One of the biggest myths about doubles is that they cost a fortune. Another is that they’re heavy — especially 12 gauges. The OU and SxS you hear bust both those myths. Not only are they bargain bird guns that cost less than a lot of autoloaders, but they are also both lightweight — especially the 12.
This first one is a modern 20g made by one of Italy’s most respected companies. Phil Bourjaily over at Field & Stream reviewed this line of OUs back 2012 and had a lot of good things to say about them. I’m sure he’d tell you to hop on this one right way if you’re looking for a great, all around upland gun.
Franchi ~ Instinct L ~ 20 Gauge ~ OU: Color case-hardened steel receiver and auto ejectors. Tang-mounted automatic safety with built-in barrel selector provides positive selection without changing the safety’s position. Excellent in factory carton. Chambers: 3 Inch. Metal Condition: Excellent. Wood Condition: Couple minimal handling marks. Bore Condition: Bright. Barrels: 28-inch. Triggers: SST. Stock: Prince of Wales Pistol Grip, Checkered Walnut. Stock Dimensions: 14 1/2″ LOP, Cast for the right-handed shooter. Fore End: Checkered walnut. Butt Pad: Factory recoil pad. Weight: 6 Lbs 4 Ozs. Sights: Vent Top and Side Ribs, Red Bar Front. Price: $899.99
This 12g side-by-side It’s built on one of the most reliable shotgun designs every created — the A & D boxlock. action. And because it has been restocked, it has shootable dimensions and the wood is fresh and sound.
FN “New Anson” 12g Boxlock Ejector SxS Double Made for a French Retailer: This gun is a New Anson model box lock ejector manufactured by Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre for a Paris based retailer in the 1930s. The 12 gauge Siemens-Martin steel barrels are 27.5 inches long. Bores are clean and bright, choked improved cylinder (.010) and modified (.020). Minimal wall thickness is .032. Gun weighs 6 lb, 5 oz. The stock is of European walnut with a straight grip. 15” pull, 2½” drop at the heel, 1½” at the comb. The wood is a quality replacement with an oil finish and very attractive checkering. Butt plate and forend finial are made of horn. The receiver is nicely engraved. The top lever screw and top tang screw are only slightly buggered as seen in accompanying photographs, beyond that the gun is in fine condition. Approximately 50% case coloring remains on the receiver. The barrels and trigger guard are apparently re-blacked as they do not show much wear. Action is tight both when opened and closed. Ejectors are strong and in time. A quick-detachable leather sling is included. Price: $1,500
