Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 7th, 2012
Parkers double barrel shotguns are probably the most popular, and most collectible, of the vintage America side by sides. Here’s a good look at one of the earliest Parker designs – the Under Lifter hammergun. I handled a number of under-lifter Parkers. They’re surprisingly easy to open/close.
Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 6th, 2012
Opening up an old English gun case is like stepping through the looking glass: You tug the leather straps, push the lock to the right, and the lid opens onto another world. That’s why these original double-rifle accessories so cool. The seller claims that they came out of a case for .350 Rigby, but think [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 4th, 2012
So it’s 1956 and you’re in London’s West End, looking to purchase a top-end sidelock double barrel shotgun. Here’s a quick look at how it would go. Check out the try gun used for the fitting, as well as the tools behind the stocker’s vise. I love the stern looks on everyone’s face. Very serious [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Dec 28th, 2011
I’m really liking these short videos produced by Midway USA. This next one is about how to lubricate a break open shotgun. Even though the double barrel shown is an over-and-under (a Pigeon-grade Browning, I think), the same guidelines should apply to any side-by-side, too.
Posted in DOUBLES on Dec 26th, 2011
To go along with post about gun fitting, I thought I would add this quick video about drop on a double-barrel shotgun. If you’ve ever wondered why drop matters and how to measure it, check it out. Very helpful.
Posted in DOUBLES on Dec 24th, 2011
I never used to worry about how my shotguns fit. I shot basic, American shotguns most my life — mostly Remington pumps, plus a double-barrel Savage/Fox Model B. These were off-the-rack guns with standard dimensions – a 14″ length-of-pull with 2 1/2″ – 2 3/4″ of drop. It was until I became serious about side-by-sides [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Dec 23rd, 2011
Any hammerless 8g double barrel is hard to come by, and when you throw in “rifle” you have a side by side that is almost unheard of. That’s what makes this 8 gauge Westley Richards double rifle so amazing. Factor in it’s condition and you have an incredible rare double – probably one of a [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Dec 19th, 2011
The first thing most guys look at when they pick up a double barrel is the wood. Some guys will pay attention to the make and the engraving. The guys who collect will inspect the condition. Very few guys ever glance at the shotgun’s fences. Like toplevers and triggers, a side-by-side’s fences are often overlooked. [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Dec 17th, 2011
The difference between a true, best-quality double barrel barrel and real nice shotgun is small. It doesn’t take much to lift a gun to the top level — a few more passes with a file, a bit more attention to detail, a little more refined eye for aesthetics. But it’s these extras that add up [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Dec 16th, 2011
Otto Bock was some kind of sporting-good supplier based in Berlin during the late 19th & early 20th century. This double-barrel shotgun for sale on Gunsinternationl.com bears his name, even though I’m pretty sure he didn’t actually make it himself. Whatever the gun’s story is, it’s a hell of a nice side by side in awesome [...]
