BL | Dogs and Doubles

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

May 10, 2020May 9, 2020 by Gregg

Flli Piotti – Monaco, OU, 16 gauge: CONTESSA ENGRAVED 28″ SOLID RIB TEAGUE CHOKES 2 3/4 SINGLE TRIGGER EJECTORS FIELD FOREARM PISTOL GRIP CHECKERED BUTT AS NEW IN MAKERS OAK & LEATHER CASE 6LBS 12 OZ X 2 1/4″ X 1 1/2″ X 14 5/16″ Price: $59,500

Garbi 28 gauge Model 100 Sidelock in near new condition: This appears to be a very well made look-alike of a Holland & Holland Royal. For a 28 gauge sidelock that takes 2 3/4″ shells. I do admit that this is a super value, especially as in this case where the gun is in near new condition. Deluxe features include chopper lump barrels, bushed firing pins, Hollands style hand detachable locks, and hinged front trigger. Serial Number: 15439. Ejectors: Yes. Barrels: 26″. Barrel Type: Steel. Action: Boxlock ejector. Gauge: 28 gauge. Stock Comb: 1 1/2″. Stock Heel: 2 1/4″. Stock Cast: 1/8″. LOP: 14 3/8″. Weight: 5 lbs. 9.5 oz. Choke Left: .012″. Choke Right: .003″ Near Cyl. Proof: Nitro: 2 3/4″. Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .036″. Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .035″. Price: $5,400

Parker VHE 20ga 0 frame factory 28 inch barrels Ejectors Double Trigger Original Case Perfect bores 1930: We are proud to bring you this listing for this mostly original condition Parker Brothers VHE 20 gauge shotgun on an “0” frame. Serial Number: 233660. This was originally manufactured in 1930. The shotgun features a set of factory 28 inch Vulcan Steel barrels with perfectly bright and shinny bores. The finish on the barrels display some thinning and older rust spots that have been removed but not cold blued. It displays factory automatic ejectors and 2.75 inch chambers. It is equipped with double triggers. The receiver still displays the factory case color with 85% coverage. The stock has been cut one time in its life and a 2 inch piece of wood has been professionally fitted where it was cut. The length of pull is 14.25 inches with a drop at the comb of 1.5 to 2 ¾ inches at the heel. Neutral cast. Total weight 6.08lbs total weight. Price: $5000

BERETTA – – BL-3 — OU- – 28ga – 28″ M / F – RARE – – MINT As New:1970 – Beretta BL-3 28ga, 28″, 2-3/4″, M / F (.007 / .024), LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″, Very Slight Cast Off, Weight 6 lbs. 3 oz. Like New – Looks Unfired – Metal 99++%, Wood 99% with a couple of very tiny marks. Price: $2075

L. Douard ~ Field ~ 12 Ga. ~ Boxlock ~ Side by Side: This is a very nice Belgian L. Douard double barrel boxlock shotgun in 12 Ga. Very good condition with bright shiny bores. Retains most of the original but thinning barrel blue and about half of the original case colors. The wood is very good to near excellent with minor dings and scratches. Chambers: 2-3/4″ with ejectors. Metal Condition: Very good. Wood Condition: Very good. Bore Condition: Bright and shiny. Barrels: 27″ blued with raised rib. Triggers: Factory double triggers. Stock: Checkered walnut with English style straight grip. Stock Dimensions: 14-1/2″ length of pull. Fore End: Matching checkered walnut splinter fore end. Butt Pad: Serrated wood butt plate. Weight: 6 lb 5 oz. Sights: Brass bead front sight on the raised rib. Chokes: Fixed improved modified x improved modified. Price: $799.97

Good gun alert: 20g Beretta Bl-3, $799

May 23, 2019 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 20ga 26.5" VR Barrel 3" Shell O/U Shotgun 1968-76mfg — Beretta BL-3 20ga 26.5″ VR Barrel 3″ Shell O/U Shotgun 1968-76mfg

Here’s a great deal on a fantastic double for grouse, woodcock, quail and even pheasants. There BL3 are well made — and most of the time they’ll cost you a lot more.

