28 | Dogs and Doubles

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

April 11, 2021 by Gregg

THE LEFEVER ARMS COMPANY EXHIBITION 12 GAUGE: #20901, 30″ DAMASCUS BARRELS MOD AND FULL 2 1/2″ CHAMBERS, DOUBLE TRIGGER, EJECTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, PISTOL GRIP, EXCELLENT CONDITION, HORN BUTT AND GRIP CAP, 7LBS 9 OZ, 2 1/4″ DAH, 1 1/2″ DAC, 14 1/2″ LOP. Price: $69,500

Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing (CSM) 16g Model 21 SxS: Flat side action has factory double triggers and automatic safety. The action, barrels, guard & tang and the forend iron have a very deep black high-polished finish with very tastefully inlaid gold vine and leaf borders with single bird game scenes of a flushing duck in cattails on the right side, a flushing woodcock in the alders on the left side and a rooster pheasant in the grass on the bottom of the action. The stock is nicely figured American walnut with a straight hand grip, what looks like a leather faced red Winchester pad and standard Model 21 beavertail forend with an ebony wedge in the tip. Two barrel set consists of one set of 28” barrels choked WS-1 and WS-2 and one set of 29” barrels that are choked Lt. Mod and Full. Each set of barrels has machine matted solid ribs with single orange beads, and damascened barrel flats and water tables. Gun is in excellent shape overall with some very small handling marks on one side, otherwise wood and metal is superb! In a leather CSM two barrel set flat case with Maker’s leather trade label and canvas cover with blank initial patch. This is a very attractive and tastefully adorned gun. Price: $20,000

August Francotte SxS Model 20 – 20 ga., 28″ barrels: Feature engine turned game rib, side clips, third fastener, 2-3/4″ chambers, choked improved cylinder and modified (.007/.014). Double triggers, auto safe. The sideplated action is engraved in a fine English scroll and retains 98% original case color hardening. The round pistol grip stock of nicely figured French walnut measures 1-3/8″ comb, 2″ heel, with a LOP of 14-3/4″ over a leather pad. Marked with the Abercrombie and Fitch import name on the barrels, this is a classic double for about 100 years and a staple of the A&F line. This is a fine example retaining nearly all of the original finish as seen in the photos. There is a slight abrasion on the right barrel and some handling marks from use on the stock. The gun remains tight as new and weighs 6 lbs., 2 oz. Classy little upland double! Price: $5,750

Merkel ~ 203E Sidelock OU ~ 12 Gauge: This is a fully engraved sidelock ejector over under shotgun with hand detachable sidelocks. The ejectors are strong and well-timed, the double trigger are crisp with the front trigger being articulated. The 27″ Bohler Steel barrels are like new and have fixed FULL chokes. The butt stock is nicely figured with good shooting dimensions and the 3 piece forearm that fits nicely in hand. 100% coverage bank note scroll engraving on the sidelocks along with cocking indicators. This is a great looking and feeling shotgun. 12 Gauge. Chambers: 3″ Over/Under with ejectors., Metal Condition: Excellent with a touch of thinning blue on the trigger guard. The coin finished receiver is excellent. Wood Condition: Very nice with a few small dings and dents. Bore Condition: Bright and shiny. Barrels: 27″ blue with a solid rib. Triggers: Double triggers with the front being articulated. Stock Dimensions: “14 1/2″” LOP to the front trigger, 1 1/2″” DAC, 2 5/16″” DAH. Fore End: 3 piece forend with checkering. Butt Pad: Matching walnut with a checkered straight grip and a black butt plate. Weight: 6 Lbs. 12 Oz. Sights: Single white color front bead on a flat solid rib. Chokes: Fixed FULL and FULL. Price: $4,999.97

Connecticut Shotgun RBL28 SxS 28Ga. Shotgun NEW IN THE BOX: SN #RBL002840. NEW IN THE BOX. LOP 14 5/8″. Chamber 2 3/4″. DAC 1 1/2″- DAH 2 1/8″. Chokes are R/S Mod. and L/S Full. 30″ barrels with a Traditional Game Solid Rib. Case Colored Receiver with Hunting Dogs Engraved on sides. Premium checkered pistol grip Walnut stock and Beavertail forend. Single select trigger with barrel selector behind trigger. Ejectors. Comes in a nice Canvas Breakdown Case with Red Felt Interior and includes a Chrome oil bottle, Chrome snap caps, cleaning brushes, cleaning rods, and eye and ear protectors. Weight: 6 lbs. Trigger Pull: 5 1/2 lbs. Price: $4600

Original or redone? You decide. A 28g Parker GHE Skeet ….

