20 | Dogs and Doubles

Online auction alert: 20g CSMC RBL, No Reserve …

July 24, 2021 by Gregg

Connecticut Shotgun MFG. Model RBL Launch Edition 20 GA 28" Double Barrel — Connecticut Shotgun MFG. Model RBL Launch Edition 20 GA 28″ Double Barrel

Here’s your chance to get a deal on one of my favorite modern SxSs. Connecticut Shotgun’s RBL are solid, well made shotguns, and they’re built on one of the most reliable shotgun designs ever created: the Anson & Deeley boxlock action.

This 20g RBL Launch Edition is on Gunbroker.com now with No Reserve. It ends tomorrow, 7/25/2021, @ 7:59 PM. Here’s more info about it from the seller:

Connecticut Shotgun MFG. Model RBL Launch Edition 20 GA 28″ Self Opening Double Barrel

Make: Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. / Galazan

Model: RBL Launch Edition

Serial Number: RBL000511

Year of Manufacture: 2005-2010

Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Boxlock Side-by-Side SXS, Top Break, Dual Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors

Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “CONNECTICUT SHOTGUN MFG. NEW BRITAIN CT. U.S.A.”, the top of the left is marked “RBL LAUNCH EDITION 20ga. 2 3/4”, each chamber and the top-rear of the rib have a foliate scroll motif. The left barrel flat is marked “511”, the right “RBL / PROOF”. The water table is marked “RBL000511” and “MADE IN USA MODEL RBL / CONNECTICUT SHOTGUN MFG. / NEW BRITAIN, CONN.”, the top tang is marked “RBL000511”, the bottom of the trigger plate is marked “RBL” on banner. The receiver, trigger plate, guard, base of the forend iron, and lever have beautiful foliate scroll engraving with fine matting in the negative spaces.

Barrel Length: 28”, Solid-Rib

Choke: The barrels are threaded for RBL choke tubes with Improved Cylinder installed on both barrels. Also included are Full, Modified, and Improved Modified.

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib.

Weight: 6 lb., 2 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select black American walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black hard rubber buttplate. There are some spots of dark discoloration on the pistol grip cap. There are a few marks on the top rear corners of the forend. The diamond on the bottom of the forend has some marks into the edges. The bottom of the forend has some wear on the rear edge with a tiny hairline crack on the right side, not even 1/8″. The buttstock has a few light compressions and a couple scuffs. There are a couple little tiny dings and a couple of hairline scratches, the most noticeable is on the left side by the heel. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, 14″ and 13″ to the back of the wood. The pate has some light wear. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/8″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & French Gray

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels, forend iron and receiver have very light operational wear on the bearing surfaces, concealed when assembled. There are a few light marks on the barrels and rib. The barrel has some faint mottled thinning and discoloration at the front, most noticeable on the bottom of the right barrel. The bottom tang has some little spots of dark discoloration and fingerprinting. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

A great looking Grulla No. 2, sidelock 20 gauge …

February 7, 2021 by Gregg

Here are all the reasons I love this little sidelock.

It’s a true sidelock with chopperlump barrels
It weighs less than 6lbs
It has a great looking, 14 1/2″ stock
It has cool, detachable locks

And most importantly, I love that this gun gives you all this for just $4,100. While that’s not cheap, it’s a ton of gun — and a ton of quality — for that kind of money.

Grulla No. 2 20 gauge Sidelock Ejector SxS Shotgun: Beautiful Grulla sidelock 20 gauge, 26 inch barrels, 3 inch chambers, factory choked at cylinder and improved cylinder, ejectors, well struck chopper lump barrels, double triggers with front hinged trigger, bushed strikers, and removable side plate lever, all very high grade appointments. Finish on barrels is perfect, beautifully figured wood with only a very few handling marks. Action is fully engraved and very tight on face; bores are excellent. This light and fine little bird gun has seen very little use. The quality of workmanship on this gun is equal to guns of much higher grade, wood to metal fit, engraving, finish on metal, fit of barrels to action; excellent Grulla quality. Weight 5lbs, 14oz. Serial Number: 31155 Chambers: 3 inch Ejectors: yes Condition: excellent Metal Condition: excellent Wood Condition: excellent Bore Condition: excellent Barrels: 26 ” perfect Barrel Type: side x side Action: sidelock Triggers: two, front hinged Stock: figured walnut Stock Dimensions: 14 1/2″ Lop Stock Comb: DAC 1 1/2″ Stock Heel: DAH 2 3/8″ Stock Cast: 1/4 in Fore End: British splinter Butt Pad: lined/checkered butt LOP: 14 1/2″ Rib: solid Weight: 5Lbs 14oz Sights: bead Choke Left: imp cyc Choke Right: cyc Price: $4,100

Auction alert: Check out this 20g Browning BSS Sporter …

May 11, 2020May 12, 2020 by Gregg

Here’s a nice little upland gun coming in Alderfer Auction’s Online Firearms and Tactical Accessories Sale which goes live May 19, 2020, at 12:00 PM. Miroku of Japan made these rugged, reliable boxlock SxSs for Browning, and their action is based on the classic Anson & Deeley boxlock design.