Beretta BL-3 20ga 26.5″ VR Barrel 3″ Shell O/U Shotgun 1968-76mfg: This shotgun features a standard Beretta action mechanism with 26.5″ vent ribbed barrels, choked modified over and improved cylinder under. The shotgun also features walnut furniture with very fine cut checkering, in addition to blued hardware and fine, ornate engraving on the receiver and areas of the barrel. The shotgun is in excellent working condition with a tight action, excellent bores, nice ringing barrels and a solid action mechanism. Some signs of light use is present, but the gun appears to have been well cared for. Please refer to the photos to further assess the condition of the shotgun. A wonderful field gun or it’d be great for trap! 14″ LOP. Price: $799

A nice 16g SxS that doesn’t cost a fortune…

November 28, 2018 by Gregg

Bargain bird gun: A St. Etienne "Heliobloc" 16Ga Boxlock Side-by-Side, 2 ½” chambers, extractors — Bargain bird gun: A St. Etienne “Heliobloc” 16Ga Boxlock Side-by-Side, 2 ½” chambers, extractors

When I first got into doubles, I thought every gun with two barrels cost a fortune–especially side by sides. Of course, to a kid just out of college they did.

But as I learned more about nice shotguns, I realized not all doubles are insanely expensive. While you can easily spend $5,000 – $30,000+ on a SxS from a maker like Parker or James Purdey & Sons, you can also spend less and get one that would be an ideal bird gun.

The boxlock you see here looks like that kind of gun. Sure it’s a basic boxlock, but it’s built on one of the most reliable designs ever created (the Anson & Deeley action). With sideplates and a blued finish, it’s a nice looking gun, and because it’s European, it has that “je ne sais quoi” that set it apart from your everyday A.H. Fox or British boxlock. Best of all, it costs less than a brand-new Benelli autoloader.

St. Etienne “Heliobloc” 16Ga Boxlock Side-by-Side, 2 ½” chambers, extractors: A nice guild gun on St Etienne preferred boxlock action; the Helicobloc action works on the same principle than the Webley screw grip, but with the thread at the Bottom of the top lever spindle. This one is sideplated, double triggers, manual safety, border engraved with a black finish (90% condition). The stock is semi pistol grip with round knob, 14 ¾” LOP over .800” pad, 1 ¾” and 2 ¾” drop, ¾” cast off with nice skip line checkering and carved borders (90% finish 95% checkering). 27” tubes with dovetail lumps by Jean Breuil barrel maker (very nicely done with brazed ribs, triple-proof and Martens steel). Bores are .669, walls are .031 and chokes at .014 and .022 (mod and imp mod). Blacking is in 90% condition, the bores have light oxidation at the upper mid barrel , that I guess would clean up with a .002 honing. Price: $1,200

Good gun alert: 28g Gamba Principessa SxS …

September 25, 2018 by Gregg

Renato Gamba ~ Principessa ~ 28 Gauge SxS Boxlock

Here’s what I call a can’t-go-wrong double. It’s a Renato Gamba Principessa 28 gauge built on a rugged Anson & Deeley action. It weighs six pounds and it looks pretty much new. Price — a very reasonable $1599.

Renato Gamba is Italian maker better known in the US for their Daytona OU target guns than their SxS game guns. I’ve seen a few of their boxlock SxSs. Each one has been a nice double, and I’m sure this one would be a great upland gun.

Renato Gamba ~ Principessa ~ 28 Gauge SxS Boxlock: Excellent condition overall. Price: $1,599.99
Manufacturer: Circa: 1981
Caliber: 28 Gauge
Chambers: 2 3/4″
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Excellent
Barrels: 26″ Blued Steel with Tapered Rib
Triggers: Single Non-Selective Trigger
Stock: Checkered Deluxe Walnut Straight Grip Butt Stock
Stock Dimensions:
DAC: 1 1/2″, DAH: 1 3/4″, Cast off: 3/8″, LOP: 13 1/4
Fore End: Checkered Walnut Semi-Splinter Fore Arm
Butt Pad: Leather Covered Butt Pad
Weight: 6 lbs.
Sights: Single Bead
Chokes: Fixed: Modified & Improved Cylinder

Auction alert: 20 gauge Beretta BL-4 OU, 28″ bbls …

April 15, 2017April 14, 2017 by Gregg

Beretta BL-4 OU, 20 gauge, 28", awesome gun — Beretta BL-4 OU, 20 gauge, 28″, awesome gun

Here’s a great bird gun. Beretta’s BL-line of OUs were imported into the US in the ’60s & ’70s by the Garcia Corporation. With various degrees of engraving and a touch better finishing, I think they’re a bit more refined the 686s. They can bought at better prices, too. This one is Gunbroker.com now. The online auction ends 4/27/2017 @ 2:42 PM.

