italy | Dogs and Doubles

Online auction alert: 20g Beretta 686 Blackwing O/U Shotgun, MFD 2002 …

July 5, 2022July 3, 2022 by Gregg

Beretta Model 686 Blackwing J686180 20 Ga 3" Shells O/U Shotgun, MFD 2002 — Beretta Model 686 Blackwing J686180 20 Ga 3″ Shells O/U Shotgun, MFD 2002

When it combines to shotguns that offer a ton of quality and value, Beretta’s 686 line of OUs are had to beat — especially when they’re set up like the 20g Blackwing you see here. Lock Stock and Barrel Investments has it listed on Gunbroker.com right now, and the online auction listing ends next Sunday, 7/10/2022, @ 8:25 PM.

From what I can see, the gun looks like it’s built on the same action and design as other 686-model Beretta’s — but with one exception. The barrels feature an interesting ribless design. This must make the gun lighter than a standard 20g 686. It was probably a little less expensive for Beretta to build, too.

Here’s more info about this shotgun from the seller:

Beretta Model 686 Blackwing J686180 20 Ga 3″ Shells O/U Shotgun, MFD 2002: Serial Number: P19963B, Year of Manufacture: 2002 (BS date code), Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3” Shells, Action Type: Top-Break, Over/Under with Single Selective Trigger and Individual Ejectors.

Markings: The top tang is marked “P19963B / BLACKWING”, the bottom of the receiver is marked “MADE IN ITALY”, “BERETTA”, the Beretta logo, and “Blackwing”. The receiver has extensive scroll and floral engraving on the sides and the bottom. The trigger plate is marked “PATENTED”. The top of the forend iron is marked “P19963B”. The left of the top barrel is marked “20 GA. 3” – 28”” and at the chamber with “BERETTA – MADE IN ITALY / GARDONE VT”. The left of the top barrel below the top of the forend is marked “CAM 76” and “15.9” next to a proof mark. The left of the bottom barrel is marked “EXCELSIOR-HIGH STRENGTH ALLOYED STEEL / KG0.990”, “15.9” and with an Italian proof, the bottom of the bottom barrel is marked “28240 M”. The bottom of the monoblock is marked “P19963B” with two proof marks and “BS” date code. The right of the top barrel at the chamber is marked “BERETTA USA CORP., ACKK, MD. / MADE IN ITALY”.

Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib, Choke: The bores are threaded to accept different chokes. The currently installed chokes are Improved Cylinder over Skeet. One additional Full choke is also included.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead at the front of the ventilated rib. The top of the rib is checkered to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with a schnabel tipped forend, straight grip, straight comb, a plain brown recoil pad and an unmarked brass plate inlet to the toe-line. The forearm appears to have been refinished at some point. The sides of the buttstock show some faint lines. There is intermittent light bubbling in the finish on the forearm, notably along the upper left edge. The forearm also shows some nicks and scuffs through the finish. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The drop at comb is about 1 3/8″, drop at heel is about 2 1/8″. The cast is about neutral. The buttpad is soft with light wear. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Matte Black, Finish Originality: Original, Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are sparsely scattered little nicks and scratches on the barrel set and some light finish loss on the sides from contact with the forearm. There is light thinning on the leading edges of the receiver and on the lever. The trigger plate shows a slight plum hue. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The action locks up tight with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a black hard case with the previously mentioned choke and a choke wrench.

Our (seller’s) Assessment: The Beretta 686 Blackwing can be used for many many purposes. From shooting skeet with your friends, to hunting wild game, the Beretta 686 Blackwing are great shotguns to have. This one on display is in about Fine condition with bright bores and sound mechanics. This beauty has plenty of life left in her.

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

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

March 1, 2020 by Gregg

Hartmann & Weiss 16 Bore O/U on the Boss System

Hartmann & Weiss 16 Bore O/U on the Boss System : Gun was ordered in ’04 and delivered to my client in 2015! It took eleven years to complete this beautiful example of H&W’s magnificent work. There are hardly enough adjectives to adequately describe this piece; except perhaps, that it is available for immediate delivery! Barrels 29 Inch with Solid Raised Rib, Chokes Light Mod & Mod. Bottom barrel marked 1/4 and 1/2., Engraving Fine English Style Scroll, Stock Best Grade Turkish Walnut, Butt: Checkered, L.O.P. 15 3/8″, Weigh t6 lbs. 8.5 oz, Stock Dimensions1 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 15 3/8 to ctr. of checkered butt. Cast: 1/4 off at heel – 3/8 off at toe. Price: $135,000

HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL 10 BORE PARADOX DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR 1900 PARIS EXHIBITION: LETTER FROM HOLLAND IN THE PHOTOS, 27″ PARADOX BARRELS WITH GREAT BORES, WE HAVE LIVE ROUNDS AND DATA AVAILABLE, DOUBLE TRIGGERS, EXTRACTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, PISTOL GRIP, MAKER’S CASE, UNTOUCHED GREAT ORIGINAL CONDITION, 13 LBS 8 OZ, 14 7/8″ LOP. Price: $59,500

Pre-War MERKEL 202E Over_Under highly engraved and optioned 20ga: 27″ barrels and according to Merkel Germany direct records, manufactured in 1944. A short look at this gun one realizes with the incredible detail and workmanship it absolutely could not be made today. The deep relief hand engraving is really unlike any other you will see in depth and detail. Ivory bead front sight, buffalo horn seamlessly blended in to form the rear trigger guard, and each and every exterior screw hand engraved-even the butt plate screws. Cocking Indicators, Greener crossbolt action, cross relief, Ejectors, with a 14 1/4″ LOP over a beautifully figured walnut stock, 5.9 lbs as shown. Price: $8930

Beretta ASEL 20 ga. O/UBeretta ASEL 20 ga. O/U: 26″ hand-filed vent rib barrels with double ivory beads are choked improved cylinder and full (.009/.024). This late 1950s Abercrombie & Fitch gun features hinged front double triggers, auto ejectors and auto safe. Fully engraved scallop-backed action, elegant special-order long forend, Prince of Wales grip. Nicely figured Tyrolean walnut stock measures 1-3/8″ comb, 2-3/8″ heel, 14-1/8″ LOP over the original wood butt. Made in the same workrooms as the SO guns, certainly the finest boxlock O/Us ever produced by Beretta. The diminutive frame, scaled to the gauge allows this little 20 to weigh a mere 5 lbs, 10 ozs. Honest example. Price: $6,750

Beretta BL4 (BL-4) – 28ga – 26 3/8” Barrels – Like New – ca. 1970 – Sk/Sk Chokes – 14 1/4” x 1 1/2” x 2 1/2” – 6 lbs – 99% Condition: Like New – ca. 1970 – Sk/Sk Chokes – 14 1/4” x 1 1/2” x 2 1/2” – 6 lbs – 99% Condition – Clean! Upland Bird Gun: Price: $3,995

5 doubles you don’t want to miss…

June 3, 2018 by Gregg

WESTLEY RICHARDS – SXS SMALL ACTION SIDELOCK, .410 Gauge: 26″ M/F – DOUBLE TRIGGERS – AUTOMATIC EJECTORS – STRAIGHT GRIP STOCK HIGH COMB STOCK – THIN RECOIL PAD – HAND DETACHABLE LOCKS – SLIM BEAVERTAIL FOREND – FULL COVERAGE ROSE AND SCROLL ENGRAVING OVER A COLOR CASE HARDENED RECEIVER 4 LBS. 14 OZ. 14 1/2″ X 1 1/2″ X 1 1/2″. Price: $49,500

