28 gauge Archives - Dogs and Doubles

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

July 7, 2019 by Gregg

PARKER DHE 28 GAUGE, 30" bbls, Straight Stock, 14 7/8" LOP — PARKER DHE 28 GAUGE, 30″ bbls, Straight Stock, 14 7/8″ LOP

PARKER DHE 28 GAUGE: #2374XX, OO FRAME, RARE 30″ BARRELS 008 AND 018 2 3/4, DOUBLE TRIGGER, EJECTORS, BEAVERTAIL FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, SKELETON BUTT, EXCELLENT, ORIGINAL CONDITION, 6LBS 4 OZ, 2″ DAH, 1 7/16″ DAC, 14 7/8″ LOP. Price: $49,500

William Evans 12 gauge boxlock (30″, “Pall Mall”): This is a very nice William Evans 12 ga. boxlock with double triggers.The automatic selective ejectors are robust. The gun sports 2 3/4 ” chambers and is a joy to shoot. Serial Number: 9426. Chambers: 2 3/4″. Ejectors: Automatic Selective. Condition: Very Good. Metal Condition: Very Good. Wood Condition: Very Good . Bore Condition: Very Good. Barrels: 30″. Gauge: 12. Stock Comb: 1 3/8″. Stock Heel: 2 1/4″. Stock Cast: Off. LOP: 14 3/4″. Weight: 6 lbs., 7.7oz. (6.48lbs). Manufacture Date: Circa 1909 . Chokes: IM / F. Choke Left: .696.” Choke Right: .707″. Case: Original canvas, wood, leather. Price: $4500

BROWNING Superposed – Superlight – 20ga – As New in Box – With Briley Chokes: 1970 – Browning Superposed Superlight – 20ga, 26-1/2″, 2-3/4″, Briley Chokes (CL / SK / IC / LM / LF), Tapered Vent Rib, English Stock, Game Forearm, LOP 14-3/4″ to a 7/8″ Leather Covered Pad, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″, Weight 5 lbs. 13 oz. Someone took a MINT As New in Original Box Superlight and turned it into a perfect upland shooting machine. The gun looks like it was NEW when they started the project, and not used after the modifications. The checkering is really sharp. The pad is perfectly executed. The metal is 99%. The gun is so tight it still has to be pushed open. The wood finish appears to be a satin lacquer. A Great Gun! Price: $3650

Beretta 471 Silver Hawk 20ga/28″ Multichoke: Factory original and in near new condition. Factory case and accessories included. Price: $3,495

L.C. Smith Quality 2E 20 Gauge: This L.C. Smith 2E in 20 gauge is in overall very good condition. The wood on the stock and forearm has very appealing grain and is an English style stock. The barrels are also in very good condition retaining a very good amount of bluing. The engravings on both sides and the bottom of the receiver are still very apparent. There does appear to be a slight repair on the forearm as seen in the picture of the forearm. This would make a very nice addition to a collection of American shotguns. Curio/Relic: Yes, Chambers: 2 3/4 inch side by side with ejectors. Metal Condition: Very good with light handling and wear marks. Wood Condition: Very good with few handling marks. Bore Condition: Good condition for the age of the gun. Barrels: 28-inch blued barrels with solid rib. Triggers: Single trigger. Stock: Checkered walnut in the English style. Stock Dimensions: 14-inch LOP 1 1/2 inch DAC and 2-inch DAH Fore End: Checkered walnut. Butt Pad: Black original butt plate. Weight: 7 lb 7 oz. Sights: Front and mid bead on a solid rib. Chokes: Improved Cylinder/Modified Price: $2,999.99

W. W. GREENER – FH 35 – 12 GA.: 27” BLS. IC/MOD. – WITH GREENER’S “WATERSHIELD” RIB – REPLACEMENT STRAIGHT HAND STOCK 15 3/8” X 1 3/8” X 2 5/16” X 3/8” CAST OFF – CHAMS. 2 ½” WITH 1 ¼ OZ. PROOF – A FEW STOCK DINGS AND ONE DING IN RIB. SOME BLUE WEAR ON BLS. Price: $2,500

Good gun alert: 28g Parker Repro, 28″ bbls, double triggers …

July 3, 2019 by Gregg

Parker-Winchester DHE 28ga, 28" M/F — Parker-Winchester DHE 28ga, 28″ M/F

Get it now! Here’s one of the hardest Parker Repro to find, and it looks like it’s in excellent original condition.

In 1984, America’s favorite vintage double-barrel shotguns — the Parker — was reborn as Parker Reproductions. The brainchild of Parker collector Tom Skeuse, these guns were made in Japan by Olin-Kodensha, builders of Winchester 101s.