Here’s the info on it from the seller:

Used Beretta BL-4 20 gauge, 28″ bbls. This gun is in nice condition with only minor scratches and ware to it. None of the marks really stand out on the gun. Marks are noticeable but not bad at all. Overall gun was well cared for by the previous owner. Guns action runs smooth and opens and closes with no issue at all. Top barrel on the gun is Full choke and the bottom barrel is modified. Pictures of the gun should give you a good idea of how it looks.

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

March 5, 2017 by Gregg

F.illi Piotti Pre-Owned 20 bore ‘King’ Sidelock Side-by-Side Shotgun: A pre-owned 20 bore F.lli Piotti ‘King’ Sidelock Ejector Shotgun with 28 inch barrels at our New York Showroom. Sidelock ejector with double triggers (articulated front) and automatic safety. Price: $24,000
Triggers: Double (front articulated trigger)
Safety: Automatic
Barrel Length: 28 Inches
Chamber: 2 3/4 Inch
Rib: Raised semi-concaved
Chokes: Right: 1/4 Left: 1/4
Type: Deluxe quality walnut
Length: 14 3/8 Inches
Bend: 1 1/2 – 2 1/4
Cast: On 1/8 face
Grip: Traditional English straight hand grip
Butt End Finish: Chequered
Forend: Splinter Style Forend
Weight: 6lb 6oz
Date of Manufacture: 2006

L C SMITH CROWN GRADE 16 GAUGE SxS DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN GORGEOUS: 28″ BARRELS, FULL AND FULL, 99% BLUE, MIRROR BORES, RAISED RIB, TWIN IVORY SIGHTS, 2 3/4″ CHAMBERS. BARRELS ENGRAVED AT BOTH ENDS GOLD INLAY AT RIB EXTENSION. FEATHERWEIGHT FRAME, GORGEOUS VIVID CASE COLOR, NICELY ENGRAVED WITH ENGLISH POINTERS ON RIGHT LOCK, ENGLISH LETTERS ON LEFT LOCK, PLUS FLOWERS, LEAF AND SCROLLWORK. GOLD CROWN INLAY ON TOP LEVER, AUTOMATIC EJECTORS, HUNTER SINGLE SELECTIVE TRIGGER. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, BEAVERTAIL FOREARM, HIGHLY FIGURED WOOD, PERFECT CHECKERING. 1 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ X 14″, ORIGINAL SILVERS SOLID PAD. 6 POUNDS 14 OUNCES, MADE IN 1949. SUPERB, ORIGINAL SMITH WITH ABSOLUTELY NO DEFECTS. Price: $21,500

FRATELLI RIZZINI – R2 – 410 – MINT CONDITION SxS BOXLOCK SHOTGUN: Here’s a mint condition Fratelli Rizzini R2 with the removable inspection plate in 410. Ejectors. Chopper lump barrels that are 27″ in length with Mod and Full chokes. Chambers are 3″. This gun was donated by Frank & Nan Pachmayr to Ducks Unlimited for fundraising purposes. Manual safety. Extraordinary fit, finish, balance and handling. Weight of gun is 5 LBS 11 3/8 OZ. Custom cased as shown. LOP – 14 1/2″ Drop at Comb – 1 7/16″ Drop at Heel – 1 5/16″. Price: $16,500

Beretta BL-4 20 Gauge Over-Under Shotgun 1st year Production: Superb 20, 3 digit serial number, 28 inch barrels, IC/Mod, 3 inch chambers, round knob, vent rib, excellent condition, tight action, minimal wear, minor bluing loss on selective safety. Original in all respects. Price: $1795

