyz]

The engravings are beautiful, but that burled wood is amazing!

[mklotz]

re: "How are the individual barrels selected for firing?"

there is a slide on top left of the receiver, that might be used for selection.

I think you're correct. I mistook that slide for the latch to open the breech but now I see that that actuator is closer to the barrels. The selector slide is perfectly positioned to be operated with the thumb.

[greyhoundollie]

I think most of the European owners of those types of rifles have a "gun bearer" to carry it around for them.
Probably have someone carrying an umbrella over their head too. Thinking about it further they probably have a couple folks carrying the owner around in a sedan chair. It's good to be rich.

[Toolmaker51]

re to Marv and Ralph; yes selectors are used, which include raising the rear sight when appropriate.
These are usually semi-custom made from a list of options, that buyer could specify requirements such as bullet weight/ correct sighting, choke combinations for the shot barrels, and all the physical dimensions for length of pull, drop, etc.
The nicest might have originated in Ferlach Austria, as Teutonic builders are the champions. Those thinking gunsmiths don't epitomize toolmaking are unaware many are capable to build something like this from scratch; action, triggers, scope mounts, stock, engraving. . .
Multiple or combination long guns fill the niche where hunting seasons overlap. Just plain fun to shoot, I'm fond of drillings myself, in 9.3 x 72mm & 16 gauge. They are deceivingly light with ideal balance and pointing.