DAN’L FRASER 500/450 #1 BPE- 96% COND. & ORIG. METAL & WOOD- MUSEUM QUALITY & MUSEUM CONDITION- BORES & CHAMBERS are PERFECT- ORIG. O&L CASE: #2026, Dan’l Fraser & Co., 4 Leith St. Terrace, Edinburgh: A Daniel Fraser 500/450 No. 1 BPE Double Rifle That is Totally Museum Quality & Museum Condition, Overall a 96% Original Piece on both Metal & Wood, Made about 1891, 27″ steel barrels with perfect bores (I don’t like the word perfect but it applies here), Rib extension dolls head with a third bite, Fold-up night sight, Full length hand filed rib with 1 standing & 1 folding sights with Ivory & Platinum, Intercepting safety sears on a Boxlock action, Bushed strikers, Bolted safety block, Carved fences, Swing lever forend release, Full length trigger guard strap to the profiled horn grip cap, Shadowline cheekpiece, Sling eyes, 14 7/8″ LOP over a Fraser horn buttplate with their rubber divider (A patented Fraser buttplate/pad), 9 lbs. 4 oz., Excellent wood with excellent color contrast, 98% coverage of period scroll engraving including the top lever, trigger guard and forend lever, Absolute original barrel blue at 96%, It retains 98% bright & vivid original case colors, The breech face and receiver flats retain 100% case colors, The inside of the opening lever and forend retain 100% bright and vivid case colors, The striker bushings have 95% deep heat blue, The stock & forend remain at 97%, The checkering is at 100%, The bores and chambers are absolutely like brand new and totally look like the day they left #4 Leith Street, The total of all the screws are at 98%. It is smack on face with all the bite left on the double underlugs with double bite. The whole is cased in the maker’s original brass cornered oak & leather trunk, ivory container with spare strikers, fish-hook sling swivels, 2 boxes of original Kynoch bpe cartridges, some brass & cast bullets, original cleaning gear and the original & correct trade label. The trunk case remains in excellent condition as well. It comes with a set of RCBS loading dies plus a lot of loading information. This piece embodies classic Daniel Fraser with strength, distinctive styling, high quality, elegance, grace and from a firm that is all things Edinburgh and Scottish. There are double rifles and then there are serious double rifles. Dreams of tigers and ships and palaces, fine spices and women and silk. ////////////////////////////////////////// Daniel Fraser apprenticed 7 years with the famous gunmaker Alexander Henry. In 1880 his patent #5403 became the famous falling block Fraser rifle. He was the designer of the ‘Velox’ bullet. There are very few Fraser double rifles as the original Fraser Co. did not survive after the First World War. Every Fraser and nearly every Scottish gun usually have very few apologies. Daniel Fraser died in August of 1902 at the young age of 57. Price: $23,500

F.LLI PIOTTI King No. 1 12ga Sidelock Best-Quality Pigeon gun: Price $19,000.00
Configuration: SXS
Serial #: 8063
Barrel Length: 28″
Choke: R M(.019)
Choke: L IM(.031)
Trigger: ST (Single)
Stock Configuration: Pistol Grip
Forearm: Beaver Tail
Rib Type: Level Flat Filed Rib
Action Finish: Coin
Engraving: King I fine Italian scroll and bouquets by Granetti
Other Options: Gold crest in forend, Gold crown on top lever, Extra fine 32lpi checkering, Recoil pad, Factory leather case,
Condition: EXC. Plus Condition
Weight: 7lb 15oz
Dimensions: 1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″ x 14 1/4″ with 3/8 cast off

SIACE 28 Gauge Side-by-Side Self-Cocking Hammer Shotgun: Imported by New England Arms Co. Sidelock with self Cocking and 1999 Production Date, 28″ barrels with extractor choked IC and improved Modify, double trigger, articulated front trigger, engraved receiver by master engraver Cabrioli P. sharp checkering on both the grip and the butt plate Few small scratches on the stock and small oxidation in three spots nothing deep, bores are bright and shiny. Price: $5900
Manufacturer: Siace
Model: SXS
Bore: 28 Gauge
Chambers: 2 3/4″
Ejectors: Yes
Condition: Used
Metal Condition: Very Good
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Clean & Bright
Barrels: 28″
Action: Side Lock
Triggers: Double
Gauge: 28
Stock Dimensions: LOP 14 1/4″
Weight: 6.00 lb

BROWNING BELGIUM 20 BORE SUPERLIGHT- 1972- STRAIGHT STOCK- 26 1/2″ VENT RIB BARRELS- ORIG. I.C. & M CHOKES- OVERALL a 99% GUN- ONLY 5 Lbs. 13 Oz.: #2448 V72, Belgium Browning 20 Bore Superlight with a Vent Rib and a schnabel forend Made in 1972; It has 26 1/2″ Ejector vent rib barrels at .624 .005 & .014 (Imp.Cyl. & Mod.), Factory choke markings are I.C. & Mod., 2 3/4″ chambers, Single selective trigger, Game forend with the schnabel, Straight hand stock at 14 7/16 x 1 7/16 x 2 1/4″ over the factory hard buttplate, 5 lbs. 13 oz., The gun retains 99% barrel blue, The receiver blue is 99%, The wood is 98% with very few & light handling marks only, The checkering is 100%, The bores and chambers look like new, It remains as tight as the day it left Belgium and the mechanical life left is 99-100%. This is almost like buying it new in 1972. Price: $4,400

Brescia, Italy. Great place, great people, great guns…

April 24, 2018 by Gregg

Train station in Brescia, Italy — The train station in Brescia, Italy

Last week I flew into Milan, Italy, and traveled east to Brescia to visit Beretta and a few other gunmakers.

