Ideal | Dogs and Doubles

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

January 2, 2023 by Gregg

A pre-owned Fabbri over & under 20 gauge with 26 inch barrels

Pre-owned Fabbri over & under 20 gauge with 26-inch barrels: Caliber: 20 gauge Action: Pinless Sidelock ejector Triggers: Single Safety: Non-Automatic Barrel Length: 26 inch Chamber: 2 3/4 inch Rib: Game solid rib Chokes: Under : Cyl – Over : 1/4 Type: Deluxe grade Walnut Length: 15 inches Grip: Classic Straight Hand Butt End Finish: Chequered Forend: Game style forend Description: Fine Boss style scroll Finish: Brush Silver Weight: 5 lbs – 14 oz Case: Single leather case Date of Manufacture: 1998. Price: $175,000*

Super Rare Luigi Franchi Condor SxS 20ga Matched Pair: It is very scarce to find a Luigi Franchi Condor model in 20ga inside the United States little alone a Matched Pair. This fine pair was constructed in 1950 for E. Casciano of Rome which was one of the largest provider of high grade guns in Italy at the time. This pair is identical in every way with the exception of the choking which I feel these were built for small gauge live pigeon competitions or for driven birds I am not 100% sure on either however a very nice pair indeed. This pair has the traditional square body actions which is uncommon for this model as well as the Full Coverage Best Quality Engraving as these were definitely special ordered and remain in excellent original condition cased in their original case which included”s two original keys . Seven pin locks with disc set strikers numbered in gold 1 & 2 on top levers and barrels & forends, ribs are concaved non matted tapered both with single bead front sights. Barrels are constructed of Vickers-Steel-Supercromato and are still remain as proofed in 1950. Price: $22,500*

Manufrance — Ideal, Grade 4 — 12 Gauge, 2 3/4“: 27 1/2″ SxS cross-dovetailed chopper-lump barrels [like a Winchester 21] with sunken matted rib choked improved modified & extra full. 14 3/4″ pull from front trigger to Silvers thin red rubber recoil pad. 1 3/8″ – 2 3/4″ drop. 1/2″ cast off. Figured, oil-finished, European walnut stocks with Anson-release splinter forend, fine point-pattern skip-line checkering, straight English grip, and retractable sling swivel. Casehardened Manufrance Ideal round-body action with automatic ejectors, chamber-loaded indicators, double Purdey underbites and modified Bissell rising bite third fastener engaging active dolls head, easily operated via finger-lever behind triggerguard. Fine scroll engraved and with deeply-chiseled fences. Weight: 7lbs, 3/4oz. 99%blue. 80% casehardening colors. Tight, Excellent bores. Ejectors in time. Price: $7,450*

EARLY POST-WAR WINCHESTER MODEL 21 DUCK 12GA.-3” SHOTGUN WITH 32” BARRELS

EARLY POST-WAR WINCHESTER MODEL 21 DUCK 12GA.-3” SHOTGUN WITH 32” BARRELS: CIRCA 1947. All original and never on market in excellent as found, untouched condition from family of the original owner. Bottom of frame stamped “DUCK”. Barrels marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL” and both marked “FULL”. Serial in the 19,xxx range and matching. Selective factory single trigger, automatic ejectors and nickel bead front sight. Extra quality factory walnut checkered stock and beavertail forend with the original finish. Some minor oil staining. Excellent checkering which is original and not refreshed. Chip out of forend at the left front which is an easy repair by a good stock man. Original factory “WINCHESTER” pad(pliable and no shrinking or petrification). Length of pull 13 5/8″, 2 3/8″ drop at heel, 1 1/2″ drop at comb as backed up by accompanying factory letter. 98-99% original blue and all the original wood finish with only very slight wear. Monogram “JSB” inset in silver in pistol grip base. Perfect working order and excellent, bright bores. Has seen only modest use and is in it’s original condition which is rare for a Model 21 Duck as most saw hard weather use and many are refinished. They were only made until 1952. With factory letter. Price: $6,500*

RBL 28 by CONN SHOTGUN Mfg.- MOD RESERVE- OVERALL COND 99.5%- VERY NICE WOOD- 30″ Bbls.- DOUBLE TRIGGERS- FACTORY CASED- 5 Lbs. 11 Oz.- AS NEW: #RBL002990, Connecticut Shotgun Mfg., New Britain, Ct. USA: A RBL Model Reserve 28 Bore with 30″ Ejector Shoe Lump Barrels, The bores at .549 .013 & .024″ (Mod. & Full), Factory marked Mod. & Full, 2 3/4″ chambers, Double Triggers, Splinter forend with a frontal Anson release, Straight hand stock at 14 7/8 x 1 1/2 x 2 7/16″ over a 3/4″ pad, It will go 15 1/8″ with a 1″ pad installed, It comes with the factory hard buttplate, Slight Cast-Off for the right hand, Very nice piece of wood with nice color contrast, 5 lbs. 11 oz., 75% coverage of engraving, It retains 100% original case colors, The barrels at 99.5, The buttstock and forend remain at 99.5%, The checkering remains at 100%, The bores are new. The gun is cased in the maker’s leather trimmed canvas trunk with accessories. The piece for all intents & purposes is a new gun. This is an ideal upland gun at 5 lbs. 11 oz. with a nice stick of wood that matches the forend color very well. This gun was test fired only and never went to the field or ever shot again. Price: $4,950*

FYI: DogsandDoubles.com is not a gun dealer. We do not sell firearms. We do not have an FFL. The guns you see listed here are from Gunsinternational.com, a site DogsandDoubles.com is not affiliated with in any way. The accuracy of these listings from Gunsinternational.com has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information and images have been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and specifications of the listed items. Dogs and Doubles suggests 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: Writer Stephen Bodio’s famous 16g Ideal 2R….

