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Joined: 10 Feb 2011 Posts: 217 Location: Pacific Northwest

Today I just sent off a check to Mark DeHaan for a nice little custom fit SGr CS SxS in 12ga with an extra set of 16ga barrels.

I've really liked the Huglus and CZs I handled and I could no longer resist the call of a nice custom fit double. Now I've never actually handled one of Mark DeHann's guns but everything I've heard and read has said that he does a wonderful job and the guns are a joy to shoot.

So I'm asking the question. Does anyone here own a DeHann or had the opportunity to shoot one? I realize I may be a little late (at least for me) but I'd really like to hear people's impressions.

I actually have 2, a 16 ga SxS with extra 20 ga Barrels, and a 16 ga o/u. I cannot hit the side of a barn with the SxS and will probably sell, but the o/u I shoot real well. Never had a problem with either, and Mark is great to deal with.

Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 38 Location: Ohio

I have one 16 ga OU DeHaan, I shoot is pretty well, the only thing is the gun is a tad heavy. The DeHaan has functioned very well for the 6 years I have had it.

I have an SO 20 SXS made in 2003 that has had quite a bit of use. I can hit with that gun really well.
Couple of years ago I was shooting some 50 year old Super Xs at clays just to get rid of them. Later I noticed almost every primer was pierced. Not long after that, the right hammer wouldn't stay cocked. So, I figure some primer grit damaged the sear.
Mark fixed it. Cost about $80 including shipping.

I had been wanting a 16 O/U and almost cried when I saw this today.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/945823658/Guns/Shotguns/D-Misc-Shotguns/De_Haan_16ga_O_U.htm

Member Joined: 08 Mar 2011 Posts: 48 Location: Wyoming

bdj56- when your ready to get rid of that 16/20 set, let me know! Very Happy

Joined: 29 Jan 2009 Posts: 207

I had one - here are a few pics:

Those pics don't do justice to the wood, it was just stunning. I had it for a few years, and it functioned perfectly the entire time; absolutely no problems of any kind. Why did I sell it? Well, I just didn't shoot it as well as I thought I should. Just didn't fit me quite right, I guess. I bought a gun Mark had on hand; it was not custom made for me.

To me, the real bargain of De Haan's guns is in the custom stock dimensions. If you need a custom made stock, they are far and away the best deal going. If you can shoot "off the shelf" stock dimensions well, they're still nice guns, but have a lot more competition for your $$$.

Joined: 10 Feb 2011 Posts: 217 Location: Pacific Northwest

Thanks everyone. This mostly mirrors what I've already heard about Mark's doubles. I'm not worried about fit because I'm having the stock made to my specifications.

Now I just need to wait that excruciating eight to twelve months for my new gun to be ready. Maybe I'll put a couple thousand rounds through my Win 1200 16ga while I'm waiting. It'll make me appreciate the new double even more. Interspersed with a box here and there through my Lefever of course.

Joined: 29 Jan 2009 Posts: 207

I know Mark gives an 8-12 month delivery time, but from what I understand, he normally gets deliveries in the 6-9 month range, if that makes you feel any better! Very Happy

Member Joined: 08 Mar 2011 Posts: 48 Location: Wyoming

Wow! I think the pics do the gun justice. That is a beautiful gun!

Joined: 10 Feb 2011 Posts: 217 Location: Pacific Northwest

Joined: 10 Feb 2011 Posts: 217 Location: Pacific Northwest

Well, I picked up my new SxS yesterday. And, as expected, Mark has done an excellent job. Not only is the gun beautiful, it is also a perfect fit; exactly as I ordered it. And in only 9 months (actually 6 months if you count from the time that Mark actually sent out the order).

With the 16Ga barrels it mounts almost as fast as my LaFever 16Ga SxS (which is a tad lighter) and with the 12Ga barrels it handles almost as well as my Merkel 147E 12Ga. This is a tremendous gun for the money.

And as an added bonus, Mark was nice enough to throw 400 once fired Federal 16Ga hulls in the box before he shipped it.

My advice is, if you are considering one of Marks guns, go ahead and order it. You won't be disappointing!

My experience with Mark DeHaan has been excellent..I drove up to his place to pick up a 28 bore he had in stock...It wasnt the gun I thought it should be, and after several iterations, Mark took it back. No arguments. It was replaced with another one, 28 bore, which I shot THOUSANDS of rounds through with nary a bobble...We have 4 in the family and they all are exellent guns. My Daughter stole the 28 a couple of years ago..it lives in Colorado now..When I get back from Mexico in the spring. I intend to have Mark order me out a 20 bore...