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 ~ Principessa ~ 28 Gauge SxS Boxlock
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.
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.
For most “stuff,” quality and cost rarely connect 1:1 and balance out. Some things, like antique Colt pistols or Jaquar XKEs, cost far more their quality should merit. Other items, like this Gamba 580 shotgun, tip the other way. They offer more quality than you usually find at their price.
Renato Gamba is one of Italy’s oldest gunmakers. From what I’ve been able to find online, the 580 was one of their upper middle-grade SxS shotguns. It may have been built with some kind of Gamba-patented coil-spring locks, and the two screws in the bottom of the action (unusual for a sidelock) make me think it’s using some other Gamba-only designs. Regardless of what’s going inside the action, the outside of the gun is a clear indication of how well it’s made.
Filed up nicely and with a bit of flair, it has good metal-to-metal and nice details like set-screws. The stock’s well done, too. While the wood is a plain, it’s nicely shape and properly grained.
On top of all this, the scroll engraving is nicely done. Again, it’s not the greatest. But it is better than the scroll engraving on some Spanish guns costing 2x to 3x more.
Wood Condition: Very Good Bore Condition: Very Good Barrels: 28 Inch Triggers: Double Stock: Walnut Stock Dimensions:
13 7/8 Inch LOP, 1 5/8 Inch DOC, 2 3/8 Inch Butt Pad: Checkered Weight: 7 Ibs 1 Oz Chokes: Imp Cyl/ Mod
Winchester Model 21 12 Gauge side by side – TRAP SKEET LIGHTWEIGHT, ORIGINAL CONDITION
Winchester Model 21 12 Gauge Side by Side shotgun – TRAP SKEET LIGHTWEIGHT, FACTORY LETTER, ORIGINAL CONDITION: This Model 21, SN3047 built in 1935, is a fine example of a factory original, unaltered in any way, Model 21 that is fully documented by the Cody Firearms Museum info that comes with this gun. THIS GUN IS UNTOUCHED, AS SHIPPED, WITH ALL FACTORY FINISHES….. A RARE FIND. 26″ bbls, chokes: WS1/.008 WS1/WS2, single selective trigger, crisp, LOP: 14″, DAH: 2″, DAC: 1 1/2″, Checkered butt. Price:$5,250
Renato Gamba 580 Sidelock, SxS, Double Barrel Shotgun, 12 Gauge:$2,799.99
Chambers: 2 3/4″
Metal Condition: Very Good. Some marks and edge wear.
Wood Condition: Very Good
Bore Condition: Very Good
Barrels: 28 Inch
Triggers: Double
Stock: Walnut
Stock Dimensions:
13 7/8 Inch LOP, 1 5/8 Inch DOC, 2 3/8 Inch DOH, 3/8 Inch Cast Off
Butt Pad: Checker Wood
Weight: 7 Ibs 1 Oz
Sights: Bead
Chokes: Imp Cyl/ Mod
BERETTA S56E 20 GAUGE OVER UNDER SHOTGUN WITH EJECTORS
BERETTA S56E 20 GAUGE OVER UNDER SHOTGUN WITH EJECTORS: 28″ BARRELS WITH 3″ CHAMBERS, CHOKED UNDER IC/LIGHT MOD 9.014) OVER FULL (.028), PRINCE OF WALES GRIP, 98% BLUE/GREY FINISH, WOOD SHOWS FIELD USE, TIGHT ACTION, MINT BORES. Price: $1,299.00
Browning BSS Side by Side 12 Gauge Boxlock Shotgun, 30 inch barrels
Chambers: 2 3/4 Inch
Metal Condition: Very Good with Light Handling Marks and Scratches
Wood Condition: Good with Dings and Scatches
Bore Condition: Shiny and Bright
Barrels: 30 Inch
Triggers: Browning Gold Trigger
Stock: Walnut Pistol Grip Stock with Checkering
Stock Dimensions:
14 1/4″ LOP
Fore End: Walnut Checkered Forearm
Butt Pad: Browning Brown Butt Pad
Weight: 8.0 lbs