May 2, 2018 by Gregg

Lot # 1022: FRENCH MANUFRANCE MODEL IDEAL 2R SXS SHOTGUN

When I first got into doubles, Stephen Bodio’s Good Guns Again was one of my favorite books. I agree completely with how one reviewer summed it up: “…Bodio at his finest, the unleashed, unfettered gun fanatic, haunting the gun shops, evaluating, and offering a unique insight into the world of sporting firearms.”

Of all the unique insights Bodio offered it, many were focused on what makes a gun special, unique or good. The 16 gauge French SxS you see here was one he thought was more than just “good”. He thought it was spectacular (and one of the prettiest shotguns ever made).

Manufrance Ideals are the French version of a Dickson round action. With a Rigby-style rising bite action, coil springs and a triggerplate design, they’re simple, rugged, and elegant. That little lever behind the trigger opens the gun and cocks it after firing. It also makes these side-by-sides a pleasure to use.

This model would be a great grouse gun — and it’s built-in, retractable leather sling is just plain cool (and rare to see intact in these). BTW: You can see more Ideals and learn more about them here.

Lot # 1022: FRENCH MANUFRANCE MODEL IDEAL 2R 16g SXS SHOTGUN: Cal. 16 Ga., 2 3/4″. S# 45899. Bbls. 27 1/2″ marked “Acier Hercule” (Hercules steel). Matted swamped rib. Bead front sight. Doll’s head top fastener. Marked on right side ‘ MANUFACTURE FRACAISE D’ARMES ET CYCLES DE SAINT ETIENNE”. Bbl. flats marked “CHARGE NORMALE”. Graceful through lump round action is fitted w/ dbl. triggers & extractor. Decorated w/ modest amount of fine scroll engraving. Action opens by

pulling upwards on lever at back of trigger guard. Ambidextrous safety fitted beside trigger plate. Checkered straight hand stock w/ black buttplate. Checkered splinter forend w/ toggle lever release. LOP: 14 1/4″. DAC: 1 3/8″. DAH: 1 7/8″. Minimum bbl. wall thickness: .028 – right, .030 – left. Both measured w/in 6″ of muzzle. Consignor states this gun was once owned by famed author Stephen Bodio. Unique & rare retractable leather sling is fully intact & functional. CONDITION: wood shows few compression marks w/ some sm. voids where the trigger plate is inletted into wood. Notable gouge near toeline on right side. Engraving remains crisp on silvered action, through lumps show substantial blue wear. Bbls. retain strong blue w/ few light scratches & rub marks. Blue fading slightly at bbl. breeches. Left bbl. has sm. dent 6″ from muzzle. Bright shiny bores. (18-711/TB). CURIO. $1,000-1,500.

Auction alert: 20 gauge L.C. Smith Ideal…

June 7, 2017June 6, 2017 by Gregg

Cased L.C. Smith Ideal Grade 20 gauge SxS Sidelock Shotgun

Of the big 3 American makers — L.C. Smith, Parker Bros. & A.H. Fox– L.C. Smith is only one whose guns are still reasonably priced in 20 gauge.

This 20 gauge Ideal is coming up at Morphy Auctions in their June 10, 2017. From what I can see, it looks pretty original (except for the pad, of course). The stock has pretty decent dimensions, too, so most guys should be able to shoot it.

As a bonus, it comes in Brady leather case with accessories and the case’s original canvas cover. That alone is with $500-600.

