Two great upland guns, maybe great deals: a Merkel OU & a Francotte SxS …

September 27, 2022September 26, 2022 by Gregg

Two lightweight 12gs: A Merkel 200E from the '30s and a Francotte Featherweight. — Two lightweight 12s: A Merkel 200E from 1930 and a Francotte Featherweight from 1928

“Another bargain!!!” Those are the first two words of this article I wrote for Shooting Sportsman magazine: Boxlock Bargains: Why lightweight 12s are the kings of bird guns.

The 12 gauge you see here are perfect examples of what I was writing about. The Merkel OU weighs 6 lb., 5.2 oz., the Francotte side-by-side 6 lb., 1 oz. Both have ejectors, straight grips, double triggers, and old school styling; and their barrels have original 2 3/4″ chambers, excellent bore measurements, and plenty of wall thickness.

Two lightweight 12gs: A Merkel 200E from 1930 and a Francotte Featherweight from 1928 — Two lightweight 12s: A Merkel 200E from 1930 and a Francotte Featherweight from 1928

Both are on Gunbroker.com now. There’s no reserve on either one, so they offer you the chance to get a great bird gun — and a very high-quality shotgun — for little money.

As I wrote in my article for Shooting Sportsman, lightweight 12s have a number of advantages:

There’s a range of ammo available for them, so you can modify your load to hunt anything from quail and woodcock to pheasant. Plus, when a vintage 12 gauge has original 2 3/4″ chambers it should be OK shooting any easy-to-find, major brand, low-brass12g game loads.
They have adult-sized proportions, and they’re better balanced. Unlike smallbores, lightweight twelves don’t feel dainty or whippy, and their barrels aren’t swallowed up in your hands. All this makes them easier to control and shoot.
People ignore them, favoring 20gs and 28gs instead (even though 12s are ballistically superior). This keeps demand — and prices — for lightweight twelve gauges foolishly low.

Merkel Brothers Lightweight 200E 27.5" IC/C 12 GA, 1930. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now. — Merkel Brothers Lightweight 200E 70CM bbls IC/C 12 GA, 1930. 6 lb., 5.2 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now.

Merkel Brothers Lightweight 200E 70cm (27.5″) IC/C 12 GA, 1930. 6 lb., 5.2 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now.

Auguste Francotte Feathweight Boxlock 12 GA 28" IM/M Double Barrel, 1928. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now. — Auguste Francotte Featherweight Boxlock 12 GA 28″ IM/M Double Barrel,1928. 6 lb., 1 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now.

Auguste Francotte Featherweight Boxlock 12 GA 28″ IM/M Double Barrel, 1928. 6 lb., 1 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now.

Merkel Brothers Lightweight 200E 27.5″ IC/C 12 GA, 1930. 6lbs, 5.2 oz: Merkel’s one of Europe’s most famous gunmakers, and one of the few old-school German gunmakers around today. Most collectors agree that the shotguns they made before World War Two — like this OU — are their highest quality and finest overall.

Merkel Brothers Lightweight 200E 70CM bbls IC/C 12 GA, 1930. 6 lb., 5.2 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now. — Merkel Brothers Lightweight 200E 70CM bbls IC/C 12 GA, 1930. 6 lb., 5.2 oz. No reserve.

This is a model 200 with ejectors, so a 200E. It was made for the European market, and the barrels measure 70cm (27.5″), a common length for Continental shotguns. The barrels feature a full-length solid rib, and there are two white beads ahead of the toplever and on either side of the top rib. Technically, it’s not a boxlock. Instead, it’s built on a standard Merkel-style triggerplate action. But because it lacks sideplates, it has a similar look.

Auguste Francotte Feathweight Boxlock 12 GA 28" IM/M Double Barrel,1928. 6 lb., 1 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now. — Auguste Francotte Feathweight Boxlock 12 GA 28″ IM/M Double Barrel,1928. 6 lb., 1 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now.