Today, these doubles are perfect for people who want vintage-gun character without all the vintage-gun hassles (worn out parts, poor repairs, lousy stock dimensions, etc).

Parker-Winchester DHE 28ga, 28″ M/F: Double triggers, pistol grip stock, splinter forend, and skeleton buttplate. This gun has some thinning to the case colors and light handling to the stock finish. Factory case and dust cover included. Price: $4,495

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

June 16, 2019 by Gregg

Parker Reproduction 28GA, Double Trigger

Parker Reproduction SXS 28GA, Double Triggers: 26″ barrels choked IMPROVED CYL/MOD. Perfect bore – bright and shiny. Metal finish is in excellent original condition. No loss of case colors. LOP 14 1/4″. DAH 2 1/4″. DAC 1 1/2″. All screws are clean and show no sign of screwdriver use. A few very minor handling marks in the wood finish from being in the safe. Complete with canvas covered leather case and snap caps. Price: $5,995

JOHN DICKSON BOXLOCK SIDE-BY-SIDE EJECTOR 12 GAUGE: 28″ BARRELS, CHOKED .003″ AND .013″, CHAMBERS: 2 3/4″, DOUBLE TRIGGERS, EJECTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, CASED, EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH LIGHT WEAR, 6LBS 8 OZ, STOCK: 2 1/8″ DAH, 1 9/16″ DAC, 15″ LOP. Price: $3,950

Like New CSMC RBL Launch 20 gauge Auto Eject Double Trigger Straight Grip Exhibition Wood Cased 28 Inch Barrels: We are proud to bring you this listing for this like new condition CSMC RBL Launch Edition 20 gauge side by side shotgun. This shotgun features a set of 28 inch barrels, like new bores, screw in chokes (Sk/Sk/Mod/IM/Full) and choke tool, checkered splinter forend, automatic ejectors, double gold triggers, case colored and engraved receiver, checkered straight stock, exhibition wood and the factory butt plate. The length of pull is 14 ¾ inches, 1 ½ inch drop at the comb, 2 ¾ inch drop at the heel and a total weight of 6.36lbs. This comes with the original factory case, snap caps, etc. Price: $3750

Army Navy 12g SxS Hammer gun: Some bluing on the trigger guard. Some case colors on locks, hammers, and receiver. Barrels have patina. Bores good some freckling. Chambered 12 ga, 2 1/2″. Right barrel .729″, Left barrel .702″. Gun is tight, no cracks in the wood. 30″ barrels. Hammers have been broken off and reground. Price: $1500

Suhl ~ H. Bachstadt ~ S/S ~ Boxlock ~16 Ga: This is a Belgian made side by side shotgun with German proofmarks from Suhl chambered in 16 ga. with 27 1/2 inch blued barrels. The barrels are in very good condition with most of their blueing, the receiver is in very good shape with most of its case color, the stock is in good condition with minor nicks and dents, the bore is in very good shape and is still shiny. Chambers: 2 1/2″, Barrels: 27 1/2 inch blue with solid rib., Triggers: Double triggers., Stock: Checkered walnut with pistol grip., Stock Dimensions:, LOP 14 inches., Fore End: Matching Schnabel forearm with checkering., Butt Pad: Black plastic plate with checkering., Weight: 5 Lbs. 15 Oz., Sights: Brass front bead on solid rib., Chokes: Fully choked barrels. Price: $1,199.99

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

June 9, 2019 by Gregg

WESTLEY RICHARDS Deluxe Droplock Express .303 Savage Cased in Orig O&L case, Mfg 1907 Near new all original condition: Serial # 16840, Barrel Length: 26″, Trigger SST (Single Selective), Stock Configuration Capped Pistol Grip with trap (with spare front sight inside), Checkered panels with drop points, Pancake cheek piece, Forearm Type Splinter Forearm with horn insert at tip Rib Type 1/4 Rib With express sights (1 standing and two folding), Engraving Type Westley Richards style Ornamental Scroll Engraving with game scene of elk on bottom and a Tiger on the trigger guard Other Options Original Oak & Leather case wit accessories, Very fancy wood, Heel & Toe plates with checkered butt, Night sight, Floding front sight hood, Bolted safety, Sling swivels Condition EXC. Plus Condition Weight 8#7oz Dimensions 14 3/8″ LOP Other Details Mfg 1907, Amazing all original condition. Price: $65,000