Lot 925: (C) Cased L.C. Smith Ideal Grade 20 gauge Sidelock Shotgun: All serial numbers match. Brown blued London steel barrels with solid matte rib and single brass bead, breeches marked “L.C. SMITH Ideal GRADE/HUNTER ARMS CO. INC. M’F’R’S FULTON, N.Y. U.S.A.”. Casehardened sidelock actions engraved with ideal grade flowers on each side. Top of action, opener, bottom of action, and trigger guard bow engraved with sprigs of engraving. Both sideplates stamped “L.C. SMITH”. Features include: extractors, automatic thumb safeties, and double triggers. Plain walnut pistol grip buttstock with checkered wrist and red Pachmayr recoil pad. Checkered walnut splinter fore arm with ebony cap. Complete with leather case with protective snap on canvas cover. Partitioned interior lined with burgundy felt. Accessories include: English oiler, snap caps, and two piece cleaning rod. Excellent condition, barrels retain 70-80% original blue finish with some thinning on sides of breeches and muzzles. Some areas of wear with finish gone at breeches. Bores are excellent and shiny. Action is tight and retains approximately 60-70% original case colors, otherwise turn to silver. Trigger guard retains traces of blue finish. Stocks very good showing some wear and a few scattered marks from use. Case excellent with a few scuffs on corner of canvas cover. Manufacturer: L.C. Smith, Model: Ideal Grade, Serial Number: 144838, Caliber: , Barrel Length: 28″, FFL Status: Curio & Relic, Paperwork: , Blade Length: , Overall Length: , Gauge: 20, Chamber: 2 – 3/4″, Length of Pull: 14 – 3/4″, Drop at Comb: 1 – 9/16″, Drop at Heel: 2 – 1/2″, Internal Bore Diameter: Left – .615″, Right – .619″, Barrel Wall Thickness: Both – .046″, Choke: Both – Full, Weight: 6 lbs. – 11 oz.

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March 19, 2017 by Gregg

C.G. Bonehill .577 3″ Side-by-Side Boxlock Double Rifle: 26″ chopperlump barrels, one standing three folding gold line express sights on a quarter rib, proofed for the 100 gr. cordite 750 bullet. Double triggers, auto ejectors. This is the real stopper, genuine article! Original heavy proof. Built on the Webley long bar, bushed pins, screw grip doll’s head. The Rock of Gibraltar! Finely scroll engraved, with the “C.G. Bonehill” name in gold. The rifle retains about 98% of what appears to be an older refresh. Chambers are perfect, bores very good +, with fine sharp rifling right up to the chambers. Tight on the face. Beautifully grained French walnut, straight through the head, fits perfectly – no gaps – no cracks, just perfect. A really rare pre-war ejector, in one of most of the most fabled calibers. A true .577 weighing exactly 14 lbs., they way they ought to be! 15″ LOP over a leather pad. This is the one you want when things get ugly! Cased in canvas trunk case with brass corners. Price: $57,000

MANUFRANCE IDEAL GRADE 6RE SxS – 16 GAUGE – 29″ BARRELS – HIGHLY ENGRAVED: Forend fastening system. Chisled vine fences with side clips. Ejectors. Ambidextrous safety. Acier barrel steel. Chambers 2 3/4″. Right bore measures .667 with 5/1000 choke (IC). Left bore at .668 with 28/1000 (Imp Mod). Barrels are 29″ and have a swamped rib. Gun is tight on face / no loose ribs. Loaded cartridge indicators. Stock has a 1″ ebony butt plate and skip line checkering. Weight is 6 LBS 2 1/2 OZ. Shipping is $50. Retractable sling is misisng. Stock dimensions: LOP – 14 7/8″, Drop at Comb – 1 3/8″, Drop at Heel – 2 3/8″. Price: $6,750

Ithaca NID 28 gauge SxS Shotgun: The gun is in great condition with no pitting on the barrel or bore. There is very little original finish remaining, the majority of the original finish can be found on top of the receiver. The LOP is 14 3/4”, the drop to heal is 2 1/8” and the drop to comb is 1 3/4”. The gun is overall in great condition and is ready to be taken out on your next bird hunt. Price: $4500

BERETTA – Model 471 Silver Hawk – SxS – 20ga – 28″ Mobilchoke – Cased: Single Selective Trigger, Selectable Ejectors or Extractors, English Stock, LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-3/8″ to 2-3/8″, Weight 6 lbs. 7 oz. Excellent Condition. The coloring is faded to a modeled gray patina. Very little wear. A few minor handling marks. Includes: Case, Manual, Socks, Total of Four Chokes. Price: $2875

L.C. Smith “O” Grade 16 Gauge – 1899 GUN, 70% CASE 70% CASE COLOR, CONDITION: 6lbs 14oz, Side by Side, Serial Number 60594. The L.C. Smith “O” Grade, a “pre-1913” name given to this grade by Hunter Arms prior to 1913 (too obvious?) was a step above the Field Grade that came out in 1913 from Hunter Arms in that it had a bit nicer wood and checkering, a black ebony inlay in the forend tip, and a set of nice damascus steel barrels. This gun, sn60594 built in 1899, is in remarkable condition for its 118 years of age, with lots of case color, perfect screws, perfect wood to metal fit, nicely figured European walnut (book says English walnut, looks like French to me), factory original checkering is excellent, no cracks anywhere, full length butt stock to the factory butt plate, 30″ damascus barrels that still retain 98% of their original black and white pattern, and tight as new mechanically. With the long barrels and 1/2 round pistol grip, this is a great sporting clays or upland gun, and weighing 6lbs. 14oz. is not too heavy to carry all day. They only made about 3100 of these guns in 16ga., likely less than 2500 or so left on the planet, so it is not a common gun, especially with this much factory condition remaining. Price: $1,995