Chambers: 2 3/4″ or 3″
Ejectors: Yes
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Excellent
Barrels: 28 inch vent rib
Barrel Type: Chrome lined
Action: Box lock
Triggers: Single selective
Stock: Round knob pistol grip
Butt Pad: Original buttplate
Rib: Vent
Finish: Original
Chokes: Imp cyl/ modified

MIROKU 500 CASE COLORED 12GA SxS BOXLOCK SHOTGUN: A very nice Miroku with seldom found case colored action. Some hunting marks in the wood but over all a really nice gun. All is tight and right . No issues. Gun looks to have been hunted some but shot very little. 6llbs 10ozs make it a gun you can carry all day. Price: $1075
Chambers: 2 3/4IN
Condition: VERY GOOD
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT
Barrels: 28IN
Action: CASE COLORED
Gauge: 12GA
Stock Comb: 1 7/8IN
Stock Heel: 2 1/2IN
Butt Pad: ORIGINAL
LOP: 14 1/8IN
Weight: 6LBS 10OZ
Choke Left: FULL
Choke Right: IMP/CYL

A fair price for great OU: 20g Beretta BL-5, 28″ barrels…

December 26, 2015 by Gregg

20 gauge Beretta BL-5 O/U Shotgun, 28" barrels — 20 gauge Beretta BL-5 O/U Shotgun, 28″ barrels

I wasn’t going to put up a post about this OU. “No Reserve” auctions with high starting bids annoy me, and I most of the time I don’t like drawing attention to them.

But after I looked around, I realized the opening bid on this Beretta BL-5 — $1,950.00 — is a pretty fair price for a shotgun like this. Cabela’s has this 20g 687 Silver Pigeon listed for $2799 and this Caesar Guerini Summit 20 GA for $3,099.99.

I think the Beretta BL-5 is better than both of them, and it has nicer wood, too. It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends on 12/30/2015 @ 2:56:53 PM ET.

BERETTA BL-5 20 GA. OU SHOTGUN: BEAUTIFUL AND RARE BERETTA O/U 20 GA. SHOTGUN. CUSTOM WALNUT STOCK, 28″ F/M BARRELS, ST, VR, WITH A THIN PAD. A VERY HIGH QUALITY BOX LOCK FROM ONE OF THE FINEST ITALIAN MAKERS.

Auction alert: 20g Beretta Bl-3, 28″ bbls, no reserve …

October 29, 2015 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 20 gauge O/U, 28" bbls. F & M chokes — Beretta BL-3 20 gauge O/U, 28″ bbls. F & M chokes

I know I’ve been binging on these OUs lately, but these Berettas really are nice doubles. And when I see a chance for someone to get a deal on one, I feel obligated to point it out.

This one is on Gunbroker.com now. It’s being offered at No Reserve. The listing ends 11/1/2015 9:00:00 PM ET.

Beretta BL-3 20 gauge O/U, 28″ bbls. F & M chokes. Wood has only a few marks in it and the metal has light wear. Made in 1969. S/N V015xx

Good gun alerts: Beretta BLs in grades 3, 4, & 5 …

October 22, 2015 by Gregg

If I had to name one shotgun a best buy, it would be Beretta’s BL line of OUs. These guns were imported into the US in the ’60s & ’70s by the Garcia Corporation. With various degrees of engraving and a touch better finishing, I think they’re a bit more refined the 686s Beretta offered in years later.

This first Beretta BL is a BL-3 in 28g. It’s listed on Gunbroker.com at No Reserve, and the auction ends on 10/25/2015 5:58:16 PM ET.

Rare Beretta BL-3 28 ga. O/U: Arguably the finest Box Lock Beretta ever manufactured. This rare 28 gauge is choked S/S. Barrels measure a tad over 26 in. Length of pull is about 14 inches from the pachmyer pad (done right) to the trigger. This beauty is in Excellent condition. I am including a reprint of a Garcia Imports magazine featuring the shotguns from Beretta dated from 1969-1970. A true quail destroyer!

This next one is 20g BL-4. It’s also listed on Gunbroker.com at No Reserve, and the auction ends on 11/1/2015 8:00:00 PM ET.