Winchester Model 21, 12ga, 30″ barrels, Custom Special Order: Standard grade Model 21 with fancy wood. Special ordered with exceptional wood in 22 L.P.I. in classic kidney pattern and oval grip cap. Canvas case with leather straps…letter of authenticity included. Serial Number: 16009, Chambers: 2 3/4 inch, Ejectors: Yes, Condition: Overall 95-97%, Metal Condition: 95%, Wood Condition: 98%, Bore Condition: Mint, Barrels: 30 inch, Triggers: Single Selective, Stock Drop: 1 9/16″ at comb, 2 1/2″ at heel, Stock Cast: None,Fore End: Beavertail (trap style), Butt Pad: Checkered Wood, LOP: 14 inches, Rib: Solid, Finish: Gloss, Weight: 7 lbs, 14 ozs, Manufacture Date: 1940, Choke Left: Fixed Modified, Choke Right: Fixed Full, Extras: Case, Authenticity Papers, Case: Yes. Price: $7,000

Beretta S03 Sidelock Game Gun 12ga: 28″ Boehler Antinit Steel Choked IC/Full 2 3/4″ Chambers, Double Trigger 1 1/2″x 2 1/2″ x 15 1/4″, Length to wood 13 7/8″ with 5/16″ spacer + 1″ Leather Faced Pad, This was a Factory Butt Plated Gun and still has the curve in the wood a plastic butt could be installed if someone wanted to do that. Production Date 1970, Chokes are original to gun and so marked on the barrel. PRICED TO SELL!!!! Price: $5750

Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co. Special Order Model RBL 28 Gauge With Case: Ordered on November 1st 2007. This side by side shotgun’s serial number is RBL 002874. The order number is 67710. It comes with its luggage carrying case in the English Style. This 28 gauge has the following features, Upgraded American Walnut, Splinter Forend, Straight Grip, Barrels 28 Inch Modified And Full, Single Selective Trigger, Auto Ejectors and “Pull” at 14 3/4 Inches. The frame is engraved and color cased finished. This shotgun has seen very little use or being fired. It is in very fine to almost unused condition. The accessories in the case are in the English style and in unused condition. This is a Stunning looking shotgun that handles great! It is nicely balanced and comes up nicely. Price: $4,500

Browning BSS Side Lock, Sidelock, 12ga, New: 28″ with fixed Mod and Full. Gun is new but no box, sorry, box was lost in a move. CLEAN gun, just one little ding as shown. SN is 010xxPT918. 1 5/8″ DAC, 2 1/8″ DAH, 14 3/8″ LOP, 1/8″ Cast off, 6 pounds 8 oz. Price: $3,999

Auction alert: 28g Parker DHE SxS shotgun…

March 13, 2019 by Gregg

Check out the video above to get a closer look at this nice looking 28 gauge Parker Bros DHE side-by-side. This gun, and a lot of other great doubles, are coming up at the end of the month at Poulin Auctions Spring 2019 Firearms sale.

PoulinAuctions.com, Spring, 2019 sale, Lot: 1089, PARKER DHE GRADE SXS SHOTGUN

Lot: 1089, PARKER DHE GRADE SXS SHOTGUN: Cal. 28 Ga. S# 207714. Bbls. 28″ w/ 2 3/4″.chambers. Choked imp. cyl. & mod. 1924 Production. Single trigger serial numbered to gun. 00 Frame, ejectors & color cased hardened action. Blued bbls. Capped pistol grip stock. Skeleton buttplate. Splinter forend. LOP: 14 1/8″. DAC: 1 5/8″. DAH: 2 1/2″. Weight: 5 lbs., 14 oz. CONDITION: action retains 60% original color case hardening w/ colors fading to gray w/ noticeable wear along sharp edges & where carried. Bbls. retain better than 90% original blue w/ slight fading around forend & unusual engraved rib legend. Wood remains proud to metal w/ some scattered compression marks. Wood grain is rather plain w/ some very light fiddleback. Checkering remains crisp w/in skeleton buttplate. Grip cap remains crisp. Bores are bright & shiny & measure .552″ right & .550″ left. Action locks up tight & on face though top rib extension shows slight gap at breech end. (19-154/TB). CURIO. Estimate $20,000-28,000.

‘Friggin WOW. An incredible 28g Parker BHE side by side…

August 16, 2018September 23, 2018 by Gregg

Here’s a double you don’t see every day–and may never see again.

It’s a 28 gauge Parker BHE built in 1916. When it was made, Quality B.H. guns were the 4th down in the company’s lineup, below the A. No. 1 Special, the A.A.H., and the A.H. (the first Invincible was completed in 1923).

Parker only made 1,034 B.H. grade guns. That’s not many, especially for a company that built 247,000+ doubles in all. Most of those B.H. grades were 12s. As it says below, only four were 28 gauges.