February 17, 2021 by Gregg

Parker Brothers GHE Skeet SXS 28g 26" — Parker Brothers GHE Skeet SXS 28g 26″

Welcome to another round of original or redone! I asked the same questions about this 20g GHE the other day. The answer was “all original”.

What do you think about this 28g Parker GHE SKEET gun?

At first glance, this old SxS looks pretty original. But when you look closer and do a little research, that changes.

Parker records show this double was made in 1936 with a beavertail forend, single trigger, 26″ barrels, and ejectors. The records also say it was made with an English-style straight-grip stock. As you can see, it now has a pistol-grip stock. Problem? Maybe.

Markings on the barrels that show the gun went back to Parker in 1937 for repairs. Did Parker restock it at that time? If they did restock, the stock looks barely used — unlike the barrels and the back of the triggerguard.

Turnbull Restorations confirmed they recolored the action. They may have reblued the triggerguard, too. The blueing on the barrels looks good, but it may have been redone (if you’re recoloring the action, why not reblue the bbls, too?).

That red bead on the front of the bbls is another head scratcher. It could be original Parker did offer those red beads as options back when this gun was made.

Regardless of originality this gun still hammered down for almost $26,000. Why? Because it’s scarce, and even though it’s not all original it’s still a nice vintage American double.

Good gun alert: Parker DHE 28 gauge …

January 18, 2021 by Gregg

Here’s something you don’t see too often these days: a good, original smallbore DHE Parker that’s fairly priced.

Parker’s Quality D.H. guns were the least expensive of their high-grade models (DH, CH, BH, AH, AAH, A-1 Special, Invincible).

Parker Quality D.H. shotgun, page from The Parker Gun catalog, image from www.ParkerGuns.org

This 28 gauge is from around 1936, making a Remington-era Parker (Remington Arms bought the Parker gun works in 1934, but didn’t move it to Ilion, NY, until 1938).

It looks pretty original, and like it was used a lot, but well taken care of and looked after.

PARKER DHE 28 GAUGE SXS SHOTGUN: #236XXX 26″ .012″ AND .013″ 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS SOLID RIB DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP SKELETON BUTT NO COLOR GREAT CONDITION 6LBS 2 OZ 2 7/8″ DAH 1 11/16″ DAC 14 1/16″ LOP. Price: $16,750

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

October 8, 2019 by Gregg

Incredible Investment Grade – A.H. Fox FE Grade – Made in Philly: Exceedingly rare and original Philadelphia A.H. Fox FE Grade. This gun is a 12ga with original 32″ barrels and straight stock, made with double triggers. This is easily the finest FE Grade we have handled and one of the finest extant. This gun has not been offered for sale publicly in recent times having formerly been in the Famed Tom Kidd and Dana Tauber A.H. Fox Shotgun collections. This gun remains in extremely fine original condition with more than 90% factory case colors, nearly all of the original barrel blue remains, with crisp engraving. The stocks are sound and superb with original finish and have had some finish added for preservation. Price: $90,000

PARKER DH 8 GAUGE SUPER RARE NOT ANOTHER LIKE IT IN THE WORLD: #6 FRAME, #159XXX, 34″ STEEL BARRELS WITH FLAT RIB, DOUBLE TRIGGERS, EXTRACTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, THIS GUN HAS ALL OF THE ORIGINAL CASE COLORS, A FEW LIGHT MARKS IN THE WOOD, OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL GUN, 12LBS 4 OZ, 2″ DAH, 1 1/2″ DAC, 14″ LOP TO ORIGINAL PAD. Price: $79,500