Browning BSS Side by Side Shotgun: 20 ga. 26″ bbl. SN 03004RN168. 95% blued finish on metal shows moderate thinning on lower edges of receiver and minor scratches on barrels, very good bores with ejectors, mod/IC chokes, 3″ chambers, single brass bead on solid rib, checkered wood stock and forearm show average handling marks, 14 1/4″ LOP. Very good.

Online auction alert: 20g Beretta BL-4, 28″ bbls …

April 18, 2020 by Gregg

Beretta BL-4 20 Gauge 28" Barrels — Beretta BL-4 20 Gauge 28″ Barrels

I’m always on the lookout for deals, and this 20g Beretta BL-4 looks like a good one to me. It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the online auction ends tomorrow, 4/19, @ 10:01 PM.

Upside: I think it’s in great shape, it looks like it has a nice, long LOP thanks to the professionally-installed pad. It also has 28″ barrels, 3″ chambers, and ejectors.

Downside: The opening bid is $1,295. So not a steal, but a deal.

Beretta’s BL-grade shotguns were imported from Italy by the Garcia Corp in the ’60s and through the ’70s. They feature a shallow, low profile action scaled to match the gauge and they were build to be rugged, reliable doubles that delivered a lot of quality for the money.

Beretta BL-4 20 Gauge 28″ Barrels: Choked light mod / Mod. The chokes were opened up from Mod / Full and a recoil pad installed by Briley Mfg in 2012. The LOP is 15 inches. The cast and drop were not adjusted. We do not know if the gold leaf on the action is factory original or not. It was present when the gun was purchased from an estate in 2010. The gun is in excellent condition and has been fired very little since it was acquired from the /estate. The action is tight and on the face.

Auction alert: Nice looking pair of 20g Arrieta SxSs…

January 31, 2020January 31, 2020 by Gregg

Auction alert: Nice looking pair of 20g Arrieta SxSs... — Auction alert: Nice looking pair of 20g Arrieta SxSs…

Here’s a nice looking pair of Spanish side-by-sides coming up tomorrow at Gunslinger Auctions in Glendora, CA. Here’s more about these guns from the auctioneer:

ARRIETA SIDE-BY-SIDE DOUBLE BARREL TWO GUN SET

A13961 and A13962
Make: Arrieta
Model: SXS
Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge
Barrel Length: 28in
Condition: Excellent
TWO GUN SET. GUNS MARKED 1 AND 2. HIGHLY ENGRAVED. SHOW LITTLE USE. FULL AND IMPROVED BARRELS. LOP 14in TO REAR TRIGGER. MINT BORES. COMES IN BEAUTIFUL LEATHER CASE.
Serial #: 32641 and 32642
Low Estimate: 8000.00
High Estimate: 10000.00

Auction alert: Super rare 20g Parker AAHE, 32″ bbls…

January 29, 2020 by Gregg

Here’s your chance to pick one of the rarest American SxS shotguns you’ll come across. This 20 gauge Parker AAHE is coming up at Gunslinger Auctions in Glendora, CA, this Sat, Feb. 1. The live auction starts at noon, west-coast time.

Auction alert: Super rare 20g Parker AAHE, 32" bbls... — Auction alert: Super rare 20g Parker AAHE, 32″ bbls…

Parker made 238 Quality AAH-grade shotguns. Most were 12 gauges. I can’t imagine more than a couple of those were 20 gauges with 32″ barrels. Back then this gun was made, it was one gun down from Parker’s top-of-the-line Parker Quality A-1 Special. While this 20 gauge has seen better days, I bet it will hammer down for $30,000+.

Here’s more info about it from the auctioneer:
Make: Parker Bros.
Model: AAHE GRADE 7
Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge
Barrel Length: 32in
Condition: Excellent

MADE IN APPROXIMATELY 1915. FINELY ENGRAVED FLORAL PATTERN THROUGHOUT RECEIVER AND BACKS OF BARRELS, ALSO TRIGGER GUARD. SCARCE 32in BARREL. LOP 13.5in TO REAR TRIGGER. 3in DROP. BUTTSTOCK SHOWS TYPICAL HANDLING MARKS, ALL CAN BE REMOVED BY COMPETENT GUNSMITH. BEAUTIFUL CHECKERING ON WRIST. CHOKES ARE FULL AND FULL. MINT BORES.
Serial #: 207210
Low Estimate: 25000.00
High Estimate: 45000.00

Auction alert: 20g Parker GHE & a 20g Browning BSS …

January 9, 2020 by Gregg

Kramer’s 2020 Winter Gun & Military Auction starts this Saturday, January 11, 2020, @ 9:30 AM Central time. Here are a couple of doubles they have that caught my eye.

Auction alert: Parker GH 20 ga Dbl Bbl Shotgun @ Kramer's Auctions — Auction alert: Parker GH 20 ga Dbl Bbl Shotgun @ Kramer’s Auctions

The finish on this Parker GHE 20 ga is rough, but it looks original. It’s a late gun, built around XXXX, so it has all the upgrades the company built into its guns over the years. It also has 30″ barrels — unusual for a 20.