Parker Bros. BHE, 28ga, original 26″ Acme Steel barrels. Double triggers, automatic ejectors, and automatic safety. 1916. 1 of 4 made. “00” frame. Double triggers, automatic ejectors, and automatic safety. The gun is fabulously engraved with scroll and floral pattern – a special order feature. It has 2-7/8″ original chambers with excellent bright shiny bores, measuring .563 right and .557 left. Full length matted top rib with proper original Acme barrel legend. The gun has a capped pistol grip, inlaid with a gold cap and a large “H” engraved on the cap. Original skeleton buttplate with traces of original blue remaining. Stock dimensions in the factory letter are LOP of 14-1/4″ with drop-at-comb of 1-3/4″ and drop-at-heel of 3-1/8″. The gun has these exact specifications today. Weight is 5lbs 7oz – exactly as found in the PGCA letter. Barrel blue is excellent and all original and appears to be in the 75% range. Price: $59,500

Auction alert: 28g Beretta BL-3 OU shotgun, perfect for mom….

May 12, 2018 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 28ga 28", Over Under Shotgun — Beretta BL-3 28ga 28″, Over Under Shotgun

Here’s a great Mother’s Day gift for any mom who’s into upland hunting. If you fortunate, she may let you use it.

I’ve gushed about these Berettas many times before. Imported into the U.S. in the late ’60s and early ’70s, they were good deals in their day. Today, they’re one of the best buys you’ll find in a bird gun.

Simple, rugged, and well made, this 28g is a ton of gun in sexy, lightweight package. And its 28″ barrels make it extra special.

It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends tomorrow, 5/13/2018 @ 4:29 PM.

Beretta BL-3 28ga 28″, Over Under Shotgun: Choked M/F. This is a gun you do not see very often but it is a real sweet gun. It weighs just under 6 pounds and shoots like a dream. There is a reason these little guns are so popular. Take a good look at the photos as the gun is in good shape but does have a few blemishes. some spots on the blueing of the toplever and a crack in the toe of the stock are the most noticeable. This will make an excellent quail or small gauge clays gun.

Auction alert: 28g Ruger OU, 28″ bbls…

April 7, 2018April 6, 2018 by Gregg

Ruger has built some good shotguns and some not-so-good shotguns.

The Red Label OU you see here is one of the good ones, and it’s 28″ barrels make it a bit special.

With 2 3/4″ chambers and screw-in choke tubes, it’s versatile enough for grouse, quail, woodcock, and doves. It’s also affordable–and all American.

Bidding on this one starts at $995 and is happening now. It’s a No-Reserve action, ending 4/12/2018 @ 12:19 PM.

Ruger Red Label 28g O/U Shotgun: Beautiful Ruger Red Label 28g over/under shotgun, stainless receiver, nice wood, 28″ barrel. Inside barrel is clean. Top barrel has a Ruger improved cylinder choke, bottom has a full choke. The stock has a few typical dings from use. Bluing is good with a little wear on the edges of the vent rib on the right side, a ding on the left side of vent rib and a few scratches under barrel as pictured. We do not have a the box.

This week’s 5 guns you’ve got to see…

March 27, 2018 by Gregg

J. Purdey & Sons – Best Sidelock Three Barrel Set – 20 ga: Price: $48,500.00
Item Number: PUR22212
Shotgun type: SxS
Action: Sidelock
Ejectors: Yes
Trigger: Single
Grip: Straight Grip
Forend: Checkered
Lop: 14 1/2 ”
Pad thickness: ”
Type of butt: Checkered Butt
Drop comb: 1 5/8 ”
Drop heel: 2 5/8 ”
Cast amount: 1/4 ”
Cast: Off
Weight: 6 lbs, 4 oz

Manufactured in: England
Manufacture Year: Finish: Case Colored
Overall condition: Very Good
Stock condition: Very Good
Metal condition: Very Good
Stock: Original finish
Metal: Original finish
Type of Case: Leather Luggage Case

PARKER BROS VHE 28ga 28″ Straight grip, “0” frame mfg 1921: Price: $12,900

Serial # 192528
Choke R SKT(.005)
Choke L IM(.020)
Trigger DT (Double)
Stock Configuration Straight Grip
Forearm Type Splinter Forearm
Rib Type Matted Concave Rib
Receiver Finish Casehardened with traces remaining
Engraving Type Border Engraving
Other Options Dogs head butt plate, “0” frame, 2 3/4″ chambers
Condition VG Plus Condition
Weight 6#2oz
Dimensions 1 3/8 x 2 1/4 x 14 1/2 with 0 cast
Other Details Mfg 1921