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July 24, 2016 by Gregg

Boss & Co. 12 gauge Best Quality and extremely rare self opening London sidelock: This Boss was built between the wars and is one of only 56 ever made as a true self opener. Having excellent original wall thickness and dimensions this fine Boss correctly and elegantly represents what is considered the paragon of British gun making, the Boss BEST sidelock ejector. This Boss comes in a correct VC (stands for Very Compact) motor case and is truly ready for the field and to be appreciated by its new owner. Price: $32,000.00
Serial Number: 8355
Ejectors: Yes
Barrels: 28″, Choke: IC, Skeet 1
Action: Sidelock ejector
LOP: 14 1/8″ (13 11/16″ o
Weight: 6 lbs. 5 oz.
Choke
Proof: Nitro: 2 1/2″

Reilly 8 Bore underlever hammer double rifle: Fully rifled 8 Bore Jones underlever rebounding hammer double rifle. 24″ damascus barrels with strong rifling with minor pitting in front of the chambers. Bores are very good. The full lenth rib has a dolls head extension with one fixed sight and one folding sight. This double rifle was made about 1892 and is very very similar to the Holland and Manton 8 Bore double rifles and was probably made by the same maker. The right weight for an 8 Bore at 16 pounds 8.8 ounces with the barrel weight at 9 pounds 12 ounces. The twist is about 1 in 56 indicating a conical bullet rifle. The chambers are 3 1/4″. The double rifle locks up on face and is mechanically in very very good condition. It is border engraved and the makers name is on both back action locks.The pull is 14 3/8 ” over what looks to be a horn butt plate. The stock is solid and very sound with NO proud metal. Wood to metal fit is very very good also! The barrels were rebrowned in England and retain about 95% finish. The stock has the correct patina as you would expect for an English double rifle, the checkering is crisp. The stock has a shadowline Holland style cheekpiece and is in excellent condition. The screw heads are in good condition showing very little wear. The detriment to the rifle is the pitting over the action, locks, underlever and forend iron. The pitting does NOT effect the use of the rifle and could be polished out and the border engraving recut. Price: $15,950

PARKER BROS., MODEL DHE., 20 GA., 0 FRAME. Price: $12,500
ID #   6140
Make   PARKER BROS
Model   DHE
Configuration   SXS
Gauge / Caliber   20 GA
Serial #    236110
Country of Origin   America
Barrel Length (in Inches) 26
Choke R/U   M (Modified)
Choke L/O    F (Full)
Trigger   DT (Double)
Stock Configuration   Pistol Grip
Forearm Type   Splinter Forearm
Rib Type   Matted Concave Rib
Receiver Finish   Casehardened – TRACES OF COLOR IN PROTECTED AREAS
Engraving Type   DHE: Fine Scroll w/ Cameos Engraving
Other Options   0 FRAME, FACTORY DOGS HEAD BUTT. GOLD OVAL
Condition   Near EXC. Condition, ALL ORIGINAL
Weight   5LB 12 OZ
Dimensions    DAC 1-1/2, DAH 2-5/8, LOP 14, C/O 1/4
Other Details    BRADY BROS. LEATHER CASE, PARKER BROS. FACTORY PAPERS, LIGHT WEIGHT GAME GUN

Manufrance Ideal #4 SxS Shotgun: 16GA, 2 3/4″ chambers, double trigger extractors, 28 M&F with mint bores, 100% color case in the protected areas and 60% around the action, 60% on the rest of the gun with nice open engraving. Original blue. Nice piece of wood, straight grip with retractable sling. Original butt plate. This gun is in excellent condition and has a very tight action. Dimensions are 14 x 1 1/4 x 2 1/4, weight 5lb 13oz. It is very hard to find a round action gun like this one. Price: $3,500

Beretta 471 Side x Side ~ 20 Gauge: With original factory hard case and manual Price: $2,699.99 Manufacturer: S/N – S10351A
Caliber: 20 GA
Chambers: 3
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Very Good / Excellent

Bore Condition: Mirror
Barrels: 28
Triggers: Factory
Stock: Checkered Walnut
Stock Dimensions:
14-1/4″ LOP
Fore End: Checkered Walnut
Butt Pad: Brown Rubber
Weight: 6lb 15oz
Sights: Bead Front
Chokes: CYL X IC

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January 5, 2014 by Gregg

Matched Pair Westley Richards Droplocks w/hinged floor plate – 12 ga: 28 inch barrels, S.S.T., auto ejectors, both are choked I/C and I/C. LOP 14″. The barrel flats are stamped with 2 3/4″, 3 1/4 ton, 1 1/8 oz . Made in 1912 according to Griffin & Howe. Triggers and ejectors work well. One trigger guard has a Pointer engraved; the other a Setter. Both have a little cast off of 1/8 – 3/16″. Stocks have leather pads. The dimensions are: #1 DAC 1 5/8, DAH 2 1/8, Weight 6 lbs 8 ozs., #2: DAC 1 1/2, DAH 2 1/8, Weight 6 lbs 8 ozs. Price: $19,600

Holland & Holland Top Lever Hammer 450 BPE SxS Rifle: Circa. 1886. SN: 8772. Steel Barrels are Proofed: 52 Cordite – 365 Bullet. Exceptional overall condition. Bores appear, as new , in virtually unused condition. Action is total sound. Case colors and blue remain in very rich color. This would be a pleasant rifle to shoot and hunt with. Rare find in this condition. Barrels: 26″, Fluid Steel, Stock well Figured French Walnut Butt Horn L.O.P. 14 1/2″ Weight 7 lbs. 13.3 oz Price $16,500

Holland & Holland Top Lever 450 3 14" BPE Circa. 1886. — Holland & Holland Top Lever 450 3 14″ BPE Circa. 1886.