Auguste Francotte Featherweight Boxlock 12 GA 28″ IM/M Double Barrel. 1928. 6lbs, 1 oz: Another pre-war double from a famous European maker. This SxS is built on of the finest designs of all time — the Anson & Deeley boxlock action — and features ejectors. The action retails a ton of color-case hardening and has Woodward-style arcade fences, fine, hand-cut scroll engraving, and a Purdey-style hidden third bite. The gun has fantastic proportions and real sexy look to it.

Auguste Francotte Featherweight Boxlock 12 GA 28" IM/M Double Barrel,1928. 6 lb., 1 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now. — Auguste Francotte Featherweight Boxlock 12 GA 28″ IM/M Double Barrel,1928. 6 lb., 1 oz. No reserve. See it on Gunbroker.com now.

FYI: The accuracy of these listings has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information has been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and all specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles recommends you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.

Any statements made on DogsandDoubles.com regarding a firearm’s condition, originality, safety, value, or suitability to use are opinions only. These statements have not been verified. They are not guaranteed to be accurate or correct in any way.

Auction alert: 1985 Browning Citori SUPERLIGHT 20Ga, No Reserve …

May 24, 2022 by Gregg

STUNNING! 1985 Browning Citori SUPERLIGHT 20Ga! 95% COND! Factory ENGRAVED!

Back when I was a kid, Brownings, Rugers, and then Beretta 686s were the classy OUs I dreamed about owning one day, and this 20g Browning Citori Superlight certainly would have been a shotgun that I fantasized about taking into the field with me.

It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and the online auction ends 5/28/2022 @ 8:15 PM.

The Browning Citori was the grandchild of the company’s first over-under shotgun — the Superposed. First offered in 1973, Citoris are still around today and over the last 50+ years they have come in all sorts of styles and models.

You can learn more about Browning Citoris here in this article from Shooting Times and also here on their Wikipedia page.

The one you see here appears to be in excellent condition. These guns usually weigh under 6lbs, so it would be a great upland gun. Here’s more information about it from the seller:

STUNNING! 1985 Browning Citori SUPERLIGHT 20Ga! 95% COND! Factory ENGRAVED!

A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL!!!! 1985 Browning Citori “SUPER-LIGHT” – FACTORY ENGRAVED!! Chambered in 20 GAUGE 2 3/4 inch ONLY!!!!!

Sporting a 26inch VENTED Ribbed barrel, OUTFITTED W/ the highly desirable INVECTOR CHOKE SYSTEM!!!! Finished off W/ a GORGEOUS “OIL FINISHED” (NOT THE EASILY MARKABLE EPOXY FINNISH) English style walnut stock & SUPER SEXY SCHNABEL fore-end!

Flaunting 95% CONDITION!!! !!! FROM 1985!!

IF THIS EXAMPLE WAS EVER FIRED, IT WAS LESS THEN A BOX OF SHELLS IF THAT!!

This is the VERY RARE & DESIRABLE “SuperLight” Model!!! Not the “Sporter” Model, the “Sporter” model is desirable as well, but nothing close to the “SUPERLIGHT“!!!

A quick way to tell the difference btw: the two is that the “SUPERLIGHT’s” WILL ONLY EXCEPT 2 3/4 inch shells! While the “Sporter” Model will except 3inch shells…
These “SUPERLIGHT’s” are OVER 1 POUND LIGHTER than their “Sporter” Model Cousin!!
Unlike today’s alloy framed & gloss finished Citori’s, this GEM is an ALL STEEL receiver and sports a gorgeous OIL FINISH that doesn’t show dings as ugly white scars the way gloss finishes do!!

This Citori SUPERLIGHT is in excellent condition! If it wasn’t for the very small handling marks near the receiver, I would rate this at 99%+. But in no way do these small handling marks take away from the beauty of this piece!