Parker VHE SKEET Remington Era 1935 Straight Stock With Letter: 12 Gauge Serial

12 gauge Parker VHE SKEET Remington Era 1935 Straight Stock With Letter

number 237237 completed on June 25, 1935. This is a Remington Era Parker. This shotgun’s rare features letter up nicely. Straight stock, 12 Gauge, 26-inch barrels, single trigger and large fore end. The Parker research letter listing all options is included. Condition is excellent with much of the original and bright Remington Era case color remaining on the receiver. The barrel blue is also excellent with some light handling and wear. Twin ivory beads. The barrel flats are marked SKEET IN & SKEET OUT. Frame size is 1 1/2. The original straight stock is excellent and has a LOP of 13 1/4 inches from the REAR POSITION Parker single selective trigger over a Larry DelGrego & Son pad. Nice original and timed action screws. Drop at heel is 2 3/4 inches and drop at comb is 1 1/2 inches. The original Parker Beavertail fore end is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks and sharp original checkering. The shotgun is tight on the face with strong ejectors and proper functioning Parker single trigger. Weight is light at 7 pounds 9 ounces. Excellent bores. This is a fantastic highly optioned Parker Remington Era Skeet shotgun with a great Parker Research Letter that lists all options. Go to ironmenarms.com for more pictures. Price: $4550

Francotte Jubilee Knockabout grade in 12 GA: Knockabout grade, imported by Abercrombie

& Fitch Co. New York. Has P.D. engraved on the trigger guard. Price: $1,499.99
Manufacturer: SN: N988343
Caliber: 12 GA
Chambers: 2 3/4 inch
Metal Condition: very good to excellent conditon, a handfull of minor scratches on the barrels, a couple of nicks on the bottom of the barrels, most of the color is left on the receiver, most of the bluing on the barrels is still intact
Wood Condition: very good to excellent condition, a few minor dings and marks on the stock and fore end
Bore Condition: bright and shiny
Barrels: 28 inch
Triggers: double, smooth triggers
Stock: checkered pistol grip with grip cap
Stock Dimensions:
14.5 inch lop at the front trigger, 13.5 inch lop at the rear
Fore End: checkered splinter style
Butt Pad: Deceletator rubber pad
Weight: 6.85 lbs
Sights: tapered solid rib with single brass bead
Chokes: fixed, right barrel: Cyl. left barrel: Imp. Cyl.
Extras: none, no box or case
Item Location: Kansas City, KS

FRANCHI – Instinct L – 20ga – 28″ Chokes – Factory New: 2014 – Franchi Instinct L – 20ga, 3″, 28″ Single Selective Trigger, Ejectors, Prince of Wales Grip, LOP 14-3/4″ Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″, Weight 6 lbs 3 oz. Factory New Gun – Very Low Price. These are well-made guns that balance and handle very nicely. Price: $975

Auction alert: two nice Beretta OUs, 20g & 28g…

February 7, 2018 by Gregg

Beretta Model 686 Quail Unlimited Covey Limited Edition Over/Under 20g / 28g Shotgun

Beretta OUs are some of best doubles out there, especially the earlier models like these two. Both of these shotguns are coming to auction next week. If you’re looking for a great bird gun, you need to check them out.

Carol Watson’s Orange Coast Auctions has this one. The sale starts Sunday, February 11, 2018 @ 12:00 PM Pacific.

Beretta Model 686 Quail Unlimited Covey Limited Edition Over/Under Shotgun: With fitted pair of 20 ga. barrels, #QU2770, 28” vent rib 28 ga. barrels and 28” vent rib 20 ga. barrels, both fitted for Beretta mobil-chokes (28 ga. IC/IC.; 20 ga. IC/Mod.) Receiver with six gold quail inlaid on sides, plus gold QU logo inlaid on bottom, Beretta logo and other markings, ”1 of 750” on right-hand side; nice dark European walnut wood; 28 ga. forend with Schnaubel tip; 20 ga. is standard; buttstock with 14.5” length of pull to original Beretta pad. In Browning two-barrel hard case. Mfg’d 2003. Condition is excellent showing very little use, with few small handling marks to buttstock. Lockups are tight, bores are bright. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000.

Rock Island Auction Company has this one. It’s coming up for sale Thursday, February 15, 2018, @ 9:00 AM Central.

Engraved Beretta BL3 Over/Under 20 Gauge Shotgun 28″ with with Extra 26″ Barrels: Serial #: V11890. 3″ chambers, choke tube system (improved cylinder/skeet installed), and 14″ LOP. With extra 26″ vent rib 20 gauge barrels with 3″ chambers, and modified/improved cylinder chokes. Also includes 3 Briley choke tubes, and choke tool. Estimate: $1,600-$2,500.