Parker GHE 20 ga Dbl Bbl Shotgun: #232230; 20 ga. 30″ special steel bbls w/good bores. Bbls retain good original blue w/some small spots mixed. GH style engraved receiver, checkered wood stock is solid w/scratches & marks. The original butt plate appears to have period repair at the toe. Overall a nice 20 ga Parker double.

Browning BSS shotguns are as rugged & reliable as SxSs can be. This 20 looks like it’s in decent shape, and it comes with a case.

Auction alert: Browning BSS 20 ga. Dbl Bbl Shotgun @ Kramer's Auctions — Auction alert: Browning BSS 20 ga. Dbl Bbl Shotgun @ Kramer’s Auctions

Browning BSS 20 ga. Dbl Bbl Shotgun: #01208RR368; 20 ga. 26″ bbls. which are IMP cyl by MOD. Straight grip English checkered stock w/LOP approx. 13 3/4″, single selective trigger, ejectors & beavertail forearm. In nice, lightly used condition & comes in Browning luggage case.

Good gun alert: 20g Browning BSS Sporter, $999.99

October 11, 2019 by Gregg

Get on this one fast. This 20g Browning BSS Sporter is priced right, and I guarantee it won’t be on the market for long.

Miroku of Japan made these boxlock SxSs for Browning, and they’re based on the classic Anson & Deeley boxlock design. Rugged and dependable, they’re only drawbacks are their weight — they are a bit heavy — and the stocks can be a bit thick.

This one’s special because it’s a Sporter, so it has a trimmer, English-style, straight-grip stock. This makes it a bit lighter than most 20g BSSs — and a bit better looking. It does look a bit used, but I don’t see any signs of abuse. If it checks out with your gunsmith, it should be a great all-around upland gun.

Browning ~ B S/S Sporter ~ 20 Ga: Chambers: 3″, Metal Condition: Some Bluing Loss, Wood Condition: Very Few Very Light User Marks, Bore Condition: Bright and Shiny, Barrels: 26″, Triggers: Single Selective, Stock: Checkered English Grip, Stock Dimensions: 14 1/4″ LOP, Fore End: Checkered, Butt Pad: Pachmayr Recoil Pad, Weight: 6 Lbs 10 Oz., Sights: Front Bead, Chokes: IC and LMOD. Price: $999.99

Old and new: Great looking 20 gauge doubles…

June 1, 2019May 31, 2019 by Gregg

When I first got into doubles, twenty-gauge shotguns weren’t my thing. I was more interested in 12 gauges and — my favorites — sixteens. But as I’ve aged, I’ve earned a respect twenties. Ammo is easy to find for them, most of them are lightweight, and the throw enough lead to kill the birds I hunt most of the time.

The four 20 gauge shotguns listed below are both and unusual and unusually versatile. Check them out now.

W&C. Scott & Sons 20 Bore Hammergun in Excellent Condition: This little gun has a lot of character. It has great lines and handles like a wand. My photos don’t do justice to the gun. The finishes are much better than the photos suggest. The gun was refurbished by Keith & Cody Kearcher in Bend Oregon. The case coloring is original and is fading in the usual areas. The bores are bright and shiny with no visible imperfections. Lock-up is tight with or without the forend attached. I have used this gun on pheasants with great success. I use RST 2&1/2 inch loads. These are light Smokeless loads. Stock dimensions are excellent for the average shooter. Collectors are aware that small bore English guns are rare. This is especially true of W&C, Scott small bores. I have only encountered 3 in over 40 years of collecting Scott guns. Here are the specifications on this gun: Barrel length =28 inches. LOP from front trigger=14&1/2 inches. Chokes are Cylinder and Cylinder Weight is 5 & 3/4 pounds. Serial # is 37622. Date of Manufacture is 1885. Price: $3,250

Exquisite and rare C. Pryse 20ga Hammer gun- nitro proofed! A vintage gunners DREAM small bore! For your consideration is a very fine and extremely rare 20ga English hammer gun. The gun features back action locks which are very finely scroll engraved. 28″ Damascus barrels which have been fitted with Briley choke tubes. The straight grip buttstock has excellent dimensions and terminates with a solid HRBP. The splinter forend is near fully checkered. The gun balances beautifully and is very lightweight – weighing in at 5lbs 6oz! Stocks are extremely fine, as restored and checkering is crisp. The grain pattern in the stock is superb. Both bores measure .635 and minimum wall thickness is .028(right) and .029(left). Price: $5795

Browning Superlight – 20ga – 1972 Man. Date – IC/M – 26.5” – 14 1/4” x 1 3/8” x 2” – 5 lbs 11 ozs – SN: 2871 V72 – In The Box! 1972 Man. Date – IC/M – 26.5” – 14 1/4” x 1 3/8” x 2” – 5 lbs 11 ozs – SN: 2871 V72 – In The Box! Minor Field Evidence can be found on wood and metal. Great Shooting Superposed! Price: $4,900