Sights: Solid Rib w/Bead
Chokes: IM/IM
Joh. Springer, Vienna — Model 40, Matched Consecutive Pair Sidelock Ejectors — 12ga, 2 1/2″ Chambers: 28″ SxS chopper-lump barrels with concave matted ribs, all choked full. 14″ pull from articulated front triggers to striated horn buttplates. 1 3/8″ – 2 1/4″ drop. Trace of cast-off. Fully figured, dark, European walnut stocks with Anson-release splinter forends, classic point-pattern checkering with mullered borders, and diamond-section straight English grips. Sidelock actions with bushed firing pins, concealed third fasteners, intercepting sears, gold-washed internals, automatic ejectors and automatic top tang safeties with SAFE inlaid in gold, fully engraved in Springer’s Holland & Holland-type scroll. Weights: 6lbs, 12oz each. All components numbered 1 & 2; barrels & action being in gold. CV inlaid in silver on underside of forends. Built 1934. Gun No.1 retaining 98% blue and 30% casehardening colors. Gun No.2 retaining 99% blue and 60% casehardening colors. Tight, and with excellent bores. In original double motor case that has spared no sacrifice to protect the guns. Price:$27,950
Lebeau Courally 20 Gauge Sidelock Ejector Like New, 27″ BBLS, 15″ LOP: Lebeau Courally 20 Gauge Ejector “The Standard Pigeon Gun” The action is in 95% original condition with strong colors, double triggers articulated front, hand detachable locks, intercepting scears. The barrels are 27″ long with perfect blue and bores, measuring .630/.630, Mod/ Full, 2 3/4″ chamber and the pattern is wonderful! The stock is a straight hand/ splinter with a 15″ length of pull, 2 1/8″ drop at heel, 1 1/2″ drop at comb, the cast is neutral and the balance is just to the back of the pin, a nice quick one. 5lbs 14oz. Price:$17,500
JOSEPH LANG, BEST QUALITY SIDELOCK, 12GA, S/S SHOTGUN
JOSEPH LANG, BEST QUALITY SIDELOCK, 12GA, S/S SHOTGUN: 1913 MFG DATE, BEST PRE WAR ROSE & SCROLL, 26″ BBLS, 2 1/2, SK/MOD, STD RIB, EJECTORS, DBL TRIGGERS, GORGEOUS HIGHLY FIGURED WALNUT, ST/SP, LOP 14 3/4 TO CK BUTT, 1 1/2, 2 1/2, 6LBS 5OZ, VERY MINTY ORIGINAL CONDITION, VARNISH IS STILL ON THE ACTION! MINT BORES! Price:$11,950
Model: BEST QUALITY SIDELOCK
Chambers: 2 1/2
Ejectors: YES
Condition: VERY MINTY ORIGINAL CONDITION
Metal Condition: EXCELLENT ORIGINAL
Wood Condition: EXCELLENT ORIGINAL
Bore Condition: MINT!
Barrels: 26″
Action: SIDELOCK
Triggers: DBL
Gauge: 12GA
Stock: HIGHLY FIGURED WALNUT
Fore End: STRAIGHT/SPLINTER
LOP: LOP 14 3/4 TO CK BUTT, 1 1/2, 2 1/2
Rib: STANDARD GAME RIB
Weight: 6LBS 5OZ
Manufacture Date: 1913 MFG DATE
Chokes: SK/MOD
Engraving: BEST PRE WAR ROSE & SCROLL
Gamba Princepessa, 28ga, 28″ barrels, IC/M fixed chokes: Single non selective trigger, extractor, great case color, nice wood. Gun is 97-98%. LOP is 14 1/8″, 1 1/2″ Drop a comb, 2 1/4″ at heal, aprox 1/4″ Cast off, 6 pound gun! Price:$1,999
Gamba Princepessa, 28ga, 28″ barrels, IC/M fixed chokesBrowning Citori Superlight OU Shotgun, 12 GA
Browning Citori Superlight OU Shotgun, 12 GA: Price:$1,289.99
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Chambers: 2 3/4″
Metal Condition: Very Good
Wood Condition: Very Good
Bore Condition: Very Good
Barrels: 26
Triggers: Single Selective
Stock Dimensions:
1 5/8″ DAC, 2 9/16″ DAH, 14 1/4″ LOP
Butt Pad: Factory Butt Plate
Weight: 7 lb. 2 oz.