Good gun alert: Gorgeous Piotti Lunik 28 gauge SxS…

December 13, 2017 by Gregg

Piotti Lunik - 28 gauge - side by side - straight grip - handmade in leather case - SPECTACULAR! — Piotti Lunik – 28 gauge – side by side – straight grip – handmade in leather case – SPECTACULAR!

Of the Italian gunmakers around today, Armi Fratelli Piotti is one of the best. Why? Just take a look at the SxS you see here.

This gun is a Piotti “Lunik”, part of the company’s top-of-the-line King series of side by sides. Along with it’s incredible engraving and great wood, it’s metal-to-metal fit is fantastic and the wood-to-metal fit is just as nice.

Piotti was founded in the 1960s by brothers Araldo & Faustino Piotti (“fratelli” means brothers). One of their early guns was used in the ’72 Munich Olympics to win a gold medal and for decades professional pigeon shooters have relied on Piottis to win big money.

Piotti Lunik – 28 gauge – side by side – straight grip – handmade in leather case – SPECTACULAR!: Description: Gorgeous wood – leather pad – 27” barrels – left: .070 right: .075 – LOP: 14 1/2” X 1 7/16” X 2 1/8” – 5 lbs 14.8 ozs – serial number: 9078 – gold crest – cocking indicators – Double Triggers – Splinter Forend – a very very fine gun in all the right configurations…LIKE NEW! Price: $32,995

Auction alert: 28g Ruger Red Label OU, 28″ bbls ….

December 12, 2017 by Gregg

28g Ruger Red Label Over Under Double Barrel Shotgun, 28" bbls — 28g Ruger Red Label Over Under Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″ bbls

Arguing is a great American pastime, and these days, people seem to be more committed to it than ever before. So lets take a time out and talk about something that’s not controversial: The Ruger Red Label.

Kidding.

From the moment the Red Label was introduced in 1977 to when it was finally put to rest in 2016, people have had strong opinions about this over-under shotgun. Lovers liked how it was American made. Haters disliked its heavy weight, sloppy wood-to-metal fit and non-existent quality control.

The Red Label was first made in 12 and 20 gauge. These are these models earned the gun its reputation for being a heavy, cumbersome pig. But in 1994, Ruger introduced their 28 gauge version of this shotgun. It proved to be the one that got just about everything right.

Field & Stream’s Phil Bourjaily owned one of the little OUs and wrote:

“The 28 is built on a perfectly scaled-down frame and handles beautifully. I was deadly with mine…”

If you end up owning this one, perhaps you’ll have the same kind of luck. It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends 12/25/2017 @ 10:26 AM.

28g Ruger Red Label Over Under, 28″ bbls: Up for auction is a ruger red label 28ga very nice condition, couple small marks on barrel. Great shooter.

Great gun alert: 28g Beretta BL-3 OU…

September 20, 2017 by Gregg

BERETTA - Model BL-3 - 28ga, 28" M/F - Single Selective Trigger - RARE - 1971 — BERETTA – Model BL-3 – 28ga, 28″ M/F – Single Selective Trigger – RARE – 1971

Here’s a great excuse to get a another double. This Beretta BL-3 is an awesome OU and just about perfect as-is for grouse and woodcock.

The Garcia Corporation imported Beretta BLs in the ’60s & ’70s. Personally, I think they’re better over-unders than the 686s and other boxlock models Beretta built afterwards.

For a long time, Beretta BLs were under appreciated. That’s not the case any longer. So if you like what you see, get on it now. This little 28 gauge won’t be on the market long.

BERETTA – Model BL-3 – 28ga, 28″ M/F – Single Selective Trigger – RARE – 1971: Vent Rib, Extractors, Single Selective Trigger, LOP 14-3/8″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″, Weight 5 lbs. 15 oz. Price: $1975

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: 28g Gamba SxS, 28″ bbls…

June 6, 2017 by Gregg

Renato Gamba Principessa 28ga, 28", Side-by-side shotgun — Renato Gamba Principessa 28ga, 28″, Side-by-side shotgun

Here’ a fantastic little side-by-side 28 gauge double barrel shotgun. If you’re a grouse, quail or woodcock hunter, it would perfect for you.

Renato Gamba is an Italian gunmaker located Gardone V.T. – the heart of Italian gunmaking. The family has been making guns since the second world war, and today they’re well known in competitive circles for their O/Us.

I think this SXS was made in the late ’80s or early ’90s. It looks like a standard, A&D boxlock action with a few modifications. It looks like it’s fantastic original condition overall. With its straight grip and 28″ barrels, it’s a hard gun to find — and a great deal.