Nikko Lightweight Ejector – 20ga – 28” Barrels – Straight Grip – M/IM Chokes – Winchester 101 Style – Tight Action – 14 1/8” x 1 1/2” x 2 1/2”: Nikko Lightweight Ejector – 20ga – 28” Barrels – Straight Grip – M/IM Chokes – 6 lbs 2 ozs – Clean and Tight Action – 14 1/8” x 1 1/2” x 2 1/2” – 6 lbs 2 ozs – NICE! Dove Gun Deluxe! Perfect Chokes, Configuration and Weight – Very Nice Shotgun

This week’s 5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

March 31, 2019 by Gregg

Parker Brothers ~ A-1 Special ~ 20 Ga: S/N 158XXX – Circa 1912, Chambers: 2 3/4″ with Ejectors, Barrels: 28″, Stock Dimensions: 14″ LOP – DAC 1 11/16″ – DAH 2 1/4″, Butt Pad: Engraved Skeleton, Weight: 6 LB. Wood shows a bit of age cracking with a couple of small storage marks and a bit of moisture damage to the right side of the buttstock. Blue remains at 100% with mint bores. Receiver shows 100% rose and scroll engraving coverage that remains excellent. Truly a remarkable example of the gunmakers art! Complete with a Parker Collectors “Letter of Originality”. Price: $79,999.99

BOSS & Co Best SLE 20ga 26″ IC&M Original 2 3/4″ chambers, Makers leather case, Mfg 1947, rare and very nice: Serial # 8764, Barrel Length: 26″, Choke R IC(.005), Choke L M(.011), Trigger ST (Single), Rib Type Smooth Concave Rib, Receiver Finish: Casehardened with most colors remaining, Engraving Type: Boss style Fine Scroll & Rosette Engraving, Other Options: Makers case with label, Original 2 3/4″ chambers, Condition EXC. Plus Condition. Weight 5lbs 7oz. Dimensions 1 3/8 x 2 3/8 x 14 3/4 with 1/4 cast off. Other Details Mfg 1947, Very high condition Very hard to find in 20ga. Price: $59,000

J. Purdey & Sons – 12ga – SLE – Self Opener – 25” Barrels – .732/.729 Chokes – 2 3/4” Shells – 15 1/8” x 1 5/8” x 2 3/4” – 6 lbs 2 ozs – Lightweight!! Self Opener – Great Quail & Grouse Gun – Fast Action Gun! Original case and proof label – “WTC” on leather case and on stock – “Blue” Pins and hightlights on the Action – lever is plum. This Purdey is Tight and handles gracefully in high-pressure shooting situations. The gun was a 2 1/2” gun and was sent back to Purdey to be Re-Proofed and opened up to 2 3/4” – performs beautifully! Price: $34,995

John Wilkes, 20ga. Sidelock Ejector 27″ Barrels Ic/Mod: A custom stocked gun in England with an extremely high quality Turkish Circassian walnut with a straight grip, splinter forend, highest quality full sidelock gun double triggers, automatic ejector, checkered butt, full coverage miniature rose bouquet and scroll engraving Cast for a lefthanded shooter (we can adjust it back to neutral), gold oval, gun remains in pristine condition throughout, includes leather makers’ case with canvas cover, available for immediate delivery. LOP – 15 1/8” x 1 ½” x 2 3/8”. 5 lb., 12 oz. Price: $19,999

Magnificent Remington Parker VHE 16ga 1 frame with Condition: 28″ Mod/full and factory marked — incredible original wood and finishes — perfect screws — double triggers — 2 3/4 ” factory chambers — ejectors — 80% original color that is vibrant — 99% blue and varnish — late single line DHBP — splinter forend — Just a wonderful Remington era gun that has all of the zing you expect from Parker — A perfect gun for all occasions afield with the right dimensions and weight.
14 1/4″ 1 1/2″ x 2 3/8″ 7lb 3oz. Price: $6,950.00

Good gun alert: 20g Browning Citori OU, 28″ bbls …

December 11, 2018 by Gregg

Browning 20 ga Citori Superlight Beauty 28" barrel, straight stock not far from new BARGAIN — Browning 20 ga Citori Superlight Beauty 28″ barrel, straight stock not far from new BARGAIN

Here’s your chance to pick up a great, all-around bird gun at a fair price.

The Browning Citori is one of the all-time great OU shotguns, and while there are a lot of used ones out there, you don’t see with this guns features, condition, and — most importantly — price.

Browning 20 ga Citori Superlight Beauty 28″ barrel, straight stock not far from new BARGAIN: Features 28″ Vent Rib Barrel, handsome straight stock, ejectors and selective safety with single trigger. Has had very little use, bore is perfect no dings and only minor handling marks. Tiny chip on butt plate at the toe. Has screw in Invector-type chokes…we do not know what chokes are in the gun. Shoots 2 3/4″ only. Price: $1,199

Good gun alert: 20g Parker Repro, 28″, double triggers, long LOP …

August 16, 2018September 23, 2018 by Gregg

20g DHE Parker/Winchester Reproduction, 28" bbls — 20g DHE Parker/Winchester Reproduction, 28″ bbls

Get it before it’s gone. This 20g DHE Repro has the two special features everyone wants today, but few people wanted back when they were building these doubles: Two triggers and 28″ barrels. It also has a long length-of-pull and excellent original condition.