People in the Brescia region have been building guns for 400+ years. Today, the area is home to 100+ companies who build 40% of the sporting and hunting firearms sold around the world.

In 2016, these companies shipped 395,000 guns to the U.S. alone.

Beretta is the biggest and most famous of these companies. This year they’re introducing a fine new OU called the SL3. I talk more about this gun–and about the other gunmakers I visited–in future posts.

Learn more about gunmaking in the Brescia region.

Vineyards in front of the Castle of Brescia

Cool building in the old part of Brescia

Val Trompia, from a roofdeck at the Beretta factory — Val Trompia, from a roof deck at the Beretta factory

Mille Miglia Musem in Brescia — At the Mille Miglia Museum in Brescia

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 .

A couple nice looking doubles by Renato Gamba….

January 7, 2015 by Gregg

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.

This first model is a 12 gauge Renato Gamba “London“, the company’s second-grade SxS. I think the 12 gauge is an early Renato Gamba “Ambassador”, their best-quality side-by-side.

RENATO GAMBA – London Model 12ga.

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: – 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

Good gun alert: a mint 28g Zanotti SxS with 27″ bbls, double triggers…

December 12, 2014December 11, 2014 by Gregg

ZANOTTI - MODEL 625 BOXLOCK GAME GUN: 28 gauge, 27" barrels: — ZANOTTI – MODEL 625 BOXLOCK GAME GUN: 28 gauge, 27″ barrels:

Here’s an impressive little double. This 28 gauge Zanotti is on Gunbroker.com now and the listing ends Monday, 12/14/2014, @ 8:30:00 PM ET.

I think Zanotti is owned by Stefano and Fabio Zanotti. According to this website, the Zanottis have been making complete shotguns since 1625 – longer than Beretta – and the company has been in family hands the entire time. They’ve built guns for lots of famous clients, including an O/U for Fidel Castro and this pair of sidelock 12 gauges for FDR, JR.

ZANOTTI – MODEL 625 BOXLOCK GAME GUN: 28 gauge, 27″ barrels: ALL ORIGINAL ITALIAN SHOTGUN – MASTERFULLY CRAFTED – PRIVATE COLLECTION RELEASE – ZANOTTI – MODEL 625 – BOXLOCK – GAME GUN – SMOKEY MARBLED SELECT EUROPEAN WALNUT STRAIGHT GRIP BUTTSTOCK – MASTERFULLY ENGRAVED – CASE HARDENED – SIDE X SIDE – 27″ CHOPPER LUMP BARREL – CHOKED IC & MOD – 28 GAUGE – 2 ¾” CHAMBERS – 14.5” LENGTH OF PULL – NONE FINER

MAKE: ZANOTTI
MODEL: 625 BOXLOCK GAME GUN
CALIBER: 28 GAUGE
CHOKE: IC & MOD
TYPE: SIDE X SIDE
FINISH: FACTORY ORIGINAL
BARREL LENGTH: 27″ CHOPPER LUMP – NARROW MATTE RIB
CAPACITY: SIDE X SIDE
LENGTH OF PULL: 14.5″
RELEASE: ANSON
CONDITION: AS NEW – FACTORY COMPLETE – AL ORIGINAL
STOCK: HIGHLY SELECT SMOKEY MARBLED EUROPEAN WALNUT
FEATURES: MASTERFUL FIELD ENGRAVING THROUGHOUT
FRONT SIGHTS: SINGLE GOLD BEAD
SYSTEM: SIDE X SIDE
ZANOTTI – MODEL 625 BOXLOCK GAME GUN: 28 gauge, 27″ barrels:
WEIGHT: 5LBS 02OZ
SERIAL NUMBER: 3938
MANUFACTURED: GARDONE. VT. ITALY

I love these shotguns: a beautiful pair of 12g Fabio Zanottis…

May 30, 2014 by Gregg

Fabio Zanotti 12 gauge Double Barrel Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns

Style is something I want to see in a shotgun, especially in Best-quality doubles. I like to see a SxS or an O/U that has a distinct look, one that a maker has developed and made his own. This is one reason why I like Purdeys, Bosses, Hollands, and Woodwards. These makers created their own styles, and from the engraving patterns to the shape of the stocks and the profile of the actions and fences, their guns are distinct in many ways.