Renato Gamba Principessa 28ga, 28″, Side-by-side shotgun: IC/MOD English Stock. Price: $2,495

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

May 21, 2017 by Gregg

W&C SCOTT PREMIER SIDELOCK SXS DOUBLE BARREL 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN

W&C SCOTT PREMIER SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE: 30″ DAMASCUS BARRELS WITH GREAT ORIGINAL PATTERN 016 AND 034 CHOKES 2 1/2″ CHAMBERS BLACK POWDER PROOFED DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH LIGHT WEAR 7LBS 12 OZ X 2 1/2″ X 1 5/8″ X 14 3/4″. Price: $16,500

JOHN MANTON CASED 16 BORE DOUBLE BARREL FLINTLOCK SPORTING GUN – CIRCA 1796 – In Manton Books: A Cased 16-Bore D.B. Flintlock Sporting Gun by John Manton, London, Serial No. 2696, Circa 1796 Beautiful damascus 34″/85cm barrels signed with maker’s name “MANTON – LONDON” in gold on the sunken rib with silver foresight. London proof marks. Case-hardened patent breeches each with two engraved gold lines and gold-lined touch-hole, grooved tang finely engraved with scrolls, flowers, and foliage, signed flat beveled locks each with stepped tail, blued steel-spring, roller bearing on a ramp, and gold-lined semi-rainproof pan, the internal working parts retaining much of their original blue.

Nicely figured walnut half-stock, chequered grip, raised cheek-piece, finely engraved iron mounts including scroll trigger-guard, the tang of the butt-plate with a dog and bird, trigger-plate with large pineapple finial, silver escutcheon engraved with owner’s initial ‘A’, a star and crescent above, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, and brass-mounted ramrod. Cased in associated re-lined and refitted mahogany case with some accessories, the exterior of the lid with large circular escutcheon incorporating the flush-fitting carrying handle. Accessories include double sided single charge brass powder flask and pigskin flint roll-up pouch. Price: $16,500

PARKER BROS VH 28ga SXS Shotgun, 28" barrels, Mfg 1912 — PARKER BROS VH 28ga SXS Shotgun, 28″ barrels, Mfg 1912

PARKER BROS VH 28ga SxS Shotgun, 28″ bbls, Mfg 1912: Price: $12,900

Serial # 158698
Choke R F (.029)
Choke L F (.029)
Stock Configuration Capped Pistol Grip, Dogs head buttplate
Forearm Type Splinter Forearm
Rib Type Matted Concave Rib
Other Options “0” Frame, 2 1/2″ chambers, Vulcan steel barrels, Shield in toe of stock, Factory letter
Condition EXC. Condition
Weight 5#13oz
Dimensions 1 1/2 x 2 5/8 x 14 with 0 cast

DEFOURNEY WOODWARD-STYLE SIDELOCK EJECTOR SXS 12 GAUGE: 29″ 007 AND 016 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION 7LBS 6 OZ X 2 1/8″ X 1 1/2″ X 14 1/4″. Price: $9,950

PHILLIP MORRIS & SON BOXLOCK EJECTOR SXS .410, 28″ BBLS: 28″ CYLINDER AND FULL 3″ CHAMBERS DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH LOTS OF CASE COLOR 4LBS 15 OZ X 2 1/4″ X 1 1/2″ X 14 1/2″. Price: $8,500

Auction alert: 28 gauge, 28″ Ruger Red Label O/U…

April 24, 2017 by Gregg

Ruger Red Label 28ga O/U, 28" — Ruger Red Label 28ga O/U, 28″

Everyone who owns one of these 28 gauge Ruger Red Label Over Unders says the same thing about them: “They’re awesome little shotguns for grouse, woodcock, & quail.

This one looks unfired, and it features the harder-to-find 28” barrels. It’s on Gunbroker.com now at No Reserve. The listing ends this Sat, 4/29/2017, @ 9:59 PM. So if you like what you see, bid on it now.

Ruger Red Label 28ga O/U, 28″: Made in 1997 and I can find no evidence that it was ever fired! This gun is a solid 99%. Bores are pristine and there is no evidence of a primer ring on the breech face as seen. Barrel length is 28″ and LOP is 14 1/2″. It comes with a case that is very nice. Also comes with 5 extra chokes.