HOLLAND & HOLLAND PARADOX 12 BORE- ROYAL SIDELOCK EJECT HAMMERLESS- 28″ EJECT Bbls.- NITRO PROVED in LONDON in 2004- VERY ACCURATE- ORIG. O&L CASE: #15549, Holland & Holland, 98 New Bond Street, London – “Paradox” Fosbery Patent; A H&H “Best Quality” Bar Action 12 Bore Hand Detachable Lock Royal Ejector Fosbery Patent Sidelock Finished in 1900, Nitro proved in London in 2004 to 850 BAR with 3″ chambers and the proper reproof marks, 28″ ejector dovetail lump steel barrels, Slight raised 1/4 rib and 2 folding leaf sights, .737″ bore size and the London 2004 proof marked at 18.7mm, Wall thickness on the right barrel at .034″ and .033″ on the left. The 7-groove ratchet rifling paradox choke is 3″ long, London Proved to 3″ chambers, Double triggers, Hand detachable locks, Brazier locks, Auto safety, Long extended top strap that goes over the comb, New wood by Reto Buehler at Buehler Custom Sporting Arms in Medford, Oregon, Anson frontal forend release, Half grip stock at 15 1/8 x 1 9/16 x 2 1/4″ over a 3/4″ Silvers pad with plugs for removal, Neutral stock, Great balance and it comes to the hand with ease and points like a dream, 7 lbs. 10 oz., 99% coverage of period Royal scroll engraving, The whole is cased in the original classic oak and leather brass cornered trunk with 2 vintage labels and 1 for Paradox loading. It is a very accurate gun and the loads used will be provided accordingly. A Lee loader can be used quite easily. A fun gun for fir or feather and built for snipe and tigers. This is dreams of tigers and ships and palaces, fine spices and women and silk. Colonel Fosbery’s patent #7568 of June 20, 1885 was intended to make a gun capable of being fired either with shot, ball or conical bullet. Holland & Holland gave the rifled choke-bore its name, “Paradox”. Back in the day, Paradox meant “That which is contrary to received opinion; strange, but true”. H&H wanted 100-yard performance that duplicated the Express rifle at that time, and still have a gun that gave very good patterns. The Paradox will pattern from cylinder to improved cylinder chokes. H&H built a total of 1,463 Paradox guns. The last Paradox, by serial number only, was a 10 bore #15979 and finished October 10, 1930 at a cost of 166 pounds. The very last was a 12 bore #15972 and was finished in 1933. Price: $29,500

ALEXANDER HENRY Boxlock Ejector BPE .577BPE Mfg 1898: Serial # 7150, Country of Origin Scotland, Barrel Length (in Inches) 24″ Damascus barrels, Trigger DT (Double), Stock Configuration Capped Pistol Grip with trap in cap, English cheekpiece, Panels and drop points, Silvers pad, Forearm Type Splinter Forearm with Anson release, Rib Type Level Flat Rib with express sights (1 standing 3 folding), Receiver Finish Casehardened, Engraving Type Fine Scroll Engraving, Other Options Ejectors, Henry rifling, Flip up night sight, Sling swivel eyes, Condition EXC. Condition, Weight 9#9oz, Dimensions 14 1/8″ LOP, Other Details Mfg 1898, Nice bores. Price: $25,000

A.D. JANSEN OVER UNDER BOXLOCK EJECTOR 28 GAUGE: 26 3/4″, IC AND FULL 2 3/4″, SOLID RIB, DOUBLE TRIGGERS, EJECTORS, FIELD FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, CHECKERED BUTT, EXCELLENT CONDITION, 5LBS 6 OZ, 2 1/4″ DAH, 1 3/8″ DAC, 14 1/2″ LOP. Price: $4,950

Good gun alert: 28g Ruger Red Label OU, 28″ bbls

August 17, 2018September 23, 2018 by Gregg

Ruger Red Label 28 gauge over/under shotgun, 28" bbls — Ruger Red Label 28 gauge over/under shotgun, 28″ bbls

Here’s a fair price on the finest shotgun Ruger ever made. These 28g Red Labels are everything they’re 20g & 12g cousins are not: Lively, lightweight, and a pleasure to carry and shoot. They’re ideal for grouse, woodcock, & quail too.

This one has 28″ barrels and better-than-average wood, which makes it a little special.

Ruger Red Label 28 gauge over/under shotgun: As new, Ruger Red Label 28 gauge with desirable 28″ barrel. Has all 5 factory chokes, and fancy butt stock wood. Gun is very tight and has perfect bluing and wood finish. The checkering is also perfect. Please examine the photos to verify condition. Price: $1699

Chambers: 2-3/4″
Ejectors: yes
Metal Condition: fine
Wood Condition: fine
Bore Condition: perfect
Triggers: single