OVERALL:
If you are looking for a super classy upland shotgun THIS IS IT!!!
This is one phenomenal over/under by Browning – arguably the best model for upland bird hunting with its light-weight, gorgeous English stock & undeniably sexy schnabel fore end!!!

Online auction alert: 20g Beretta BL-4 OU shotgun …

June 16, 2020 by Gregg

Here’s your chance to get a deal on one of my all-time favorite over-under bird guns. This Beretta BL-4 has everything you need for upland hunting: 3″ chambers, ejectors, IC & Mod chokes, a single selective trigger. It looks a little used (yeah – the pics suck), but it also looks like you can get a great deal on it if you act now.

Beretta was one of the first gunmakers to offer an OU on a low-profile, Boss/Woodward-style action at a price most Americans could afford. The companies first generation of these OUs was launched in 1955. In the U.S., they were called the Silver Snipe, Golden Snipe, & Ruby Snipe.

They were followed by Beretta’s BL-line of OUs, which showed up in here in 1968 and were imported until 1973. Like on the Snipes, Beretta’s BL OUs used modern steels and a simple trigger plate action with dependable coil springs. The barrels were built with a unique monoblock design and the guns BL-4s came with vent ribs, automatic ejectors, and hand engraving.

Beretta Model BL-4 O/U 20 gauge shotgun. Serial Number: X02317. Manufactured by Beretta in late 1960s. The engraving was hand done. Barrels: 67 mm, 26 1/4”. Fixed choke: IC and Modified. LOP 14 3/8″ DAH 1 7/8” DAC 1 1/4”. Pachmayr Decelerator SC100 recoil pad installed in the fall of 2019. The gun shows normal wear from field use. The barrels are in very good condition and have no pitting.

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

April 18, 2020 by Gregg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auction alert: 16g L.C. Smith Field Grade, 28″ bbls…

July 12, 2019July 11, 2019 by Gregg

This is a question I get all the time: What SxSs should a guy on a budget buy, especially if you like vintage guns?

The 16g. L.C. Smith you see here is one of the answers I give. It’s on Gunbroker.com now and the online auction listing ends 7/17/2019 @ 2:52 PM.

L.C. Smith was one of America’s major side-by-side shotgun makers. The first L.C. Smiths were made in 1884, the last in 1971. Over that time, the company built all sorts of SxSs and passed through several owners.

I’ ve owned a bunch of L.C. Smiths (including 16gs like this one), and I think these low-grades ones make excellent grouse, woodcock and quail guns. Because they’re not as collectible as Parkers or Foxes, they sell for fair money. And thanks to the way they’re built, I’ve found them to be lighter and more dynamic than most comparable Ithaca NIDs.

This sixteen-gauge is from the period when Hunter Arms owned L.C. Smith (1888-1944). It’s a Field grade, which was the most basic gun L.C. Smith offered. I’m pretty sure it’s a Featherweight model, too, which means it was made a bit lighter than a standard 16g Field grade.

I like this gun for a few reasons:

First, it’s a late L.C. Smith (made in 1942, according to the seller). The stocks on guns from this period tend to have less drop than what you find on earlier guns, and on 16 gauges, chambers are often 2 3/4″ long instead of 2 1/2″ (like you find on earlier sixteens).
Second, it looks like it’s in excellent original condition with pleny of gorgeous color-case hardening and nice blueing
Last, you should be able to get a deal on it — and who doesn’t like a deal.

BTW: If you happen to get this gun, here’s a cool brochure you should check out: L.C. SMITH: CARE OF YOUR SHOTGUN, courtesy of the folks at the L.C. Smith Collectors Association

LC SMITH FIELD GRADE 16 GAUGE: 28 ” BARRELS, M&F, MADE 1942, EXCELLENT BORES, A FEW HANDLING MARKS ON WOOD, METAL GREAT, 3-DAY NON FIRING INSPECTION.