Beretta BL-4 O/U 20 gauge, 20 ga, 26″ bbls: Really nice Beretta BL-4 over/under 20 gauge. LOP at 14&1/8″. IC & Mod barrels. Takes 3″ shells. $45 shipping via USPS priority to FFL. Sales to California okay with prior permission from your FFL.

This last one is a BL-5 in 20g. This one is on Gunbroker.com, but it’s being offered at a fixed price: $2,475. That’s a lot, but I’ve seen very few BL-5s. If you have to have one, here it is.

BERETTA BL-5 Over Under, 20g, 27″ bbls: This is a rare, and highly sought after Beretta BL-5. Please do not confuse this with the S-57 models. Each is clearly marked on the receiver. Some individuals would have buyers believe they are the same. They are not. The BL series is the finest box lock guns that Beretta ever made. This example has a 27″ barrel, vent rib, single trigger, and gorgeous wood. The chokes are F/M.

Great gun alert: 20g Beretta BL-4 OU, 28″ bbls …

September 22, 2015September 22, 2015 by Gregg

Found – a great upland shotgun at an even better price!

Introduced in the ’60s, Beretta’s BL-grade over-under shotguns were imported into the US by the Garcia Corp through the ’70s. These guns were basically stripped-downed versions of the company’s ASE line of OUs.

The BLs feature a shallow, low profile boxlock action scaled to match the gauge. They were priced to be values – not cheap, but well made guns at fair prices. They came in a number of grades, with the BL-6s being the highest. All of them were rugged, reliable doubles, built to deliver a lot of quality for fair money.

Today, the Beretta BLs are pretty much steals, especially when they’re in this kind of condition. I know some guys are going to say the chokes on this one are too tight for an upland gun. To those guys I say “Just open them up to right where you want them!”

Beretta BL-4 20ga OU Shotgun: 28″ vented bbls., M/F, single select trigger, ejectors,fully engraved receiver with scroll & rosettes, engraved sides & upper receiver, premium grade European PG checkered walnut stock & forearm, 14 1/4″ LOP over factory buttplate, 99% blue, minor handling, light pecks on left carry side only, 5 pounds – 13 ounces. Price: $1,799

Beretta BL-4 20ga OU ShotgunBeretta BL-4 20ga OU Shotgun — Beretta BL-4 20ga OU Shotgun

Auction alert: a great little 20g H. Mahillon boxlock SxS …

September 10, 2015 by Gregg

The Anson & Deeley boxlock is one of the most successful shotgun actions of all time. Invented in 1875 by Westley Richards, the design has been the basis for millions of shotguns, including the one you see here.

H. Mahillon was a Belgian maker with a shop is Brussels. They “made” a wide range of guns: From bolt rifles to best-quality sidelock pigeon guns. I say “made” because I’m not sure if the company built its own guns or had them made in the trade by other craftsmen. Regardless of who actually did the making, every Mahillon I’ve seen has been very well built.

I’m sure the one you see here is, too. If you’re looking for a great little bird gun at a fantastic price, this is it. It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends tomorrow, 9/11/2015, @ 4:30:26 PM ET.

H. Mahillon 20g SxS Double Barrel Shotgun: Up for bid is a lovely looking, lightly used H Mahillon SxS side plated boxlock ejectorgun shotgun chambered in 20 gauge. Barrels are 26 3/4″ with excellent, bright strong bores with a single bead at the muzzle and matted rib. Metal surfaces are blued and coin finished. I believe the barrels have been professionally reblued and currently retain about 95% of this finish with some scattered marks, scratches and small dings. Receiver is coin finished and it and the lever, sideplated boxlocks, triggerguard, tangs, and screw heads show tasteful engraving; please see the multiple closeup photos. Straight grip English style stock and splinter forend are nicely checkered. Shotgun features a checkered wooden butt and side clips where the receiver and breech end of the barrels meet. LOP is 12 3/4″ and 13 3/4″ with drops at comb and heel of 1 1/2″ and 2 3/16″ respectively. Shotgun weighs in at 5 lb 12 oz. European swivels are at the stock and bottom rib of the barrels. Matching serial numbers.