This week’s five good guns…

July 3, 2018 by Gregg

PIOTTI 20 MOD KING I- VIRTUALLY as NEW- 28″ CHOPPER LUMP Bbls.- VERY NICE DARK WOOD- 1994- 100% CASE COLORS- VERY NICE ENGRAVING- 99.5% OVERALL: #9206, Fratelli Piotti, Gardone Val Trompia, Brescia Italy: A 20 Bore Model King 1 Bar Action Sidelock Ejector Game Gun Built in 1994, 28″ Chopper Lump barrels at .620 .006 & .013″ (Imp. Cyl. & Mod.), 3″ original chambers, KG 1,140 weight barrels, Concave matted top rib, Double triggers with the front articulated, Rolled trigger guard edge for the right hand, Splinter forend with an Anson release, Straight hand stock at 14 3/4 x 1 9/16 x 2 3/8″ over a 100% full face checkered butt, Neutral stock, 6 lbs. 4 oz., 98% coverage of small scale H&H Royal Scroll by Granetti on a case color hardened frame, Very nice dark wood, It has 100% original case colors, The original barrel blue at 100%, The original stock finish at 99%, The checkering is at 100%, The barrels inside and out remain as new. The piece has great balance and points like a dream. This super 20 Bore Game Gun for all intents and purposes is like new and has an overall appearance of never being hunted. Here is another Classic game gun, with the proper size action body with the correct weight, for 20 Bore gunning by one of the leading gunmaking firms in the world. This piece will remain a treasure forever. Price: $18,900

E.J.CHURCHILL BEST SXS .410: 28″ BARRELS FUL AND FULL 3″ CHAMBERS DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP NEW ORIGINAL CONDITION MAKERS CASE 4LBS 12 OZ X 2″ X 1 1/2″ X 14″. Price: $12,500

W.W. Greener G60 Royal 12 ga. Side-by-Side shotgun: Heavy proof, 30″ Sir Joseph Whitworth compressed steel barrels. Choked extra full (.040/.040). Automatic ejectors, double triggers. Built circa 1918, profusely engraved, deep cut arcaded fences, oak leaf, and fine scroll. Game scenes of setter, partridge, waterfowl, and woodcock. Gold crown on toplever. This high-grade Greener weighs in at 8 lbs, 5 oz. An outstanding vintage heavy game gun, ideal for pigeon, clays or waterfowl. Barrels measure 040 minimum wall thickness. Straight hand stock of dark, highly figured walnut measures 1-1/2″ comb, 2-1/4″ heel, 14-3/8″ LOP over a horn butt plate. Price: $10,900

Parker VH 16ga. SxS Double Barrel Shotgun: Built in 1934. This gun has 28″ Vulcan steel barrels choked modified (.015″) and full (.035″). The gun is in excellent condition retaining 70% of the original case colors,98% of the original barrel blue,and 98% of the original wood finish. The bores are mint and free of any rust, pits or dents. The stock is sound with no cracks or damage. The stock dimensions are 143/4″LOP over a Pachmayr Old English pad,15/8″ at comb, and 25/8″ at heel. The barrels lock up tight to the action with no play. The gun is built on a #1 frame and weighs 6-10. This is one of the last Parker Bros.guns built before Remington took over. It is 17 serial numbers away from the first Remington built gun. A classic 16 gauge that would make a great dove or pheasant gun. Price: $3495

Browning ~ BBS ~ 12 ga ~ Boxlock Ejector SxS Shotgun: Price: $1,199.99
Chambers: 3″
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Good
Barrels: 28″
Triggers: Single
Stock Dimensions: 14.75″ LOP
Butt Pad: Rubber
Weight: 7 lb 12 oz
Sights: Single Beed
Chokes: Modified and Full

Auction alert: 28g CSMC RBL SxS shotgun, No Reserve…

June 25, 2018June 24, 2018 by Gregg

28 gauge CSMC RBL SxS Shotgun, @ auction, no reserve

The state of Connecticut may not be the first place you think of as “gun country.” But since the 19th century, it has been home to some of America’s most famous gunmakers, including Parker Bros, Winchester, and Colt. Thousands of rifles, pistols, and shotguns have been built in Connecticut, probably millions.

In the 1975s, a gunmaker called the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company (CSMC) opened for business. CSMC started building Fox shotguns and Winchester M21s in the 1990s. Around 2006 or so they launched their RBL-line of side by sides, first in 12g and 20g. The 28gs followed a few years later, and ones like you see here cost around $7500+ new today.

This one is on Gunbroker.com now and the No Reserve listing ends Wednesday, 6/27/2018 @ 11:15 PM.