Auction alert: 20g Beretta BL-3 OU, an all around great double …

June 25, 2019 by Gregg

Beretta BL-3 20 gauge 3-inch chamber 28-inch o/u

Still kicking yourself for missing the last one of these I posted? Well, here’s another chance for you to get a deal.

This 20-gauge BL-3 is on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends 6/30/2019 @ 2:06 PM. Even though the starting bid is $850, if you can get this over-under for less than a grand you’ll be getting a deal.

Beretta’s BL-line of OUs were imported into the US in late ’60s and into the ’70s and marketed as solid shotguns at fair prices. They still are both those things, and with low-profile actions and modern dimensions, they’re great hunting guns.

Beretta BL-3 20 gauge 3-inch chamber 28-inch o/u

Beretta BL-3 20 gauge 3-inch chamber 28-inch o/u: Gun is in excellent condition. Bright bores choked modified and improved modified. Single selective trigger. LOP 14 1/4 inches. Extractors. Weighs 6lbs 3oz. Wood has a few light marks and scratches. No chips or cracks. Metal finish is nice-just a couple very small marks. Test fired-works as it should. Starting bid: $850

Last minute auction alert: Nice 16g Lefever H grade …

April 24, 2019 by Gregg

Nice Lefever H Grade 16ga with 30" Barrels — Nice Lefever H Grade 16ga with 30″ Barrels

The Lefever Arms Co. made some of America’s SxS shotguns, and the one you see here is a perfect example of what makes these doubles so special. With its sideplated action, this H-grade looks as sleek and elegant like as British sidelock, and the proportions all around are compliment one another and make the entire gun look great.

Nice Lefever H Grade 16ga with 30″ Barrels: Nice original Lefever H Grade 16ga guns dont come along every day – this particular gun has 30″ twist barrels which makes it rather rare. Built with double triggers, extractors, splinter forend, and capped pistol grip stock, the gun remains in quite pleasing original condition. Case colors are around 70% original. Stocks retain about 90% original finish and are mostly sound. The barrels retain nearly all of their bold black and white twist pattern. Bores are bright and shiny, and mechanics are crisp. The only visible flaw in the gun is a very small repair at the toe which can be seen in the photos. The gun weighs 6lbs 12oz. Both barrels measure .672 with .017 (mod) choke in the right, and .035 (Ex-full) in the left. Min wall thickness is .025 in the right and .027 in the left. Stock measures 1-9/16″ DAH, 2-3/4″ DAH, and 13-5/8″ LOP over the original Lefever Arms Co. monogrammed buttplate. Imagine carrying this gun on a pheasant hunt with this weight, dimensions, and choke combo! You will look long and hard to find another 30″ 16ga Lefever in this clean condition.

Great gun alert: 20g Parker VHE, 30′ bbls, 1930 gun …

April 18, 2019 by Gregg

Gorgeous high original condition Parker VHE 20ga SxS with 30" barrels: — Gorgeous high original condition Parker VHE 20ga SxS with 30″ barrels:

If I had to own just one Parker, this one here would be it. Built in the 1930, it’s a late gun with decent dimensions. It’s also all original and its 30″ bbls made it a bit unique.

Gorgeous high original condition Parker VHE 20ga SxS with 30″ barrels: Beautiful little Parker with 30″ Vulcan barrels. Lots of original case color remain. The gun has not been touched and is original in all respects. Specs are as follows: 1930 VHE 20g, Serial Number 233749, Pistol Grip, 30″ Barrels, 0 Frame, 2-3/4″ chambers, 14 1/4 LOP, Drop at comb 1 5/8″, Drop at heel 2 5/8″, Cast: 0, Right Bore: .617″, Left Bore: .617″, Chokes: R .025 L .011, Barrel Wall Thickness: R .028 L .029 Just a great all original Parker suitable for any collection! Price: $7795

Auction alert: 16g Parker VH on an O frame, No Reserve…

April 3, 2019 by Gregg

Parker 16 ga. 0 frame VH grade 28-inch barrels

Here’s your chance to get a deal on what looks like a good, original Parker side-by-side. This gun is on Gunbroker.com now at No Reserve. The listing ends 4/6/2019 @ 3:54 PM.