Great gun alert: 20 gauge Beretta BL – 4, 28″ bbls …

August 25, 2015 by Gregg

Get it before it’s gone. This Beretta’s is nicer the company’s new 686s. It’s also less than half the price. If you’re looking for a perfect grouse gun, get it now. If the chokes are a bit tight for you, you can have them opened to right where you want them for around $75 a tube.

Beretta BL-4 20 Gauge Over/Under, 28 Inch Vent Rib: This nice little Beretta shotgun has been used some but is still in very nice field condition. There is a little blue wear on the bottom of the receiver in the carry area but otherwise little wear. There are a couple of minor marks in the wood but you have to look for them. Price: $1099.99

Caliber: 20 Gauge.
Chambers: 3 Inch Over/Under with ejectors.

Metal Condition: Very good with a little blue wear.
Wood Condition: Very nice.
Bore Condition: Bright and shiny.
Barrels: 28 inch Over/Under with a vent rib.
Triggers: Single gold color.
Stock: Nice but plain straight grain walnut with a checkered pistol grip and grip cap.
Stock Dimensions:
14 Inch LOP.
Fore End: Matching checkered walnut.
Butt Pad: Black Beretta butt plate.
Weight: 5 Lbs 14 Oz.
Sights: Mid and front beads on the vent rib.
Chokes: Fixed Full and Mod.
Item Location: Owatonna, MN

Good gun alert: 12g Beretta BL-4 OU shotgun …

June 22, 2015June 21, 2015 by Gregg

Beretta BL-4 OU Shotgun, 12 gauge 30" barrels — Beretta BL-4 OU Shotgun, 12 gauge 30″ barrels

Beretta’s BL grade OUs are great shotguns. Introduced in the ’60s, these doubles were imported into the US by the Garcia Corp through the ’70s. These guns were basically stripped-downed version of the company’s ASE line of OUs. The ASE were boxlock versions of the Beretta SO-series sidelock shotguns.

The BLs feature a shallow, low profile action scaled to match the gauge. They were priced to be values – not cheap, but well made guns at fair prices. They came in a number of grades, with the BL-5s being the highest. All of them were rugged, reliable doubles, built to deliver a lot of quality for a fair amount of money. Today, the Beretta BLs are pretty much steals, especially when they’re in this kind of condition.

This 12g BL-4 is on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends 6/24/2015 @ 6:58:01 PM ET.

Beretta BL4 12 gauge Over Under Shotgun, 30″ barrels: 1972 (XX9) Beretta BL4 12 Gauge in amazing original condition , gun is stiff and the top lever is way to the right single selective trigger ,30″ barrels with modify and full chokes , ejectors ,bores are clean and super bright , 2.75″ chamber , stock have no scratch visible and the checkering is almost like new condition , this gun never been carried to field and it has been shot so minimal , one small scratch at the bottom of the receiver due to the wrong removal of the forearm see picture #12 .

Auction alert: a fantastic 20g Beretta Bl-4, 28″ bbls….

April 16, 2015April 15, 2015 by Gregg

Beretta BL4 BL 4 20 GA 28" NEW RARE MINT COLLECTOR — Beretta BL4 BL 4 20 GA 28″ NEW RARE MINT COLLECTOR

Here’s a great upland shotgun that looks brand new. Beretta introduced their BL boxlock O/Us in the 1960s. These over-unders came in five grades: BL-1 to BL-5s. Each one featured a shallow, low profile action scaled to match the gauge. They were priced to be values – not cheap, but well made guns at fair prices.

Today, the Beretta BLs are pretty much steals, especially when they’re in this kind of condition. This double is on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends 4/26/2015 @ 8:49:00 PM ET.

Beretta BL4 BL 4 20 GA 28″ NEW RARE MINT COLLECTOR: 28″ barrels, Mod & Full. 6lbs. This came from a collector. It was never assembled or fired. Gun is in premo condition. Comes with box and other papers too. I bought for my own collection and Im selling to get something else. Don’t miss this chance, you wont find another like this.