A.H Fox , Sterlingworth, 20ga., 30” Barrels, choked IM/F: 100% case color, 99% blue, and wood finish. Small handling marks. Original pad that has been deteriorated from sitting in a rack. Twin ivory sights, ultra rare barrel length. This gun is near perfect Philadelphia, PA gun, no excuses, right out of the woodwork, virgin gun. 14 ¼” x 1 ½” x 2 ¾”. 6 lbs 5oz. Price: $5,500

L.C. SMITH, IDEAL 20GA 28″ BARREL: Double Triggers, Case Color on Receiver is 90%+, Barrel Blue is 85%+, Both Screw Heads on Side-plate, are slightly damaged. This gun was Made in 1936, and we believe this is a “Standard Weight Frame”, Only 22 standard weight frame 20GA Ideal’s were ever made. London Steel Barrels, most likely Mod/Full. Wood is 95% and has very few handling marks. Grip Cap, and Butt Plate excellent. Price: $3300

L.C. SMITH, IDEAL GRADE, 20 GA, 28" BARREL — L.C. SMITH, IDEAL GRADE, 20 GA, 28″ BARREL

B. Rizzini Artemis Classic 20 ga, 28" O/U shotgun — B. Rizzini Artemis Classic 20 ga, 28″ O/U shotgun

B. Rizzini Artemis Classic 20 ga, 28″ O/U: This gun is barely used, in “as new condition” with beautiful AAA upgraded wood. The barrels are 28″ with 7 Rizzini chokes: Cyl, Skt x 2, IC, LM, LF, XF & 3″ chambers. Right hand 1/8″ cast off, 1 3/8″ DAC, 2 1/4″ DAH and 14 1/2″ LOP to Rizinni wood butt plate. Rizzini hard case and cloth sleeves are included. Price: $2495.

More Manufrance Ideals – both in great shape…

September 26, 2013September 26, 2013 by Gregg

I’ve written about the Manufrance’s Ideal shotguns a couple times. These doubles use underlever opening/cocking levers and feature sleek, ultra round actions. Manufacture d’ Armes de Saint Etienne introduced the Ide

Manufrance Ideal, Costo Super, 12ga. 2 1/2" chambers — Manufrance Ideal, Costo Super, 12ga. 2 1/2″ chambers

al in 1887 and they made around 79,000 of them – that’s a pretty good run for such a quirky SxS.

These two would be perfect for pheasants and sharpies. It’s up for auction on Gunbroker.com, and the listing ends at 9/29/2013 3:00:42 PM ET. It can be bought for $1,250 – a very fair price.

Manufrance Ideal, Costo Super, 12ga. 2 1/2″ chambers: Choked mod. and imp, cyl,, horn butt plate, retractable sling is intact and functioning . No dents in barrels, bright shiny bores. weight is 6 3/4lbs.

This one would be great for grouse & woodcock. It looks like it’s brand new, and it’s for sale at Gunsinternational.com:

Manufrance “Ideal” in nice condition. Grade O: 29” bbls, Full & Skeet chokes, 2 ½” chambers, Nitro Proof, 6 lbs. 5.5 oz., 2 7/16 “ D@H,14 1/8” LOP. A very nice simple but elegant example of a Manufrance Ideal. Great dimensions and condition. Price: $1,900.00

Good gun alert: a rare 20 gauge Manufrance Ideal Gr. 2 double barrel shotgun…

September 3, 2013September 1, 2013 by Gregg

MANUFRANCE IDEAL GRADE 2 RARE 20 GAUGE Double Barrel shotgun

The Manufrance Ideal is an odd double. With its unique underlever opening/cocking lever, sleek, light weight, rounded action, and retractable sling, it’s sort of the Citroën of side by sides. But even though it’s peculiar, the Ideal is also one of handiest upland shotguns ever.

Manufacture d’ Armes de Saint Etienne introduced the Ideal in 1887 and they made them into ’60s. The company built around 79,000 of them, but few of these doubles were imported into the US. Many of the ones we see here were brought in one at a time by Americans who picked them up overseas. Few of those are are nice Grade 2 20 gauges like the one below:

Here’s more about it from the seller:

MANUFRANCE IDEAL GRADE 2 RARE 20 GAUGE: Hate to use the term rare or unique but have to on this Manufrance Ideal grade 2 20 gauge. I have researched on line and have not found but one grade 2 in 12 gauge and it was not in nice condition. This grade 2 still has a lot of case coloring, the bluing is probably 95 %. The LOP is 13 7/8 to end of bone butt plate DOC is 1 ½ and DOH is 3”. The choke is cylinder & .028 full and wieghs a nice 5# 14oz with a swamp rib or Churchill rib.. The stock may need to be redone but really high grade French Walnut. You can see in one of the picture the 2 screws need to be redone as someone did not know how to use a screw driver. The stock has a built in retractable sling. Price: 4450.00 OBO

