16ga.com Forum Index
Author Message
<  16ga. General Discussion  ~  Those "other guns": opinions, favorites, etc.
AmericanMeet
PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 11:26 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 26 Apr 2010
Posts: 3172
Location: NCWa

You mention Fox, LC Smith & Parkers; but then say non-mainstream guns; so I suppose if I had a Merkel, Browning or Winchester, those are considered mainstream so are probably also eliminated.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Pine Creek/Dave
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 5:46 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 17 Mar 2017
Posts: 2787
Location: Endless Mountains of Pa

WyoChukar,

As most members know our family gun collection is based on L.C. Smith Double Guns, however J.P. Sauer, Boss and fine LeFever Double Guns have also played major parts in our family gun collection down thru the generations. Most of these guns were weeded out down thru the years by my Grandfather and Father, because they had Damascus Barrels. I am in the process of returning some of the originals to the collection.

Due to the purchase of our new home, the gun purchasing has been put on hold for a short time, I passed up a sweet 16 Gauge Boss Hammer gun just recently because of it.

If you happen to be looking to purchase a good double gun, and are trying to pick one up at a decent price I recommend a J.P. Sauer, especially in 16 Gauge. Best German Guns at reasonable prices are serious stuff.


Pine Creek/Dave

[URL=http://www.jpgbox.com/page/52228_600x400/] [/URL]

_________________
"L.C. Smith America's Best" - John Houchins

Pine Creek Grouse Dog Trainers
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
fin2feather
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:36 am  Reply with quote
Member
Member


Joined: 06 Aug 2004
Posts: 2171
Location: Kansas High Plains

The first sxs I ever bought was a 16ga Springfield (by Stevens); 28" barrels, M/F, double triggers - about as cheap and barebones a gun as you can find. That was a mistake, because it set me on this road of chasing down sxs double guns Very Happy; I certainly don't have nearly as many as some, but I have way more than I need.

That old gun has never failed to go bang and has put a lot of dinners on the table. I once took a limit of four wild prairie roosters with four shots from that basic old double; you can't ask much more of a gun than that. I've said many times that I sometimes think I still shoot it better than any of 'em. Despite that it's mostly relegated to back-up rolls these days, but it'll always have a place in my gun rack.

As for guns I wish I'd bought, I remember a pair of VERY early Savage Fox Model B's in 20ga and .410. Just old hardware store guns to most folks, but I sure did want those guns. Probably a good thing I was broke at the time or I'd own 'em Very Happy !

_________________
I feel a warm spot in my heart when I meet a man whiling away an afternoon...and stopping to chat with him, hear the sleek lines of his double gun whisper "Sixteen." - Gene Hill, Shotgunner's Notebook
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
MaximumSmoke
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:52 am  Reply with quote
Member
Member


Joined: 01 Dec 2005
Posts: 1550
Location: Minnesota and Florida

I know it's a 16 gauge thing here, but does anybody want a fairly high condition Williams & Powell (a best gun mfr from Liverpool -- not the same as William Powell) Jones underlever, bar action, hammer 10 gauge that has had its chambers sleeved down to 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch? It was originally a 10 gauge 2 7/8 inch. Barrels are 30 inch and beautiful damascus, still in original black powder proof. Chokes are .011 and .012, R&L respectively. Bores are .777 and .778. I did not measure wall thicknesses, but the gun was checked out by Dale Tate and pronounced fit. That documentation comes with the gun and there is other provenance info, too. Weight is 7 lbs. 8 oz. Balance seemed nice to me, and I was surprised at first to find the weight at 7 1/2 pounds. It is a beauty with nice typical small scroll engraving. I'd say case colors are at least 70%. It is an 1880's gun, with an old-fashioned musket-style slide bar type forend attachment. Wood is spectacular, straight grip and splinter forend, and I'd guess around a 14 inch LOP (didn't measure it) to an engraved widows peak steel buttplate. I used a Galco velcro leather slip-on pad when I shot it. I did not measure the drops, but they seem totally modern and not the "Kentucky Rifle" drops of old American doubles. The drop at my face was actually a bit high for me, and I like about 1.5" at my face, so there is plenty of room to increase the drop if need be. Gun comes with period, but likely not original, felt-lined fitted leather hard case in good condition, with snap caps and spare firing pins.

I've been shooting about 8000 psi 12 gauge 1 ounce smokeless loads in it. It works best with WWAA wads as their overpowder cups expand to fit the 10 gauge bores better than most Euro-wads. Euro-wads generally have larger diameter over-powder cup seals to fit their thin straight-walled hulls, but those cup seals are short and fairly rigid and don't expand as well as AA style wads. Best would be to use Federals/Estates, or Euro hulls (Ched, Fio, Kemen, Rio, Martignoni, Nobelsport) and the AA clones from Claybusters that have larger over-powder cups to seal in the thin Euro hulls.