The guns you see here are also distinct. They were built in Italy by Fabio Zanotti, and even though they’re Holland & Holland-pattern sidelocks and they show a ton of British influence, they have a look that’s is all their own. Check out the shaping of the actions, the engraving, the lockplates, the bow of the triggerguard, and even the stocks. Very unique, and an indication of just how much attention went into making these fine guns. BTW: here’s a similar pair of 12g Zanotti boxlocks showing the same style. I think these guns are a great deal…

Fabio Zanotti 12g Sidelock SxS: 27 ¾” Mod/Imp Mod. 6lbs., 10oz. 15x 1 ½” x 1 ½” x 2 ¾”. Magnificent matched pair of Fabio Zanotti special ordered highest grade full side locks guns. These guns were made for Franklin Delano Roosevelt son and have on the case in gold ovals FDR Jr. Straight grip, checker butts, splinter forend AE. Mat rib. Whitworth steel barrels, consecutive serial numbers. Gold one and two on each gun. Magnificently engraved with bold scroll Pierced top level hinge front trigger. 50% case color remains on each gun. Near perfect wood and blue, possible old refinish, but extreme high quality work. Outstanding guns, a great opportunity to purchase the very best shotguns that can be made.
6lbs. 10oz. 15 ½” x 1 ½” x 2 ¾” Price: $52,500.00 Pair

How they do it: Beautiful engraving on Piotti shotgun…

December 27, 2013December 27, 2013 by Gregg

In this quick video, you can see some of the engraving techniques used by the folks at Armi Fratelli Piotti. Pretty cool work, and the bulino style engraving is really extraordinary.

Fratelli Piotti’s Engraving from Fratelli Piotti on Vimeo.

Real pretty Piottis: a 28 gauge Monte Carlo & a 28 gauge Lunik…

December 27, 2013December 27, 2013 by Gregg

For over 50 years now, Armi Fratelli Piotti has been building some of finest double-barrel shotguns in Italy. Here are two that are excellent examples of just how nice their side-by-sides can be.

Which one rings your bell? I think they’re both beautiful, but I prefer the Monte Carlo with the scroll engraving and the color-case hardened action.

PIOTTI LUNIK SXS 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN: 27″, choked 009 AND 014. 2 3/4″ chambers. DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CHECKERED BUTT FANTASTIC WOOD AND ENGRAVING 5LBS 11 OZ. Stock measurements: 2 1/4″ X 1 1/2″ X 14 5/8″. Price: $35,000

PIOTTI MONTE CARLO SXS 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN: 27″, choked 009 AND 014. 2 3/4″ chambers. DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CHECKERED BUTT FANTASTIC WOOD AND ENGRAVING 5LBS 11 OZ. Stock measurements: 2 1/4″ X 1 1/2″ X 14 5/8″. Price: $29,500

Good gun alert: a straight-gripped 20 gauge Beretta ASE over under…

June 27, 2013 by Gregg

1953 Beretta ASE Boxlock 20 Gauge Straight Grip

Back in 1949, Beretta started building a series of shotguns that would become legends. This was the AS-line, and the shotguns were boxlock O/Us. Beretta built them as lightweight hunting guns, and the company offered 2 gauges (12g and 20g) and 3 grades (ASE, ASEL, and ASEELL). Today, a lot of Beretta fanatics consider the AS-grades to be the best boxlock shotguns made by the Italian company. If you want one, they’re usually out there, but hard to find.

The one you see here is one of the tougher configurations to come across. It would be perfect in the uplands, and even though the bbls are a bit short, but I doubt a couple inches will make a difference on grouse & woodcock.

Here’s more about it from the seller:

1953 Beretta AS 20E Boxlock 20 Gauge: 26 inch skeet and skeet chokes. This gun is 99% receiver 97% barrels and 98% wood. Serial # is 11xxx. WT 5lb 7oz DAC 1 3/8 DAH 2 1/8 LOP 14. Price: $3,700.00

Is FAMARS out of business?

March 28, 2013March 28, 2013 by Gregg

I’m sorry to say this, but from what I’ve heard and seen the answer is yes – FAMARS is gone, and their factory in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, is shut down and locked up.

Founded in 1967 Mario Abbiatico and Remo Salvinelli, FAMARS was an acronym for Fabbrica Armi Mario Abbiatico e Remo Salvinelli.

The company was innovative and they made some nice shotguns, including the Castore, a self-cocking sidelock hammer gun with and automatic ejectors, and the Quattrocanne, a four-barrelled design with a single trigger. They also made the Avantis, the first side-by-side with a removable trigger group, and the Leonardo, a best-grade sidelock over-and-under shotgun built on their own design.