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June 9, 2013 by Gregg

John Dickson Hammer Toplever Sidelock Double Rifle .500 BPE: Circa 1875, 28″ original damascus barrels engraved “John Dickson & Son” on the left barrel and “65 Princes Street Edinburgh”. 14 1/2″ LOP over a checkered butt with engraved heel and toe plates, 9 lbs. even, extractor, double triggers, pistol grip with engraved steel grip cap, file cut flat rib with one standing and one folding leaf marked 100 and 200, long post bead front sight, stalking safeties, backaction island sidelocks with fine scroll engraving and engraved “John Dickson & Son” on both sides. Excellent condition and we believe all original and likely original finishes, great bores and tight action. Comes in period leather case with maker’s label (missing handle and straps), period sling with correct connectors for the sling eyes and a labeled box of period Kynoch .500 BPE ammo. Price: $13,950.00

20g W.W. Greener FH35 double barrel shotgun, excellent original condition

W.W. Greener, FH 35, 20ga. 28” barrels choked IC/IM. Outstanding Greener FH35: Choked IC/IM. Outstanding Greener FH35. Very rare top safety with AE. Retains 99.9% original color case hardening, not refinished. Double trigger, semi-pistol grip, leather covered pad, splinter forend. Nearly perfect wood, perfect checkering, 100% blue. Very seldom encountered, light weight. An outstanding collector gun. 14” x 1 ½” x 2 ½”. 5 lbs., 6oz. Price: $12,750

BERETTA EXPRESS RIFLE 9.3X74R CALIBER: 24″ Bbbl with raised rib and fitxed sights, color case hardened action, double triggers, ejectors, 14 7/8″ LOP, 98% Overall. Price: $4,699.00

THOMAS BLAND 12- 3″ MAG- APPEARS UNFIRED- BOXLOCK EJECT- 30″ Bbls- 98% ORIG CASE COLORS- APPEARS UNFIRED: #18810, Thomas Bland & Son, West Strand, London WC2: A 12 Bore Original 3″ Magnum Boxlock Ejector Model Brent Made in 1957 with 30″ Ejector Dovetail Lump barrels with rib extension third bite at .729 .020 & .035 (Mod. & Full), Original 3″ chambers, Birmingham proof at 3 1/2 Tons per square inch and 3″, It then was proved again at 1200 BAR in 1992 and has the proper reproof marks, Double triggers, Splinter forend with an Anson release, Open pistol grip stock at 14 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 2 1/8″ over a 7/8″ pad, Cast-off for the right hand, 7 lbs. 12 oz., 35% engraving coverage, Retains 98% original case colors, 99% original barrel blue, The wood is 99% original, The checkering remaining at 100%, The bores are new.
Price: $2,850.00

L C SMITH, HUNTER ARMS, IDEAL GRADE, 20 GAUGE, 28" BARRELS — L C SMITH, HUNTER ARMS, IDEAL GRADE, 20 GAUGE, 28″ BARRELS

L C Smith Ideal Grade 20 Gauge Automatic Ejectors: 28″ BARRELS, F&M, EXCELLENT BLUE, MIRROR BORES. AUTOMATIC EJECTORS, MARKED 2 3/4″. FEATHERWEIGHT FRAME, TRACES OF CASE COLOR. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, NICELY FIGURED WOOD, EXCELLENT CHECKERING. GRIP CAP CHIPPED, ORIGINAL HAWKIN RECOIL PAD. HIGH DIMENSIONS – 1 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ X 13 3/4″, 5 POUNDS 14 OUNCES. Price: $1,850.00

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May 26, 2013 by Gregg

Stephen Grant 12 gauge hammergun, Jones lever, 30″ damascus barrels: Back-action locks. Straight-gripped stock, keyed forend, double triggers, Nitro proofed for 2 3/4″ loads, 14 7/8″ LOP, 6lbs, 5 oz.

Beretta SV-10 Prevail III 12ga. 32″ Sporting Clays gun: Combines innovative features like Q-stock, selective ejection/extraction and a removable trigger group with the same old-world craftsmanship that has made Beretta the choice of champions around the globe for decades. Featuring Beretta’s dual-conical locking system and low profile receiver for superior balance and handling characteristics, and game scene engraving on receiver. Price: $2,798.00

12 gauge Manufrance Ideal. Grade 3. Double Barrel Shotgun

Manufrance “Ideal”. 12g. Great dimensions and features. Grade 3: Dating from 1929. The French round action and like the Dickson, built on a trigger plate. Straight-grip stock, double triggers, 14 1/4″ LOP, 2 3/4″ chambers, Retractable Sling, 6lb 6oz. Price: $2,600

Browning Citori Superlight Feather 16ga 28″ barrel 16 gauge NIB: Brand New In Box. Price: $2,399

Browning Citori Superlight Feather 16ga 28″ barrel Brand New In Box

BROWNING SUPERPOSED 12 GA. GRADE 1: (PRE-WAR 1936) – 28″ BARRELS – CHOKES F/M – 80% BLUE ON BARRELS – SIDES 70% – BOTTOM ABOUT 45% -TAND 0% – BORES MINT : Price: $1545

BROWNING SUPERPOSED 12 GA. GRADE 1, Double Triggers

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

January 13, 2013January 13, 2013 by Gregg

Boss and Co., London. Superb pair of light weight 12ga. game guns, ca. 1925 Boss & — Boss and Co., London. Superb pair of light weight 12ga. game guns, ca. 1925. Image courtesy Lewis Drake & Co.