PARKER DHE REPRODUCTION 20 GAUGE: Price: $3,950.00

28″ MOD AND FULL BBLS, 3″ CHAMBERS
DOUBLE TRIGGERS
EJECTORS
SPLINTER FOREARM
PISTOL GRIP
SKELETON BUTT
EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH LIGHT WEAR
6LBS 12 OZ
2 1/8 DAH
1 1/2 DAC
15″ FACTORY LOP

Good gun alert: 20g Parker VH, 1927…

January 13, 2018 by Gregg

Parker VH 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun, 28" Barrels — Parker VH 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun, 28″ Barrels

Here’s a gun every red-plaid-jacket wearing grouse hunter would love to own.

Parkers like these are THE classic doubles for upland hunting. This one is especially nice because it looks pretty original, it has some nice finish on it, and it’s fairly priced.

Parker VH 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun, 28″ Barrels: Serial Number 220979 — 1927. Pistol Grip. 0 frame. 14 1/2″ LOP. Drop at heel: 2 11/16″. Drop at comb: 1 7/16″. Right Bore .620”. Left Bore .619”
Chokes R .011 L .020. Some finish is worn off, but overall great original condition Parker. Price: $3,800

Killer condition = big $$ Minty Parker VH sells in flash…

November 30, 2017 by Gregg

Parker VH Grade 20 Gauge Double Shotgun, 26 Inch Barrels, Very Rare with Original Box

Say you a new shotgun. Would you use it, or stash it away — forever?

For some reason, whoever bought this 20g Parker VH back in 1921 for around $60 decided “stash it away — forever” was the way to go. And this week, 96 years later, it came out of hiding and sold for $14,750.

Quality V.H. shotguns were built to be “…strictly high-grade gun at a very low price–the best-made gun of its grade ever produced”. Hunters bought 78,670 of them and made the VH Parker’s most popular model.

Today, VHs are the most common Parkers out there. But how many of them all original, brand new, in their original box, with their original tags, like this one? Very, very few. That’s why some collector paid so much money for it.

Minty Parker VH Grade 20 Gauge Double Shotgun, with Original Box & Tags. Sold for $14,750.

Parker VH Grade 20 Gauge Double Shotgun, 26 Inch Barrels, Very Rare with Original Box and Hang Tags: It is not often that we have the opportunity to sell a firearm as special as this Parker. In all the years we have been in the firearms business, neither we or any of the other dealers we have talked with have ever had an original box and hang-tags with a Parker Shotgun. The 1921 vintage shotgun is a Vulcan Grade 20 Gauge with 26 inch barrels that is built on the lightweight O frame. It is in the best condition we have seen in years with nearly 100% original blue and 95%+ original case colors, with the only wear apparent on the gun is a small loss of case colors and small dark staining spots on the sides of the breeches of the receiver, probably from “box wear”. The bores are mint and the wood is nearly flawless, with only a couple of very small handling marks in the finish. This is probably the nicest 20 Gauge Parker most people would ever see, and it is made extra special by having its original box and hang tags. This is undoubtedly a “once in a lifetime” chance to own a very unique Parker Side-by-Side. PRICE: $14,750 — SOLD

Francotte: “… an imported hand made gun at an American price.”

July 29, 2017July 28, 2017 by Gregg

Francotte Shotguns, from 1938 Abercrombie & Fitch catalog

For most of the 20th century, Abercrombie & Fitch was the most famous name in American sporting goods. From a retail store on NYC’s Madison Avenue, and through catalogs sent out across North American, A&F sold everything from firearms to fishing lures.

In 1938, the first spread of their Rifle-Shotgun catalog opened with the following copy:

“In our opinion the Francotte, famous Belgian gun adapted by us to the American Sportsman and improved over a period of 50 years, represents real gun value second to none. It is, in fact, an imported hand made gun at an American price.”

Three pages of Francottes followed: From the top of the line Eagle Grade Hammerless Ejector No. 45 Quality to the Knockabout Ejector. All these guns featured Siemen-Martin ‘Special’ fluid steel barrels and could be ordered with Greener-crossbolts or doll’s head extensions. They were made made on what A&F called a “Francotte lock action”, said to be an improvement on Anson & Deeley-type boxlock action, and featured Francotte-patent ejectors.

Francotte (Abercrombie & Fitch) 28 gauge SXS Shotgun — Francotte (Abercrombie & Fitch) Quality 30E 28 gauge SXS Shotgun

Price wise, Francottes weren’t cheap. But they weren’t super expensive, either. At a time when a Parker Quality A-1 Special Quality with ejectors was $890, a Parker Quality B.H.E. was $375 and a Fox X.E. was $165, Francotte’s Eagle Grade Hammerless Ejector No. 45 Quality was $550. Their most affordable double — the Francotte Knockabout Ejector — was $175. In between were models like the No. 30 Quality (30E) at $400 and a No. 20 Quality (20E) at $275.