28 gauge CSMC RBL SxS Shotgun, @ auction, no reservev — 28 gauge CSMC RBL SxS Shotgun, @ auction, no reserve

CSMC RBL all options 28 ga., first-year edition serial number 002801. Awesome, full “Feather crotch” American walnut! This was the debut of the 28 ga. & SHOT Show display gun several years ago. I saw that wood and configuration and have to have it, so they reluctantly agreed to ship it to me after the show. Hard to find, configuration with 30” barrels, concave tapered game rib, double triggers, Self-opening feature, Beavertail fore end, capped “Prince of Wales” pistol grip, Full-length rolled-edge trigger guard, stunning XXX Fancy feather-crotch American walnut with classic, dull oil finish. Nice scroll engraving with dog and bird cameos finished off with authentic bone charcoal case colors. Excellent overall condition with only signs of wear being on the breech face and slight thinning of the gold on the triggers (suede gloves) – the rest is near mint with a couple small dings on the fore end just below the screw (pictured). Complete with case and accessories. These are the best value in mid-range SxS guns on the market and this one is a desirable and very hard to find configuration.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Good gun alert: 20g Browning BSS Sporter, 28″ bbls…

January 22, 2016 by Gregg

Of all the world’s major gunmakers, few have been around as long as Browning and fewer have made as wide a variety of firearms. Many of Browning’s guns were built on patents created by the company’s brilliant founder: John Moses Browning. But while JM did invent everything from the M1911 pistol to the Superposed, he never came up with his own design for a SxS.

But that doesn’t mean Browning never “built” them.

In fact, Browning introduced it’s first side-by-side shotgun in 1972. It was the 12g BSS boxlock, and in 1973 the company added a 20g. These guns were actually made in Japan by Miroku and they had beavertail forends and pistol-grip stocks. The trimmer, straight gripped Sporter models came out in ’78. (BTW: So did another classic — the Bee Gees’ Night Fever). Of all these BSS guns, ones Sporters with 28″ barrels are the toughest to find.

That’s why this 20g BSS caught my eye. While it’s not cheap, it is a nice gun at a fair price. It’s also pretty light for a 20g Browning with two tubes. For those reasons, I bet it will sell pretty quickly.

20ga. Browning BSS Sporter SxS Shotgun: 28″ bbl. choked F/IC (factory choked), single select trigger, ejectors, premium grade straight stock, beavertail forearm, 6lbs, As new 99%. Price: $2,050

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

November 9, 2015 by Gregg

28g Parker Reproduction SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 28" bbls, double triggers — 28g Parker Reproduction SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″ bbls, double triggers

Shotguns, like everything else, are subject to fads. When Parker Reproductions were introduced in 1984, 26″ barrels and single triggers were in. So today, finding them set up any other way is hard to do.

28g Parker Reproduction SxS Double Barrel Shotgun: For sale is a sweet little parker reproduction in a 28 ga. with a very rare configuration. It comes with a Beavertail forearm, Double triggers and 28″ M/F barrels. To find all three of these hard to get options all in the same gun is very unusual. The only one i have seen. It also has a beautifully figured PG stock and forearm. The gun rates at a strong 98% in its case and overall condition. Price: $5195

Auction alert: Two great looking Ruger Red Label 28g OUs …

July 28, 2015 by Gregg

RED LABEL STURM RUGER 28 GAUGE OU SHOTGUN

You said to yourself “I sure would like to pick up a nice OU for October.” Well, here are two, and they’re both up for auction now on Gunbroker.com. One’s a true “No Reserve” sale. The other is “No Reserve” with a $1200 starting bid. Both are great looking guns.

Here are the key features both share:

-English stocks
-Great looking wood
-28″ barrels

-Modern stock dimensions

Even though I have issues with Ruger’s 12g & 20g OUs, I love their 28 gauges. These shotguns are a joy to handle, reliable, and well made. I’m convinced they’ll be remembered as one of the best bird guns America has ever built.

RED LABEL STURM RUGER 28 GAUGE OU SHOTGUN: You are bidding on a Scarce Red Label Sturm Ruger 28 Gauge over and under shotgun, new with no reserve! This firearm is part a large 40+ year old collection of which I will be auctioning off in upcoming future auctions. Most of the guns are new in the box and many were never even opened or removed from the protective wrappings until now! Unfortunately the box on this one was lost during relocation. This is a Scarce Red Label Sturm Ruger 28 Gauge over and under shotgun, new with no reserve! This is a scarce configuration with the English style stock! It chambers 2 3/4″ shells and features are a 28″ vent rib over and under barrel with interchangeable choke tubes, stainless receiver and trigger with high polished blued parts, and an absolutely gorgeous walnut stock with checkered stock and forearm.

