Posted in DOUBLES on Feb 3rd, 2012
Arrizabalaga double barrel shotguns have a reputation for being some of the finest side-by-sides made in Spain. This little 28 gauge is a nice example of the kind of work they turn out. It looks like a pretty low-grade model that’s in excellent original condition. If you shoot a smaller-proportioned gun (yeah, I didn’t want to [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Feb 2nd, 2012
Auction alert! There are a number of good guns and sporting items coming up on Saturday, 2/4, at South Bay Actions in East Moriches, Long Island, NY. Here are a few highlights of the sale. See the complete listing here. Lot 4: Winchester Model 21 12g with 28″ barrels. Lot 6: Francotte, 28g. side by side. Lot [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 31st, 2012
Let’s celebrate one of America’s finest gunmakers: Patrick Mullin. Don’t feel bad, most people have never heard of him. Patrick Mullin’s double barrel shotguns were some of the finest ever made on this side of the Atlantic. This 8 gauge, 11lb 5oz., percussion shotgun with 33″ barrels is an excellent example of his work. It glows [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 27th, 2012
W. & C. Scott was one of the most important gunmakers of the last 200 years. In the their history they came up with many different designs for doubles. One of the quirkiest was the Quintuple Grip system you can see on this shotgun. This system combined a standard Purdey-bolt with two bolts on the outside of [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 20th, 2012
Gun Auctions can be great place to buy double barrel shotguns — if you know what you’re doing. And I really mean “if”. Auctioneers need to get as much as they can for every lot in their sale. Buyers need all the information they can get. This sets up a sort of cat-and-mouse game. And [...]
Posted in ENJOYING BOTH on Jan 14th, 2012
Check out this quick little video of some folks hunting for grouse and woodcock in Maine. It’s pretty well done. (FYI – turn you audio down before it gets going. The music is a bit much.) BTW: Do you think he popped that first grouse out of that pine tree?
Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 11th, 2012
Guyot is a gunmaker I’ve written about before. While I’ve seen a number of double-barrel shotguns marked with the Guyot name, I know very little about the maker. About all I’ve been able to come up with is that they made some real nice guns. This boxlock at Jaqua’s is an excellent example. It’s a 16g [...]
Posted in DOUBLES on Jan 8th, 2012
Good guns! Some nice double barrel shotguns are coming up to auction of the next few weeks. Here are couple side-by-sides and over-and-unders that caught my eye: A.H. Fox Grade CE, 20 ga. side by side shotgun, mfg. 1927 A.H. Fox Grade A, 20 ga. side by side shotgun, 28″, mfg. 1930 Fabrique Nationale & Arms [...]
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 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 [...]