VH-grade Parkers were one up from the Trojan, the company’s bottom-of-the-line models. In its catalogs, the company called them “…a strictly high-grade gun at a very low price”.

The No. 0 frame (Number Zero frame) was the smallest action Parker sixteens were built on (they were also made on the larger No. 1).

Parker 16 ga. 0 frame VH grade 28-inch barrels: I have this super nice Parker VH in original condition chambered in 16 gauge on the ever desirable “0” frame receiver. SN: 1369xx shows this gun to be manufactured in 1906. The barrels are 28″ and have not been cut. Made of Vulcan steel they have extractors, nice bores, no visible dings or dents, nice solid barrels finished out with a pair of nice beads with the front one topped in brass. The chokes measure: RH- .649, LH- .636. The Length of pull measures 14 1/4″ to the front trigger. Drop at comb is 1 1/4″ and drop at heel is 2 1/4″. Weight is 6lb, 9oz. There is some nice figure in the walnut stock for a VH grade. The original spur type dogs head butt plate has an old repair in the spur area but is solid and won’t be an issue. See photo. Overall this is a super nice all original 16 gauge Parker on the rare 0 frame that locks up tight with no looseness and is still right of center. Has perfect shootable dimensions with Vulcan steel barrels that can be used as a collectible piece still capable to be used for hunting. No reserve, bid with confidence.

Good gun alert: 16g Parker PH, 0-frame, 2 bbl set ….

March 22, 2019 by Gregg

PARKER PH 16GA O FRAME FACTORY 2-BARREL SET INCREDIBLE CONDITION

Some vintage shotguns suck you in with their condition and make you think you need to own them — even when you know you don’t need another double. This Parker is one of those guns.

It appears to be in excellent shape all around, and the fact it’s a two-barrel set with different chokes makes the gun versatile. It’s also a 16-gauge on an 0-frame, so it’s built on a twenty-gauge size action. That’s why it weighs just 5lbs 15oz when it’s wearing its 26″ barrels.

PARKER PH 16GA O FRAME FACTORY 2-BARREL SET INCREDIBLE CONDITION: ALMOST 100% OF ITS ORIGINAL TWIST PATTERN — 26″ AND 30″ FACTORY BARRELS WITH BOTH FORENDS — PISTOL GRIP — 2 TRIGGERS — EXTRACTORS — SPLINTER FORENDS — BOTH BARRELS NUMBERED TO GUN AND ORDERED AS A FACTORY SET — CHECKERING AND VARNISH IN EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION — CASE COLORS AT 40% AND SUPER VIBRANT IN AREAS ON BASE AND SIDES — THIS GUN WAS CASED ITS ENTIRE LIFE AND CAME FROM ORIGINAL FAMILY — THE TOE OF STOCK WAS CHIPPED AND DHBP WAS CRACKED — WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND PRICE REFLECTS THAT — A TIME CAPSULE THAT HAS PERFECT SCREWS AND DIMENSIONS. 14 1/4″ X 1 5/8″ X 2 3/4″. 5LB 15OZ WITH 26″ BARRELS CHOKED .000/.017 BORES ARE ORIGINAL AND PERFECT. 6LB 14OZ WITH 30″ BARRELS CHOKED .032/.032 BORES ARE ORIGINAL AND PERFECT. Price: $5,750

Good gun alert: 20g Merkel 201E OU…

March 11, 2019 by Gregg

The first time I picked up one of these 20g Merkels, I almost threw it across the room. That’s because they’re far lighter than they look. They’re also far more responsive and dynamic than you would think.

The one you see here is a Model 201E. The 201s were one gun up from Merkel’s entry-level OUs. They had game-scene engraving is what separated them from the Model 200s. Both models featured Blitz actions, double Kersten locks, and double barrel lumps (without bites). With a leather-covered pad pushing the straight-gripped stock out to 14 3/4″ inches and doubles triggers, this looks like it was born to hunt grouse and woodcock.