Good gun alert: 28 gauge, 28″ Ruger Red Label OU, great wood …

February 20, 2017February 19, 2017 by Gregg

Ruger Red Label O/U 28 Gauge: A very good looking Ruger Red Label O/U shotgun in 28 gauge. Nice light gun that would be great for sporting or even better for bird hunting. Lower serial for a 28 Gauge Red Label so could be nice for a Ruger collection. Price: $1,499.99
Manufacturer: 1997
Caliber: 28 Gauge
Chambers: 2 3/4 inch
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Couple of field marks but excellent overall
Bore Condition: Shiny
Barrels: 28 inch with rib and ejectors
Triggers: Single
Stock: Nice walnut with checkered pistol grip

Stock Dimensions:
14 1/4 inch LOP
Fore End: Matching checkered walnut
Butt Pad: Black Ruger buttplate
Weight: 6 lbs 3 ozs
Sights: Single silver colored bead
Chokes: Screw in MOD and Improved CYL in gun, SKT and CYL in box
Extras: Comes with box and extra chokes
Item Location: Berlin, MA

The very best: 28 gauge Hartmann & Weiss over under shotgun …

February 17, 2017 by Gregg

HARTMAN & WEISS BEST BOSS STYLE OVER UNDER 28 GAUGE

Back in the 1950s, Otto Weiss was a young gunmaker working at W. Glaser in Zurich. He had grown up in the guntrade, and by the time he was in Switzerland, he had already worked for two of Germany’s most famous firms: Ernst Thälmann Werke and Merkel. So he knew a bit about shotguns.

At Glaser, he had an experience which changed his life. “When I was in Switzerland and came across some high-quality English guns, I thought ‘this is what I have to do’.” Fulfilling this ambition took him to London where he worked for Purdeys and then back to Germany where he met fellow gunmaker Gerhard Hartmann. Together, they formed — Hartmann & Weiss.

Today, many people believe Hartmann & Weiss is the finest gunmaker in the world. The over-under you see here is a good reason why. Built on Boss designs (with some improvements from H&W) and engraved by Ralph Bone, it’s about as perfect a shotgun as I’ve seen.

Check out these posts to see more pics of stunning Hartmann & Weiss OUs: It’s 1905 all over again & A HARTMANN & WEISS 20g Over and Under Engraved by Alan Brown & The English and German Gunmakers. Hartmann & Weiss and Boss & Co.

HARTMAN & WEISS BEST BOSS STYLE OVER UNDER 28 GAUGE: I THINK THAT THERE ARE ONLY 4 OR 5 OF THESE IN EXISTENCE. ENGRAVED IN THE KELTIC STYLE BY THE LATE RALPH BONE 27″ BARRELS WITH A SOLID RIB IC AND MOD 2 3/4 SINGLE TRIGGER EJECTORS BOSS STYLE FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CHECKERED BUTT NEW UNFIRED IN MAKERS CASE 5LBS 6 OZ X 2″ X 1 9/16″ X 14 1/4″ LOP. Price: $199,500

Auction alert: 28g Ruger Red Label, 28″ bbls, No Reserve….

July 20, 2016July 18, 2016 by Gregg

Ruger Red Label 28g, 28" bbls, Straigh English Grip, 1997 — Ruger Red Label 28g, 28″ bbls, Straigh English Grip, 1997

Here’s another one of these awesome OUs. These doubles are magic wands in the grouse woods. Most of the ones I see have pretty poor wood — but not this one. The 28″ barrels and straight grip are also hard to find.

This over-under is on Gunbroker.com now with No Reserve. The listing ends 7/24/2016 @ 9:18 PM.

Ruger Red Label 28g, 28″ bbls, Straigh English Grip, 1997: This is an early gRed Label in a hard to find configuration. It comes with an english stock, 28″ barrels, 2 1/2″ drop and a 14 1/4″ LOP. Gun is about as nice as it gets. It comes with a very nice leather case with accessories and wooden cleaning rod as seen. Comes with 5 choke tubes.

Auction alert: A 28g, 28″ Ruger Red Label OU….

June 4, 2016June 3, 2016 by Gregg

Ruger Red Label 28 gauge, OU Shotgun, 1st year NIB

Summer’s just getting started and that’s great news. It means we’re getting closer to grouse & woodcock season.

As you daydream about fall colors and flushing birds, you’re probably thinking about the right shotgun to carry, too. Well, this new-to-you 28g Ruger Red Label OU would be the perfect choice.

I remember dreaming about Red Labels decades, ago. Back when I was a kid, they were the only OUs most gunshops carried. I spent a lot of time leaning across counters and trying to get a closer look at them.

I don’t think I ever saw a 28g. If I had, I’m sure I would have fallen in love with it. While the Ruger Red Label 12s & 20s can have more warts than a Halloween witch, the 28s are as close to perfect as these guns get. They’re fairly priced, too.

This one is on Gunbroker.com now and the auction ends 6/5/2016 @ 3:45:18 PM ET.

Ruger Red Label 28 gauge, OU Shotgun, 1st year NIB: Gun is new in the box.First year production. 28 inch tubes. Unfortunately has some handling marks on the fore end from being assembled. Has not been fired. Has choke tubes, tool, manual.

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