The owner has died and his son is selling this gun. I brought it to the Duluth Double Gun shoot to try to help sell it. I have no pictures right now, as I just returned the gun to the owner yesterday -- dang! PM me if interested and surely I'll be able to get you more detail/pictures.

I thought it looked like $6000 when I first saw it and shot it, but after talking to Mark at Mark's Born Again Birdguns, and realizing it was really a chamber-sleeved 10 gauge, I think it's value is not that high. I tagged it at $4500 at the Duluth shoot. The gun got some interest, of course, but no takers. Not sure where the owner will price it now.


Last edited by MaximumSmoke on Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:05 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
MaximumSmoke
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:00 am  Reply with quote
Member
Member


Joined: 01 Dec 2005
Posts: 1550
Location: Minnesota and Florida

Don't have any, but love the idea of a Darne or Charlin, and would absolutely love to have a higher-level Manufrance Ideal -- all in 16's, of course -- and here I am, generally not a Franco-phile! Those guns are artful and off the beaten path, but I've shot them all, and they are functionally excellent as well as beautifully designed.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
tramroad28
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:07 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 20 Jul 2011
Posts: 625
Location: Ohio..where ruffed grouse were

Somewhat related to “other” scatterguns…..I received a package via UPS recently that contained a BSS, apparently a 20 gauge, which had the stock upgraded to 5X.

The only sticker was…I did not order the change of wood or purchase the gun…..yet my name and address had me receiving it….the Discover #, however, was not mine.

I notified the seller and returned the gun…..the related part is that I would not have minded if the BSS had been mine....."mainstream" or not.

Are there that many bad SxSs?
Seems to me that a scattergun is the smallest factor of a serious.... upland equation.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
WyoChukar
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 11:16 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Posts: 2124
Location: Hudson,Wy

fin2feather, the first 16 I hunted with was a Stevens 311. It was actually Mom's gun. I shot a lot of birds with it until Mom eventually sold it. It did scratch my 16 gauge itch during my late teens. Not the nicest gun but reliable and much better than some hardware store guns that appeared to be the work of cavemen.

tramroad28, as far as the gun being the smallest factor of a serious bird hunter, I respectfully disagree. I am about as serious as possible: 100+ days per year. Spending that much time outdoors, a nice gun that carries well does make the experience more enjoyable. Especially when the hours are long and calories burned high. I also admire craftsmanship. That said, if all I had left to hunt with was that old Stevens, I would still be out there with a smile every day.

So what is the smallest factor afield? I wish I could answer that question for everyone, but that isn't possible. For me I guess it would be limiting out. I like doing so and do so often, but I have enjoyed spectacular hunts where my dog returned with a single bird from a covey rise and I called it good.

Anyway, I enjoy reading all of the different takes on these guns. Particularly the ones that get used. Keep the stories coming.

_________________
Only catch snowflakes on your tongue AFTER the birds fly south for the winter...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
tramroad28
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 11:43 am  Reply with quote



Joined: 20 Jul 2011
Posts: 625
Location: Ohio..where ruffed grouse were

WyoChukar wrote:
...That said, if all I had left to hunt with was that old Stevens, I would still be out there with a smile every day....



I was speaking of the upland equation...featuring a bird, a dog, a day of being there, friends/memories, the birdhunter, a gun and more.
In other words, your "That said....."....says it all as to what I meant.

The scattergun....is simply in the mix someplace.
"Small" may come to mind as so many folks often have so many ITs or, new next bests and that reality would never rank a shotgun at the top tier of three important factors.
Purely an observation and opinion.

I wish, at times, to never have made or needed to make the step to another scattergun.
I wish that I had settled on one SxS, be it of whatever name, 50+ years ago.
I wish it had been a scattergun well worn and proudly marked by my Father's experiences.
Then, I personally would raise the scattergun to say, #4 in importance.

Smallest factor?......I don't know....scattergun gauge?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
dap
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 1:21 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 24 Mar 2010
Posts: 280
Location: Northwest PA

WyoChukar wrote:
Okay folks let's have a little fun. We all know that Fox, Smith, and Parker have a big following here. However, lets hear some good thoughts on other doubles, side by sides in particular.
I will confess a mild agenda. I may scratch the itch for something new (old actually, but you get the point). Or not. There are some nice guns out there under different names. Baker, Union Armera, Mauser, whatever. Lets hear from some folks with the non-mainstream stuff, and the merits. Go!
I'm not sure if an Ithaca Flues is considered non-mainstream. I think in the years both Parker shotguns and Ithaca Flues guns were produced, the Flues outsold the Parker (based on the serial number ranges for each gun). Regardless, my 16 gauge flues from 1915 weighs in at 5.8 pounds and is a nice carry for grouse and woodcock. The drop is a little much, but a Beretta Gel-tek cheek pad helps considerably.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
WyoChukar
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 1:28 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Posts: 2124
Location: Hudson,Wy

tramroad28, understood and well put. This is part of what makes these type of threads/ discussions worthwhile: insights.