Boss and Co., London. Superb pair of light weight 12ga. game guns, ca. 1925: Exceptionally nice pair of Vintage 12ga. light weight game guns, ordered by an American in 1925. Weight of each gun: 6 Lbs. 6 oz. Stock Dimensions: 14 ½”x 1 3/8”x 2 3/8”. 29” chopper-lump steel barrels with original 2 ½” chambers. Double triggers, ejectors, and automatic safeties. Beautifully figured original straight-grip stocks and splinter forends have been professionally and properly refinished at some point. $75,000

Westley Richards Ovundo 12 ga: 28″ solid rib barrels, 2-5/8″ chambers, choked improved cylinder and improved modified (.011/.022), automatic ejectors. Scroll engraved action features patented sliding top bolting. Westley selective “one trigger” and automatic safe. Stock measures 1-5/8″ comb, 2-1/8″ heel, 14-1/4″ LOP to the rear position trigger. Weighs 6 lbs, 11 oz. A seldom-seen vintage British O/U. Complete in lightweight leather trunk case. $11,950

ENGLISH DOUBLE FLINTLOCK 16 BORE SHOTGUN BY "H. W. MORTIMER, LONDON". — ENGLISH DOUBLE FLINTLOCK 16 BORE SHOTGUN BY “H. W. MORTIMER, LONDON”.

ENGLISH DOUBLE FLINTLOCK 16 BORE SHOTGUN BY “H. W. MORTIMER: 30″ twist steel barrels, flintlocks with platinum toucholes and French cocks. Waterproof pans and roller frizzens. Checkered straight grip stock with skeleton grip extension. LOP: 14″ to it’s engraved steel buttplate. $9950

John MacPherson 2 Inch Light Game Boxlock: 12 bore, 2 ” chambers, 28″ fluid steel barrels Nitro proved at 1 1/8 oz., choked .020 Mod and .027 IM, ejectors, 5 lbs. 12 oz., 14 3/4″ LOP over a red Silvers pad, 1 1/2″ DAC, 2 1/8″ DAH, neutral cast, fine English scroll engraving on action with “John MacPherson & Sons” on both sides, straight grip, splinter forend, double triggers, ejectors, vacant gold oval in stock, Churchill style rib. Circa 1951. A lovely condition gun with much case color and hard to find 28″ barrels on a 2″ chamber gun. Also a bit heavier proof and weight than most 2″ guns. $5999

L.C. Smith Ideal 16E gauge SxS: LOP: 14″ Drop: 2-1/2″ – 1-1/2″ Cast: 0″
Barrel length:28″ Choke: F/M Weight: 6lb11oz A great 1946 Smith that is collector quality, lots of dark color & blue, mirror bores, very tight, super nice! 2-3/4″ chambers, chokes – R)663-021, L)664-029, ser#S10. $2,950.00

Auction alert: Parker DHEs, L.C. Smith, Manufrance Ideal, Browning, Ithaca….

December 13, 2012December 14, 2012 by Gregg

Montrose Auctions in Montrose, GA, is have this big Public Firearms Auction on Saturday, December 15th. They selling of a ton of stuff, including Winchesters, Parkers, Brownings, L.C. Smiths, pumps, autos, modern stuff & vintage guns.

Here are some of the doubles that really stood out:

Browning Superposed Lightning O/U shotgun 20ga:#52340V8, Light blue loss on sharp edges, light scratches and dings to wood, LOP 14 1/4 with Browning recoil pad, Belgium made, 26 ½”

Browning Citori O/U shotgun 16ga: #57002PP723 excellent condition, 26”

20 gauge Parker Repro DHE Double Barrel Shotgun, 28" bbls — 20 gauge Parker Repro DHE Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″ bbls

Parker Reproduction DHE SxS shotgun 20ga: #20-01129 excellent condition; showing slightest collector-type handling marks; w/ leather case and canvas outer case, 28”

LC Smith Field Grade SxS shotgun 20ga: #184083, Traces of case coloring, 60% blue, Extractor, 28”

Parker Bros DHE SxS shotgun 12ga: #158173, 28”

Winchester 101 O/U shotgun 28ga: Serial # QS28-386E w/ Winchester cardboard box, factory paperwork, hang tag; like new to excellent condition, 25 ½”

Baker 1897 SxS shotgun 12ga: #32183, vivid case colors; strong Damascus, 30”

Ithaca NID SxS shotgun 12ga: #461958. With ejectors, 1936, 26”

12 gauge Baker Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun

AJ Aubrey C30 SxS shotgun 12ga: #17431, vivid case colors; Damascus barrels; custom fitted wood case, 30”

LC Smith SxS shotgun 12ga: Hammergun # 602H strong traces of case colors in protected areas, 32”.