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

April 12, 2015April 11, 2015 by Gregg

Flli Piotti 20 gauge sidelock with fabulous engraving: This gun was imported to America by our friends at William Larkin & Moore. They record this as a KING 1 model. This little 20 is of the highest quality. While it is known that I prefer pre WWII guns I find as I handle this gun it is hard to put down. Built like a Swiss watch and feels so wonderful between the hands. Excellent stock work and metal work I cannot fault but only find praise. Serial Number: 7684. Ejectors: Yes. Barrels: 26″,2 3/4″. Stock Comb: 1 1/2″. Stock Heel: 2 1/8″. Stock Cast: 1/8″. LOP: 14 3/4″ over Leather. Weight: 5 lbs. 11 oz. Choke Left: 018 Mod. Right: 008 IC. Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .029, Right: .034 Price: $22,000

A.H.FOX XE 12 GAUGE SxS SHOTGUN: #24XXX 32″ 005 AND 013 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH LOTS OF ORIGINAL CASE COLORS 6LBS 15 OZ X 2 3/4 X 1 1/2 X 14 1/2 TO ORIGINAL HAWKINS PAD. Price: $16,500

Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. A-10 American 20 GA. O/U Sidelock Shotgun: Chambers: 2 3/4″. Metal Condition: Excellent. Wood Condition: Very Good, a few small impressions on the stock. Bore Condition: Bright and Shiny. Barrels:28″. Triggers:4 Lbs. Stock:Straight, checkered. Stock Dimensions: LOP 14 1/2″. Weight:6 Lbs 4 Ozs. Sights:Vented rib, front red bead. Chokes:Interchangeable. Extras:Hard case, extra chokes, papers. Price: $7,399.99

Winchester M21 16 gauge SXS, Double Triggers, Ejectors: Nice old 16 gauge M21 hunting gun, DT Ejector, splinter forend, good dimensions, great chokes, light weight. Originally mod/full first barrel opened to IC, bores 10 and 28 thou. 26″ barrels. Nice wood 1 1/2″ DAC, 2 1/2″ DAH, 14″ LOP from front trigger. Believe blue to be original. Thinning on bottom of receiver. I suspect an extra coat of varnish on wood which has better than average grain — a little fiddle back. A few hunting knocks here and there — not bad. Weight 6 lb 10 oz; light for a 16 gauge M21. SN 6000 (Yeah 6K even). Price: $7,000.

Beretta BL4 Over-Under 20GA & 28GA factory two barrel set: 20GA has 28″ barrels M&F. 28GA has 26″ barrels IC&M. Mint condition, 97% blue barrels and action. Straight grip single select trigger ejectors. Weight: 6lb with 20GA, 6lb 1 oz with 28GA. LOP 14 3/8″ x 14 7/8″ to the toe. Dimensions: 1 3/8 x 2 3/8. Both barrels have same serial number. Price: $2,950

Good gun alert: a 12g William Ford Boxlock Ejector…

February 26, 2015 by Gregg

12 gauge William Ford - BLE - Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun — 12 gauge William Ford – BLE – Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun

Birmingham, England, used to be one of the world’s largest gunmaking towns. Thousands of people used to be employed by the trade there, and all kinds of makers had shops or factories in and around the city. William Ford was one of these makers.

William Ford rose to prominence in the late 1870s as a barrel maker, and by the 1880s he had his own shop/factory in Birmingham. I’m not sure when the side-by-side you see here was built, but judging by the fluid-steel bbls I’d say it was made in the early 20th century. From what I can see, this double looks like a good deals – if the gun is in proof and the bbl walls are sound (I like to see .o25″+ as a minimum in each tube). Be sure you find out before you close the deal.

12 gauge William Ford – BLE – Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun: Price: $2,650

Shotgun type: SxS
Action: Boxlock
Ejectors: Yes
Trigger: Double
Grip: Straight Grip
Forend: Checkered
Lop: 14 1/2 ”
Pad thickness: 0.5 ”
Type of butt: Leather Covered Pad
Drop comb: 1 3/8 ”
Drop heel: 2 1/4 ”

Cast amount: 3/16 ”
Cast: OFF
Weight: 6 lbs, 10 oz

Chamber: 2 3/4 ”
Length: 28 ”
Chokes: Skeet 1 and 2
Rib type: Concave

Manufactured in: England
Overall condition: Very Good
Stock condition: Very Good
Metal condition: Very Good

Stock: Original finish
Metal: Original finish
Type of Case: Leather Luggage Case

Good gun alert: a 12 gauge Russell Hillsdon side-by-side with case…

March 29, 2013 by Gregg

12 gauge Russell Hillsdon Double Barrel Boxlock Side by Side shotgun

If you had to buy one shotgun for everything from pheasants and grouse to sporting clays, this 12 gauge Russell Hillsdon boxlock would be an excellent choice. It’s an Anson & Deeley boxlock – one of the most dependable actions ever made. It’s also a non ejector, so you never have to worry about those things going out of time or breaking.