RUGER Red Label English 28 gauge OU Shotgun: A very nice over under 28 gauge with the straight English stock, barrels are 28 in long,stock has had a pachmeyer decelerator pad, stock measures 15.5 inches with pad, 14.5 to end of wood i do not think stock was shortened just pad added. gun comes up and points very well. a few very small marks on stock,stock has nice grain. gun comes with 5 choke tubes, 2 skeet, 2 modified, 1 imp cyl, and choke tube wrench.e Red Label again.

Auction alert: Two bargain bird guns, one SxS, one OU …

July 26, 2015July 25, 2015 by Gregg

Miroku Model M SxS English Stock, DT, 28" 12ga — Miroku Model M SxS English Stock, DT, 28″ 12ga

Just in time for the coming bird season! Here are two great looking doubles that on Gunbroker.com right now. If you’re looking for a lot of quality for very little money, take your pick. You can’t go wrong with either shotgun.

The Miroku is a great double, and probably one of the best deals you’ll ever find in a quality SxS. These guns are well made, and the handle like SxS costing many times more. I’ve only seen a few with color-case hardened actions and double triggers. What a nice SXS!

The Beretta is a 686 Onyx with 28″ bbls — a tough combo to find — and one of the greatest set ups you’ll ever come across for grouse & woodcock.

Miroku Model M SxS English Stock, DT, 28″ 12ga: For sale is a Miroku Model M side by side English style shotgun. This gun was never imported to the United States, so it was likely brought home from Japan by an American GI in the 60’s. IT IS NOT A CHARLES DALY, but Gunbroker does not let you list under “Miroku”, and the gun is functionally similar to the Daly 500, using the same receiver and chopper lump barrels, but with an English stock and splinter forend. The gun is in very good shape, with minor blueing rubbing and case color loss, as pictured. No cracks in the stock, and no pitting in the metal. Bores are bright and shiny, and the action is tight, with the lever just right of center.

BERETTA 686 Black Onyx 20 GA, 28″, OU Shotgun:Up for auction is a nice 20 gauge Beretta 686 Onyx with the bright blue and gloss finish stock. The barrels are 28″ long with 2 screw in choke tubes(M and IC). This shotgun is in good condition with normal wear. It does have a couple of dings in the stock and a few specs in the blueing.

Wow – what a great looking 28 gauge B. Rizzini Aurum …

June 8, 2015June 7, 2015 by Gregg

B. Rizzini DOUBLE TRIGGER 28 gauge OU Double Barrel Shotgun

I’ve always liked B. Rizzinis. With their low-profile, Boss/Woodward inspired design and proven trigger-plate style actions, they’re innovative shotguns, right up there with Beretta BLs and 686s-series. If you’re looking for a are nice, all around O/Us, with a bit more style, class, and polish, the B. Rizzinis are hard to beat.

But even though I just said all that, I do have a problem with these shotguns: almost all of them have single triggers. That’s why I like this little B. Rizzini 28 gauge so much. Not only is it great looking and barely used, but it has double triggers.

Two barrels. Two triggers. There’s something just right about that.

B. Rizzini DOUBLE TRIGGER 28 gauge OU Double Barrel Shotgun: A special order B. Rizzini 28 gauge Aurum, small frame double trigger. 29 inch barrels, solid rib, screw in chokes. Lenghth of pull is 15 1/4, upgraded wood. Prince of Wales grip. Very little used. In its original factory case. Would make a great upland gun. Price: $3650

Auction alert: Another nice looking 28g Ruger Red Label…

May 25, 2015 by Gregg

Did you miss that 28g Ruger Red Label from the other day? Here’s another chance to get one. This one looks even nicer, and it has 28″ barrels and some very fine American walnut. It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and this listing ends 5/30/2015 @ 11:54:22 AM ET.

RUGER O/U Double Barrel Red Label 28 Ga Shotgun LIKE NEW

Serial# 420-22271
Caliber- 28 Gauge

Chokes- 7 Removable- Imp Cyl, Mod (2), Full (2), Skeet (2)
Action- Over & Under
Finish- Stainless steel action; blued barrels
Capacity- 2
Barrel- 28″
Stock- American walnut

This shotgun is absolutely like-new- no dings, scratches or handling marks. The original owner said that he put less then a box of shells thru it. The gun comes with the original box and packing material (which is in excellent condition), all 7 chokes (2 are in the barrels), choke tool, owners manual, and lock.