Compared to their American competitors, all these Francotte’s were built on superior designs, featured better finishing and proper scaling, and were more aesthetically pleasing overall. If you had stopped into A&F’s Madison Avenue store and placed a Parker, Fox, and Francotte side by side, it would have been plain to you which one was superior.

Francotte (Abercrombie & Fitch) 28 gague SXS Shotgun — Francotte (Abercrombie & Fitch) Quality 30E 28 gauge SXS Shotgun

Francotte (Abercrombie & Fitch) “30E” 28 gauge SXS Shotgun: Francotte Pre-war (Abercrombie & Fitch) SXS Shotgun. Side plated 28 GA. Ejectors, side clips, 26 inch BBL, Full and Full, Double triggers, 14 1/2 inch pull to horn butt plate with Abercrombie and Fitch Leather case. Bores like new. Price: $17,995

FRANCOTTE MODEL “20E” DOUBLE 20 GAUGE SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN RETAILED BY ABERCROMBIE & FITCH: 28″ barrels choked R: .009″ L: .030″. Engraved sideplate action with auto ejectors, side clips, hiddend third bite (crossbolt with rib extension), double triggers, top lever. Checkered splinter forend and semi-pistol grip buttstock. Stock measurements: Comb: 1 1/2″ Heel: 2 1/2″ LOP: 14 1/4″ to a horn buttplate. Weight 5lbs 13oz. In beautiful original condition retaining nearly all of the casehardened finish on the action and sideplates. Trigger guard and top lever have all of the high polish charcoal blue remaining. Barrels showing 98% original blue with the maker’s and A&F’s names engraved on top. “A FRANCOTTE MAKER” and patent info on the left sideplate at the bottom. Excellent wood and checkering. 1949 mfg. Price: $8,750

EARLY FRANCOTTE 12 GAUGE DOUBLE EJECTOR GUN: 26″ damascus steel barrels, auto ejecgtors, beautiful scroll engraved sideplates and relief engraved fences. Double triggers, top lever, double underlocking lugs with Greener type third bite. Bores measure .729″ both barrels with walls over .030″ Chokes: R: .003″ L: .033″ Weight: 6lbs 7oz. Stock measures Comb: 1 1/2″ Heel: 2″ LOP: 14 1/2″ over a thin English hardrubber pad. The barrels retain all of the beautiful damascus pattern, The action showing lovely subdued case colors. Mint bores, excellent checkering and varnish. This would make a perfect bird gun. Price: $5,950

Good gun alert: 20 gauge Beretta Silver Hawk SxS …

March 16, 2017 by Gregg

1960 - Beretta Model 409 - Silver Hawk SxS Shotgun — 1960 – Beretta Model 409 – Silver Hawk SxS Shotgun

Beretta is famous for its OUs. But they’ve also made a lot of nice side-by-sides.

Here’s a nice, lightweight, no-frills one that’s perfect for grouse, woodcock, and quail. It has a few issues, but nothing you can’t fix (or just live with).
1960 – Beretta Model 409 – Silver Hawk SxS Shotgun: 20ga, 2-3/4″, 28″ IM / F, Raised Solid Rib with Rib Extension Third Bite, Single Non-Selective Trigger, Extractors, Hand Engraved, LOP 14-1/8″, Drop 1-5/8″ to 2-1/2″, Weight 5 lbs. 15 oz. Price: $1575

Condition: Mechanically the gun is Excellent. The barrels have a few freckles. The stock has a crack on the left side. This is typical on these guns because of the sharp corner at the back of the frame. The stock is a through bolt stock, so it has no affect on the strength of the stock. Overall, a very nice little gun with the longer barrels that everyone seems to want these days.

Good gun alert: 20g Beretta OU, S56E….

October 6, 2016 by Gregg

Rugged and reliable, older Beretta OUs like this one are easy to love. You could spend 5X on a shotgun and not get an over-under that’s much better.

BERETTA S56E 20 GAUGE OVER UNDER SHOTGUN WITH EJECTORS: 28″ BARRELS WITH 3″ CHAMBERS, CHOKED UNDER IC/LIGHT MOD 9.014) OVER FULL (.028), PRINCE OF WALES GRIP, 98% BLUE/GREY FINISH, WOOD GOOD SHOWS FIELD USE, TIGHT ACTION, MINT BORES. Price: $1,499

Good gun alert: 20 gauge Ithaca Flues 4E, 28″ bbls…

August 26, 2016 by Gregg

ITHACA GRADE 4E FLUES MODEL SxS 20 gauge, 28" bbls — ITHACA GRADE 4E FLUES MODEL SxS 20 gauge, 28″ bbls

The Ithaca Flues is one of my favorite American doubles. While these SxSs aren’t as highly regarded as Foxes or Parkers, there’s something about them that appeals to me. Judging by the success of the model, there was something about them that appealed to other people, too.