Manufrance Ideal No. 0 SxS shotgun 12ga: 25.5 Inch barrel, C&R

12 gauge Manufrance Ideal double barrel shotgun

The L.C. Smith Long Range Wildfowl shotgun…

October 25, 2012October 25, 2012 by Gregg

Early Ad for L.C. Smith's Long Range Wildfowl Double Barrel Shotgun — Early Ad for L.C. Smith’s Long Range Wildfowl Double Barrel Shotgun

The 1920s were big times for America, and for American firearms. Over those 10 years, a lot of things changed about both. For guns, two new products came onto and had a significant impact on the market.

The first new product was the Super-X shotgun shell. Introduced by the Western Cartridge Company, it was loaded with their new progressive powder. Super-X shotgun shells gave “…high velocity and longer range without high gas pressure plus “Short Shot String” and the maker told customers that the end result “…assures clean kills at distances almost unbelievable.”

Western Cartridge Company, 12g Super X shotgun ammunition

Next up was the Super-Fox shotgun, introduced by the the A.H. Fox Company. A.H. Fox created the first Super-Fox to test Western’s new shells. John Olin, Western’s founder, took delivery of this prototype in 1921. It was well received and in 1923 A.H. Fox made the Super-Fox a part of their line up. Soon it was hit with duck hunters, including the the legendary wing shooter Nash Buckingham.

To take advantage of the new Western ammo and compete with the Super Fox, L.C. Smith introduced the 12 Long Range Waterfowl shotguns in 1924. Available in 3″ and 2 3/4″ 12 gauge, and in all available grades, the L.C. Smith Long Range Wild Fowl guns was advertised as:

THE HARDEST HITTING GUN IN THE WORLD

“The L.C. Smith Long Range Wild Fowl Gun is built from our Regular model, and is designed to handle heavy charges of modern propellant powders, giving it an increased range of 15 to 25 yards, and extreme velocity and penetration with uniform patterns.”

Catalog Description of L.C. Smith's Long Range Wildfowl Double Barrel Shotgun — Catalog Description of L.C. Smith’s Long Range Wildfowl Double Barrel Shotgun

L.C. Smith catalogs claimed that the Long Range Wild Fowls used “A distinctive L.C. Smith method of choking adds 15 to 20 yards to ordinary shotgun range…specially bored to a longer, tapering choke…” To handle heavy recoil, these guns also featured a a reinforced forend loop on the barrels.

L.C. Smith Long Range Wildfowl Double Barrel Shotgun

The last L.C. Smith Long Range Wild Fowl Gun was completed in 1942, and in all they made 2,631 of these guns. Right now, this nice one is on Gunbroker.com.

You can learn more about the L.C. Smith Long Range Wild Fowl Gun here.

Good Gun Alert: a Manufrance Ideal Grade 4 SxS 16 gauge…

July 10, 2012July 10, 2012 by Gregg

Manufrance Ideal Grade 4 16 gauge double barrel shotgun

Manufrance’s Ideal grade double barrel shotguns are uncommon here in North America. Even though Manufrance made about 79,000 of them, they were imported into the United States in great numbers. So when you see ones like this 16 gauge Grade 4, it’s special.

Here are the specs from the seller:

A beautiful Manufrance Ideal Grade 4 16ga SxS shotgun with 27.5″ barrels. 14.25″ LOP over orginal buttplate. Very comfortable stock dimension of 1.5″/2.5″ drops. This is a 6# gun and is an exceptional pointing gun. Stock has unique Manufrance retractable sling that extends and clips to front sling-eye.

Has the unique Manufrance bottom release action and beautiful swamped rib.

A very-good overall condition gun. If you know Manufrance Ideal’s, you will love this gun! Priced very fairly compared to thers on the market.

A Manufrance Ideal 16 gauge double barrel shotgun…

March 18, 2012March 18, 2012 by Gregg

The French have always been inventive gunmakers. Pauly, Lefecheaux and Darne gave the world some unique ideas on how double barrel shotguns could be made. Manufacture d’ Armes de Saint Etienne did the same thing. Their Ideal shotguns was another unique contribution to history of side by sides.

16 gauge Manufrance Ideal Double Barrel Shotgun

Ideal-model shotguns were introduced in 1887 and I think they were made into the 1960s. I think this one one was made around 1940. It’s a 16 gauge Gr. 2 with a straight grip, 28″ barrels, and the traditional double triggers. In the slideshow below you’ll also a higher grade Ideal with the monocle-style triggers.

The little lever behind the triggerguard opens & cocks the gun, and the little button on the triggerplate operates the gun’s safety mechanism. This gun weighs about 6lbs. You can see more Ideals and learn more about them here and here.