Chokes: Invector
I’ve covered a ton of gunmakers on this blog. But one I haven’t written about is Renato Gamba.
Renato Gamba is one of Italy’s most established gunmakers. Located in Brescia, Italy, they’re best know in the US for O/U target guns like their Daytona. The company also makes side-by-sides, though, and the two you see here look nice doubles — and very fair deals.
RENATO GAMBA – London Model 12ga. 27 ½”: IC/Light Mod. Straight grip stock to a checked butt, double triggers with the front trigger being articulated, automatic ejectors, gold oval, splinter forend, sidelock gun with case coled finish, Churchill rib, London oil finish, gun remains in pristine condition, includes case. 7 lb., 1 oz. 14 3/4”x 1 3/8” x 2 5/16”. Price: $4,500.00
GAMBA 20 BORE ITALIAN SIDELOCK EJECTOR – BEST & HIGHEST GRADE:
GAMBA 20 BORE ITALIAN SIDELOCK EJECTOR – BEST & HIGHEST GRADE: – 28 1/2″ CHOPPER LUMP BARRELS – TOTALLY ORIGINAL GUN – 1974 – Double Triggers – Straight Hand at 14 1/4″ LOP – 6 Lbs. 11 Oz. – 98% Engraving Coverage – All the Features – Excellent Value #37272, Armi Renato Gamba S.p.A 25063 Gardone V.T., Brescia Italy. A 20 Bore Best Grade Sidelock Ejector Bar Action SxS Best Model Game Gun Made in 1974 with 28 1/2″ Ejector Chopper Lump Barrels with a hand filed flat rib at .628 .019 & .044″ (Imp.Mod. & Full), 1.300 KG weight barrels, 2 3/4″ chambers, Correct & Original bores & chokes, Bushed strikers, Double triggers with the front articulated, Pierced toplever, Rolled trigger guard for the right hand, Splinter forend with an Anson release, Straight hand stock at 14 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 1 7/16″ over a full face checkered butt, Slight cast-off for the right hand, Nice wood, 6 lbs. 11 oz., 98% coverage of fine floral engraving with bird scenes on a soft coin finished frame, Engraved & signed by A. Gamba, This Best Gun has 8 retaining locking screws on key screws, The barrels ring with a very pronounced chime. This gun remains in excellent plus condition and it is 97-98% since it left Brescia, Italy 40 years ago. This piece has all the features of their best gun in every respect. This is a very good value for a Quality Sidelock Game Gun from Italy. Price: $7,500.00
GAMBA 20 BORE ITALIAN SIDELOCK EJECTOR – BEST & HIGHEST GRADE:
H. Mahillon, Brussels – Matched Consecutive Pair, Sidelock Ejectors – 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″: 28″ SxS barrels with hand-matted concave ribs, both choked cylinder & modified. 14 5/8″pull from articulated front triggers to checkered butts. 1 1/2″ – 2 1/8″drop. 1/4″ cast-off. Highly figured English walnut stocks with Anson-pushbutton-release splinter forends, straight English grips, classic flat-top point-pattern borderless checkering and teardrops. Casehardened actions with intercepting sears, bushed firing pins, concealed third fasteners, gold-washed cocking levers and automatic top tang safety with S inlaid in gold. Engraved with highly refined floral bouquets and scrolls by R. Smeets, engraver to the King. Weight: 6lbs, 8oz. Built 1973. In virtually new condition, with 99%+ barrel blue and 99% casehardening colors. Tight and with excellent bores. All components numbered 1 and 2 in gold. Together in leather-trimmed green canvas covered motor case. Price: $29,975.