Overall, it looks pretty original. The chokes are a bit open, but I wouldn’t let that bother me. Unless you’re shooting late-season wild pheasants, it shouldn’t be a problem. The best part of it is the price – $2,399.99. Not a steal, but still a very good price.

Here’s more about it from the seller:

12 gauge Russell Hillsdon boxlock: 28″ bbls, 2 1/2″ chambers, Cylinder and IC, 15″ LOP with 7/8″ wood extension, 1 3/8″ DAC, 2 1/4″ DAH. 6 LBS 7 OZ, Comes with a very nice hard takedown case. Wood cleaning rod. Snap caps. A gold color oil bottle. A horn decocker. And makers labels.

Check out this real nice 28 gauge by John Wilkes…

February 1, 2013 by Gregg

28 gauge John Wilkes Boxlock Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun

Nice British 28 gauge side-by-sides are hard to find. So when I saw this one by John Wilkes, I had to check it out. It’s special for a couple reasons: First there’s the 28″ barrels. Then there’s the longish stock (14 1/2″ LOP over a leather pad). Coming in third is the shotgun’s beautiful wood and excellent overall condition.

Here’s more about the shotgun from the dealer’s listing:

John Wilkes Boxlock, 28 bore, 2 1/2″ chambers, 28″ original fluid steel barrels with original London Nitro proof of 5/8 oz., choked IC and Mod., 5 lbs. 1 oz., 14 1/2″ LOP over a leather pad, 1 1/2″ DAC, 2 1/8″ DAH, neutral cast, English scroll engraving with the maker’s name in banner on the sides of the action, straight grip, splinter forend, double triggers, rib engraved “John Wilkes, 1 Lower St. James St., Golden Square, London”, concave game rib, automatic safety with “SAFE” in silver, Greener crossbolt, highly figured walnut. Completed in 1912. Excellent condition showing about 60% case color remaining. Comes with a high quality leather luggage case and a maker’s label. Price: $10,950.00

Good Gun Alert: 20 gauge F. Beesley Boxlock…

March 6, 2012March 4, 2012 by Gregg

In England, 12 gauge shotguns rule. That’s why it seems like you’ll see a dozen or more 12gs for every 16g or 20g double barrel you come across. And because many of the smaller-gauge guns were made for smaller people, these side-by-sides often have shorter barrels and stubby stocks.

20 gauge F. Beesley double barrel shotgun

That’s not the case with this Frederick Beesley 20 gauge boxlock ejector coming up to auction this weekend at Poulin’s Antiques. This gun has 28″ barrels and a 14″ stock–the kind of specs you find on most 12g British Boxlocks.

If you’re looking for a nice, lightweight 20 gauge side-by-side shotgun, this clean and very original double may be worth bidding on.

Here’s auctioneer’s complete listing:

Lot #2379: Cal. 20 Ga./ 2 1/2″. S# 2751. Bbl. 28″. Cylinder & 1/2 choke. Bbls. have nitro proof markings for 7/8 oz. of shot. Top rib marked “F. Beesley., 2 St. James’s Street, London, S.W.”

Box lock action with foliate scroll engraving. Automatic ejectors. Dbl. triggers. Checkered splintered forearm & straight grip stock of English walnut. LOP: 14 1/4″ to serrated butt; Drop at comb: 1 9/16″; Drop at butt: 2 3/16″; Weight: 5 lbs 2.3 oz.

CONDITION: bbls. have 80% blued finish with light scratches. Action has 60% case colors on receiver with 70% blue on floorplate & trigger guard. Tight action with sound mechanics. Very good bright bores.

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: canvas case with maker’s label containing cleaning rod, oil bottle, pewter parts container & cleaning accessories. (11-2236/DS). CURIO. $3000-4000.