As I read these it is fun to remember some of the guns mentioned here that crossed my path at some point in life and ponder the ones that are still mystery.

_________________
Only catch snowflakes on your tongue AFTER the birds fly south for the winter...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
grousepointer16
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:22 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 02 Jun 2016
Posts: 96
Location: Boreal Shield of Ontario

I am quite fond of my Simson model 70, 16 bore, 32in barrels, IM/M. It was my main duck gun for years, I will be taking it out for Geese in a month with #5 Kent Bismuth loads.
My other recent addition in the last year is a Belgium C. Masquelier, 16 bore, side-plated, 27in barrels , M/IC. I have been smitten by this gun.

My stable of various bores include Merkel, Simson, JP Sauer model 60's, JP Sauer Royals, Beretta, Arizaga, Ugartechea, Astra, Savage, Vapen Depoten, etc.... but my favourite 12 bore is my Victor Sarasqueta, 27.5 in barrel, DT, extractor. I have shot a truck load of grouse with this gun.

_________________
GOD made a 16 ga and a Pudelpointer; then he rested. RIP MUK may the grouse hold tight for you
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
AmericanMeet
PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:57 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 26 Apr 2010
Posts: 3172
Location: NCWa

grousepointer16 wrote:
I have shot a truck load of grouse with this gun.



I've shot a truckload of grouse too, but the truck said TONKA on it. Smile Smile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
16'er
PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2017 8:54 am  Reply with quote
Member
Member


Joined: 08 Oct 2006
Posts: 1393
Location: Tappahannock, Virginia

Lots of other good options. My criteria begins with:

Two Barrels
Two Triggers
Straight grip stock
Walnut and Steel!

Any gun, within my price range, with those and About 6lbs or less, and you've got my attention! As long as the gun is in serviceable condition and tight I doubt I'd ever wear any one gun out in my lifetime.

Seem to be leaning toward the German and French guns in my recent searches. Just picked up my first hammergun, a belgian FN 16ga from a member here. Have looked seriously at a FN boxlock, but couldn't find the one for me.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
canvasback
PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2017 3:36 pm  Reply with quote



Joined: 12 Mar 2012
Posts: 684
Location: Ontario

I have my American guns and confess to being a big fan of Fox. I also like Remington, have three, and am always on the lookout for the right one to add to my collection.

But I was idly speculating last week while sitting, bored, on an airplane, that I could probably be happy if I concentrated all my collecting instinct into those guns from Fox, Manufrance Ideals and Lindner/Charles Daly.

I have a high grade Ideal (6R EE Excelsior) from about 1921 and a Diamond Quality Lindner Daly from around 1906 and they are spectacular guns to use. I don't talk about them much here because those two are 12's but it's a joy to both look at and use them. The stocker who refinished the wood on my Ideal said he's never seen a nicer piece of walnut. I am actively searching France for just the right 16 Ideal that would make a good companion for my 12 gauge. And a 16 Lindner Daly would be good to have in the safe!

I looked for Ideals for a long time before I bought mine. Eventually concluded that if I was serious about finding one, I needed to look in France, not here. Just too few here. I've brought a half dozen guns over from France so far. But I'm still looking for the keeper Ideal 16 for myself.

_________________
1921 Pieper 29" 6 lbs 10 oz
2003 Citori White Lightning 26" 6 lbs 10 oz
1932 Husqvarna 310AS 29.5" 6 lbs 7 oz
1925 Ferlach 29" 6 lbs 7 oz
1923 Greifelt 29" 6 lbs 1 oz
1928 Simson 29.5" 6 lbs
1893 Lindner Daly FW 28” 5 lb 11oz
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Fireman
PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 1:46 pm  Reply with quote
Member
Member


Joined: 16 Sep 2006
Posts: 30
Location: Spokane, WA

I would love to find an Manufrance Ideal graded gun, at the right price point.... rare as hens teeth here.
Lance
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address
Display posts from previous:   
All times are GMT - 7 Hours

View next topic
View previous topic
Page 2 of 5
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
16ga.com Forum Index  ~  16ga. General Discussion

Post new topic   Reply to topic


 
Jump to:  

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum




Powered by phpBB and NoseBleed v1.09