PETER MAHRHOLDT OVER/UNDER COMBO 2 BBL.MATCHING SET 30-06 / 12GA. CLAW MOUNT SCOPE ALL 98% COND. CASED
PETER MAHRHOLDT OVER/UNDER COMBO 2 BBL.MATCHING SET 30-06 / 12GA. CLAW MOUNT SCOPE ALL 98% COND. CASED: DOUBLE KERSTEN BLITZ ACTION WITH EJECTORS AND BUSHED STRIKERS.FULLY ENGRAVED WITH GAME SCENES AND SCROLL.24″ 30-06 BARRELS WITH EXCELLENT BORES, QUARTER RIB AND CLAW MOUNTS WITH HENDSOLDT 4X32 SCOPE.12GA,28″ BARRELS WITH EXCELLENT BORES,CHOKED FULL AND MODIFIED WITH 98% BLUE & OVERALL EXCELLENT CONDITION THRUOUT,CIRCA 1951,RIFLE WEIGHT WITH SCOPE IS 8 LBS 9 OZ.WITH SHOT GUN BARRELS 6 LBS 10 OZS.L.O.P. IS 14 7/16″ D.O.C. 1 3/8″ AND D.O.H. 2 1/4″ES WITH LEATHER CASE. Price: $8600
RENATO GAMBA – London Model 12ga SxS Sidelock shotgun
RENATO GAMBA – London Model 12ga: 27 ½” IC/Light Mod. Straight grip stock to a checked butt, double triggers with the front trigger being articulated, automatic ejectors, gold oval, splinter forend, sidelock gun with case coled finish, Churchill rib, London oil finish, gun remains in pristine condition, includes case. 7 lb., 1 oz. 14 3/4”x 1 3/8” x 2 5/16”. Price: $4,500
CHAS. DALY – PRUSSIAN LINDNER MADE – FIELD GRADE – 12 GAUGE SXS boxlock: 28’ barrels cyl/mod. – double triggers- ball grip – auto safety – double under bolts with additional cross bolt – 2 ¾” chambers – 14 ¼” x 1 5/8” x 2 7/8” – recoil pad – case colors 20% – checkered side panel with tear drop. – Price: $3,100
CHAS. DALY – PRUSSIAN LINDNER MADE – FIELD GRADE – 12 GAUGE SXS boxlock
PARKER TROJAN 16 GAUGE WITH 28″ BARRELS – #1 FRAME: Here is a nice condition Parker Trojan 16 with 28″ barrels. This is a solid gun – tight on face wIth top lever right of center, no loose ribs, original stock finish, and no cracks to the wood. Extractors. Bores as original. Right barrel measures .665 with 30/1000 choke (Full), while left is .666 with 28/1000 choke (Full). Chambers at 2 1/2″ also as original. Front and center bead. Auto safety. This is a #1 frame gun. Weight of gun is 6 LBS 12 7/8 OZ. Period Hawkins pad (not a reproduction). This is a 205,0000 serial number gun. Stock dimensions: LOP – 14 3/4″, Drop at Comb – 1 5/8″, Drop at Heel – 2 1/2″. Price:$1,350
PARKER TROJAN 16 GAUGE WITH 28″ BARRELS – #1 FRAME
Here’s another nice 28 gauge double barrel shotgun that just popped up on the market. This one is a Renato Gamba Principessa with double triggers, longish bbls (27+”) and a long, straight-gripped stock (15″ LOP).
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 the little double shown here was made in the late ’80s or early ’90s, and it looks like a standard, A&D boxlock. It looks like a solid gun — and a great deal.