The Ithaca Flues was one of the most popular SxSs ever made in America. Available from 1908 to 1925, around 223,000 of these shotguns were built. An American gunsmith named Emil Flues came up with the design and Ithaca turned it into a simple, reliable double available at a pricel below other quality shotguns available at the time. Obviously, people thought they were a good deal.

Ithaca’s Flues came in five grades: 1, 2, 4, 6 & 7, The one you see here is a Grade 4 with ejectors (the “E” in 4E), and to my eye it features enough embellishment to be attactive without going over board looking pimped out

ITHACA GRADE 4E FLUES MODEL SxS: 20 ga double bbl. 28″ bbls with a solid matte rib choked modified and full. Good amount of orig blue finish on bbls. Slight wear at the muzzle. Case colored scroll engraved frame that has aged to a grey patina. Fleur-de-lis checkered pistol grip stock is in good condition. Typical handling mars. Rubber recoil pad. Price: $3,995

Auction alert: 20 gauge Beretta BL-4 O/U, 28″ barrels…

June 29, 2016 by Gregg

20 gauge Beretta BL-4 OU Double Barrel Shotgun on Gunbroker.com

Game of Thrones fans know winter is coming. Bird hunters know something far more important is headed our way: grouse season. For folks who hunt in NH & Maine, opening day is October 1, and if you’re looking for a great double to take in the wood this fall, here it is.

Twenty-gauge Beretta BL 4s are great shotguns. The Garcia Corporation imported them and other Beretta BL-grade O/Us into the US in the ’60s & ’70s. Each grades came with various degrees of engraving and touch better finishing than the company’s later 686s. I think that makes them look a bit more refined.

If I had this gun, I would open the chokes a bit (it looks like they’re still the original M & F right now) and get rid of that bad idea hanging off the butt-end of the stock. Then I’d start dreaming about October.

20 gauge Beretta BL-4 O/U, 28″ barrels: 3″ chambers. The top barrel has a full choke while the bottom has a modified choke.

Auction alert: A real nice 20g L.C. Smith Trap Grade…

January 15, 2016 by Gregg

L.C. Smith Trap Grade, 20 ga. side by side shotgun 26" & 28" bbls — L.C. Smith Trap Grade, 20 ga. side by side shotgun 26″ & 28″ bbls

Here’s a hard-to-find vintage American double in fantastic original condition. It’s a 20 gauge L.C. Smith Trap Grade, and it’s up for auction now at Gunrunnerauctions.com. If you collect Elsies, bid now. I doubt you’ll see a better one of these any time soon.

According to the L.C. Smith website, Hunter Arms Co. made 3346 Trap-grade sxs shotguns. Of those, 348 were 20 gauges. The site also says:

“Production of the Trap Grade began in 1912 and ran to 1940. The 1913 catalog stated “In the production of this grade particular attention has been paid to meet the requirements of sportsmen who are desirous of a gun for trap shooting, as well as for field, with all of the latest attachments – Hunter One-Trigger and Automatic Ejector especially – and at a very low price. Each lock-plate is engraved with a trap shooting scene consisting of a trap house and a squad of five shooters at the score. We can confidently recommend this grade as entirely satisfactory, especially for the purpose the name implies. With our special system of boring, no better guns are made for trap than the L.C. Smith Double Gun with Hunter One-Trigger.” The price with two triggers in 1913 was $55, and a Hunter One-Trigger brought the price up to $75. Ejectors added $11 to the price, and $86 would buy the gun with both ejectors and the Hunter One-Trigger. The base price of this grade increased to $77 by the time that it was discontinued in 1940. ”

L.C. Smith Trap Grade, 20 ga. side by side shotgun 26″ & 28″ bbls: Serial #8013, mfg. 1916 by Hunter Arms Co., Fulton, NY. Excellent condition. The rare “Trap Grade” in 20 ga. AND two-barrel set – all matching serial numbers on all iron. Grade E with scroll engraved receiver – left panel has a trapshooting squad of five men and a trap; right panel has a lone hunter shooting at a flushing bird. Case color is mostly gone on the receiver, but about 15% is in protected areas. Good tight action. Two barrels included: One 26″ barrel with solid rib, two ivory beads, bright bore, beavertail forearm; and one 28″solid rib barrel with two ivory beads, bright bores, splinter forearm. The 26″ barrel has 98% bright blue and the 28″ barrel has 90% blue with some wear near the muzzles. Wood is fancy with excellent dark burl and sharp checkering – appears to be have been refinished when the red Jostam recoil pad was fitted. Hunter One single trigger works well. Ejectors are strong and throw hulls across the room. LOP is 14″ over pad. Both barrels are marked “L.C. Smith Trap Grade” – 28″ barrel is also marked “Hunter Arms Co. Inc., Fulton, NY, USA” on top. Includes Cody factory letter stating the Grade E and Trap model and noting the 26″ barrel. The shotgun was finished on June 30, 1916. The second barrel was made in the factory, but it is correct to not see that noted in a factory letter.