Merkel ~ Mod 201E ~ 20 Ga ~ OU: Chambers: 2 3/4″, Wood Condition: Very Few Very Lite User Marks, Bore Condition: Bright and Shiny, Barrels: 26″, Triggers: Double Triggers, Stock: Checkered English Grip, Stock Dimensions: 14 3/4″ LOP, Fore End: Checkered, Butt Pad: Leather Recoil Pad, Weight: 6 Lbs 4 OZ., Sights: Front Bead, Chokes: .010″ and .015″. Price: $3,199.99

Auction alert: LNIB 20g Beretta 686 Onyx, 28″, box & papers…

January 9, 2019January 8, 2019 by Gregg

Auction alert: Vintage 20g Beretta 686 Onyx, 28" bbls, new in box — Auction alert: Vintage 20g Beretta 686 Onyx, 28″ bbls, new in box

Here’s another chance to get his great all-around OU: the 20g Beretta 686 Onyx. Beretta introduced these guns around ’88 and built them until around ’99 or so. For some reason, whoever bought this one never used it even though it has these features:

28″ barrels
Lightweight
Choke tubes
Single selective trigger

It’s on Gunbroker.com and the listing ends tomorrow, 1/10/2019, @ 2:31 PM.

Pre-owned Beretta Model 686 Onyx “Black” Over and Under shotgun chambered in 20 Gauge: This shotgun features a 28″ two shot 3″ capability vent rib barrel, a Walnut stock and forearm, manual safety w/ barrel selector and interchangeable chokes. This weapon originates from an estate and was pre-owned and never used nor fired by its previous owner and is LNIB. The weapon still has its hang tags and remnants of factory grease still under the forearm. Currently, the barrel has a FULL and a Modified choke installed from the factory. The third choke is an Improved unopened still in the box. The LOP is 14.5 and Overall length is 45″. Included with the weapon is its original factory box, manual, warranty papers inside their plastic sleeve and 20 gauge choke wrench. This weapon is over 20 years old and in pristine condition. It would make a wonderful augment to any Beretta shotgun enthusiast. Buyer agrees to pay a flat rate of $40.00 shipping in lower 48.

Grouse hunters: Here’s your dream Parker SxS…

January 5, 2019January 4, 2019 by Gregg

PARKER VH GRADE 16 GAUGE 0 FRAME SIDE-BY-SIDE

Ruffed grouse hunting isn’t for sissies. There are no horse-drawn carriages to ride in or wide-open fields to stroll through, and no one pushes birds your way as you block a shelterbelt.

If you want to chase these ruffed grouse, you need to get in the woods and get dirty. You’re going to get scratched up and bruised, and you’re going to carry your gun a lot.

That’s why lightweight doubles are popular with experienced grouse guys.

The Parker VH you see here is 16 gauge built on a 0 frame (frame = action, Parker actions ran from 000-frames, used on .410s and 28 gauges, to 7-frames, used on 10 and 8 gauges). It weighs just 5lbs, 13oz — lighter than a lot of 20-gauges – and about a pound less than your typical 16-gauge Parker.

PARKER VH GRADE 16 GAUGE 0 FRAME SIDE-BY-SIDE: 26″ BARRELS, IMP-CYL. AND FULL, 2 1/2″ CHAMBERS, VERY GOOD BLUE, MIRROR BRIGHT BORES, JIM GEARY STAMP. TIGHT ON FACE, BARRELS RING BEAUTIFULLY. UNTURNED SCREWS, GOOD CASE COLOR INCLUDING THE BOTTOM OF FRAME. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, VERY GOOD WOOD WITH WORN CHECKERING. GOOD DIMENSIONS – 1 1/2″ X 2 3/4″ X 14 1/2″ WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE ORIGINAL SILVERS 1/2″ PAD, 5 POUNDS 13 OUNCES. MADE IN 1913, ALL ORIGINAL CONDITION. Price: $3250

Good gun alert: 20g Heym 4A SxS shotgun …

December 3, 2018 by Gregg

Heym - 4A - 20 ga - SxS - Boxlock shotgun — Heym – 4A – 20 ga – SxS – Boxlock shotgun

Here’s a great looking double that probably won’t be on the market long. To me, this gun looks like it was made in the 1920s or 1930s. That’s was when Germany was building some of the finest doubles on the planet.