This week’s good guns: Powered by Gunsinternational.com …

December 13, 2015 by Gregg

MANTON 8 BORE EXPRESS- 17 Lbs. 7 Oz. of REAL TURN of the CENTURY SPORT- 24″ FULLY RIFLED STEEL Bbls.- EXC PLUS BORES- CASES & ALL LOADING DATA: #5770, Manton & Co. Gun Makers To H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. K.G. London & Calcutta: A large Jones Action Underlever Back-Action Rebounding Hammer 8 Bore Black Powder Express Shoulder Double Rifle Made with a 3 1/4″ Case and with 24″ Steel fully rifled barrels with a rib extension dolls head, Full length rib with 1 standing & 3 folding platinum lined rear sights at 50 – 100 & 150, Percussion style fences, Full length trigger guard tang to a steel engraved grip cap, Extremely solid and sound wood with nice color & contrast, Shadowline cheekpiece, Sling eyes, Lever release forend, Great stock length at 14 1/2″ LOP over a 7/8″ Silvers pad, Great weight at 17 Lbs. 7 Oz., This is a full rifled set of barrels and the bores remain excellent plus and I would put them at 92-93% from the day they were cut, All the screws are in very good to excellent shape and nearly everyone lays north & south including the 6 inside the forend, It has been professionally refinished from stem to stern with fresh case colors, The whole is cased in a high quality oak & leather trunk with a trade label. This piece is accurate, comes with the proper head stamped cases, bullets, bullet mold, wads and all the loading data will be provided. It is ready to go hunting and a whole bunch of fun shooting. There are 8 bores and then there are other 8 bores but one would have to go a fair distance to come up with a more solid gun than this Manton with barrels that are in excellent condition inside and out plus it has the proper weight and great length of pull. To quote Mr. Geoffrey Boothroyd “Few people would dispute that the most famous name in the history of British gunmaking is that of Manton”. Manton in this era called the 8, 10 & 12 bores as “Big Game” rifles; the 450, 500 & 577’s were called “Express Rifles” and the 400 & 470 as “High Velocity” rifles. Price: $39,000

Francotte 20E 16 Gauge SxS Shotgun, 1926, FACTORY ORIGINAL HIGH CONDITION: 5lb 12oz, Side by Side, Serial # 81889. his Francotte Model 20E is a sideplated box lock gun that is a mid-grade gun from this maker. Built in 1926 during the time when quality reigned supreme, this little Francotte retains most of its factory original condition with 85% vivid case color, clear sharp deep chiseled engraving, excellent screws, mirror bores, 98% factory blue, beautifully figured European walnut with excellent checkering…just a beautiful little 16 bore. Weighing just 5 3/4lbs. and balanced just ahead of the hinge pin with 28″ barrels choked LM/IM (.014/.024 restrictions, can be altered to your specs in our shop within 10 days of purchase), this is the epitome of the upland game gun. The gun is mechanically excellent in all ways, with strong well timed ejectors, crisp double triggers, tight as new on hinge and breech face, this is the way you like to find them. The Francotte guns are one of the best buys in the fine gun world and known for strength and durability while being quite refined. This gun has 5 locking points; Greener cross bolt, double underlug bites, sideclips, and through the frame barrel lug…just as good as you can get and being 90 years old and still tight as new, a testament to its design. Compare this gun to any other offerings for condition and features and you will agree it is priced to sell. Price: $6,450

ENGLISH DOUBLE BARREL HAMMERGUN BY “JOSEPH HARKOM & SON, EDINBURGH: 12 gauge, 30″ damascus steel barrels. Casehardened and engraved back action locks, carved fences, underlever action. Three position hammers and extractors. In lovely condition with very crisp engraving with the action and locks showing much of the case colors fading. The barrels showing a nice pattern and have been professionally rebrowned. Beautiful wood and checkering. Dimensions: Barrels measure .728″ in both barrels. Chokes are cylinder bored. Walls exceed .028″ Weight: 7lbs 1oz. LOP: 14 5/8″ to a steel buttplate. Comb: 1 1/2″ Heel: 2″. Price: $3,950

L.C. SMITH WILDFOWL 3″ Chambers 12GA 32″ bbls: A Classic American Side-by-Side Water Fowl gun. Price: $1800
Manufacturer: HUNTER ARMS
Model: L.C.SMITH WILDFOWL
Serial Number: R191118
Chambers: 3″
Barrels: 32″
Gauge: 12
Stock Comb: 1 1/2IN
Stock Heel: 2 1/2in
Butt Pad: LONDON STYLE
LOP: 14 1/2IN
Weight: 8.25LBS
Manufacture Date: 1939
Choke Left: FULL
Choke Right: FULL
Proof:Nitro: YES

J.P. Sauer & Sohn Suhl SxS 12 Ga Shotgun with straight stock: Price: $1,199.99
Caliber: 12 Ga.
Metal Condition: Excellent.
Wood Condition: Excellent Light handling Marks..
Bore Condition: Excellent.
Barrels: 28 Inches. With a Greener Style cross bolt break.
Triggers: Double Triggers.
Stock: Walnut with diamond pattern on grip.
Fore End: Walnut with diamond.
Butt Pad: Factory with embossed logo.
Weight: 7 Pounds