Heym was one of Germany’s top makers, and their doubles were beautifully made, well balanced, and — as you can see — great looking.

Like what you see? Pounce on it. I doubt it will be around long.

Heym – 4A – 20 ga – SxS – Boxlock shotgun: Price: $4,500.00
Ejectors: Yes
Trigger: Double
Grip: Pistol Grip
Forend: Checkered
Lop: 15 1/8 ”
Type of butt: Checkered Wood
Drop comb: 1 1/2 ”
Drop heel: 2 1/2 ”
Cast amount: 1/2 ”
Cast: Off
Weight: 5 lbs, 2 oz

Manufactured in: Germany
Overall condition: Very Good
Stock condition: Very Good
Metal condition: Very Good
Metal: Original finish
Type of Case: Leather Case

Barrel info:
Gauge: 20 ga
Chamber: 2 3/4 ”
Length: 26 ”
Chokes: IC/IM
Rib type: Concave

Comments: Gun has some light handling marks, 1.5″ stock extension, initialed oval.

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

Auction alert: 16g Parker GHE, No Reserve ….

October 23, 2018October 22, 2018 by Gregg

1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28" Shotgun — 1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28″ Shotgun

Classic. American. Grouse gun. Here it is, and it’s on Gunbroker.com now, being auctioned off at no reserve. The listing ends 11/4/2018 @ 8:43 PM.

The Parker GHE (a quality GH gun with Ejectors), was a lower, middle-grade gun in its day. Parker called it “a gun of exceptional value,” so it wasn’t cheap, but it offered a lot of nice features at a fair price.

This one is in what I would called “honest wear” condition. It looks like it was shot a lot, and a lot of the original finish is gone. There’s a pronounced crack in the forend, too. But that crack looks fixable and the rest of the gun looks sound.

1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28" Shotgun1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28" Shotgun — 1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28″ Shotgun

1931 Parker Brothers GHE 16 Gauge SxS 28″ Shotgun: This Parker Brothers shotgun shows a Serial Number of: 235828. Length of Pull measures 13.5″ to back trigger. Length of Pull measures 14.5 to the forward trigger. Manufacture date is listed as 1931. This classic representation has Upland Game Scenes engraved on the frame. Barrel length is listed at 28″. In the select world of vintage American double barrel shotguns, the name Parker Brothers stands in a class of their own. The Parker Gun Collectors Association has done a great job fostering knowledge on these fine guns, which many believe to be America’s finest. This GHE shows:

Serial Stamp is 235828.
Frame Size “1”
“16/1” on the barrel lug
Barrel flat shows 3 1 indicating barrel weight.
Watertable is stamped GH indicating grade.
Barrel is stamped “Special Steel”
Watertable is stamped “2”

This 1931 example is in very fine condition showing a proud degree of the original blue finish and case coloring. The select grade American hardwood stock and forearm show a rich texture and grain profile. The original dog’s head buttplate is featured and also remains in excellent condition. The lettering and engraving and screws are all in superb condition and look clocked properly along the axis of the gun. The triggers are crisp and break clean. There are fewer and fewer 16ga. Parkers with 28” Parker Special Steel barrels remaining original condition. The forearm shows small imperfections but remains solid throughout. A most gorgeous Parker Brother SXS Shotgun for your consideration. We have opened the gun and photographed the internal proofs in detail.