FAMARS factory at company's peak — FAMARS factory at company’s peak

In 2010, FAMARS USA was launched to expand the company’s customer service abilities and to introduce branded knives, gun equipment, shooting accessories, clothing, and sportsman jewelry. I am not sure where FAMARS’s collapse leaves this American division.

I’ve reached out to the FAMARS and FAMARS USA and several times for information about the company’s demise. Unfortunately, no one has responded to my requests for comments or further details.

FAMARS Zeaus side-by-side double barrel shotgun

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

February 3, 2013 by Gregg

Westley Richards. .275 Side-by-Side Double Rifle

JOHN RIGBY DOUBLE RIFLE: Caliber 275 #2 Magnum. Overall gun is in beautiful cond with virtually all the orig vivid case colors on the receiver as well as all the bbl blue, vivid blue on the triggerguard. Orig checkered deluxe pistol grip circassian style walnut stocks are in exc cond with metal buttplate and the typical 3-leaf platninum lined express sight. Best quality gun weighing 9-1/2 pounds, 26″ bbls, bores are as new, length of stock is 4-1/2″. Overall gun is in as new cond; beautiful inside and out. Price: $ 31,000.

Alex Marin, Pair. 12 gauge Double Barrel Shotguns

ALEX MARTIN BEST SLE SXS PAIR 12 GAUGE: CELTIC ENGRAVING BOTH HAVE 28″ BARRELS WITH 011 AND 026 WITH BRILEY FIXED BLIND CHOKING 2 3/4 CHAMBERS DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP LEATHER COVERED PADS 6LB 13 OZ X 2 1/4 X 1 1/2 X 15 EXCELLENT CONDITION. Price: $25, 000

HOLLAND & HOLLAND DOUBLE HAMMER RIFLE .500 3 1/4″: 27″ steel barrels, ramp front sight with folding night sight. Two leaf rear express sight. Lightly engraved back action locks and rebounding hammers. Stock dimensions LOP: 14 1/2″ Comb: 1 1/2″ Heel: 2 1/4″ Weight: 9lbs 2oz. Super untouched original barrel blue. The action and locks are lightly engraved and retain areas of casehardening with the remainder fading to a pleasing mottled gray. Mint bores and tight action. Beautiful wood and checkering. Left side of the receiver engraved “CHARGE 5 DRAMS, CASE 3 1/4 INCHES” Price: $12,500

12 gauge Beretta Boxlock Side-by-Side, Made in 1933

BERETTA 1933 BOXLOCK SxS- REMAINS TOTALLY ORIG & NEARLY as NEW- OUTSTANDING CONDITION INSIDE & OUT- 28″ KRUPP STEEL BARRELS: #60439, Beretta Boxlock SxS Made in 1933, 12 Bore with 27 7/8″ Krupp Steel Extractor Barrels , crossbolt rib extension, a hidden third bite at .725 .042 & .042″ (Full & Full), Original 2 3/4″, Original & Correct 18.3mm bores, Double triggers with a true & real articulated front trigger, Splinter forend with an Anson release, Straight hand stock at 14 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 2 11/16″ over the factory horn buttplate with “Armi P. Beretta Brescia, 6 lbs. 15 oz., Sling eyes, The initial shield on top of the stock at the heel, 15% coverage of scroll and border engraving, 95% original barrel blue, 85% original case colors, The absolute original wood finish at 97%, The original checkering is at 100%, The trigger guard bow and tang have 100% original blue, Every screw inside & out lays North & South, The gun remains tight as new with a lot of bite left and with bores that remain as new. Price: $2,950.00

20 gauge L.C. Smith Field, Double Barrel Shotgun, 30" barrels, Ejectors — 20 gauge L.C. Smith Field, Double Barrel Shotgun, 30″ barrels, Ejectors

LC Smith 20ga ejector, all original: 20ga LC Smith. 30″ barrels. F/XF choke. some case showing. honest blue wear. Pad added by Pete Mazur. Pete has inspected all, including inside-all original and working. relly good condition for an LC. Price:$2850.00

Breed of the Week: the Bracco Italiano…

November 5, 2012November 4, 2012 by Gregg

Bracco Italiano, from Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals, by Craig Koshyk

Bracco Italianos are an odd breed. Big boned, and with a large heads, drooping jowls and flopping ears, Braccos looks more bloodhound than bird dog. Because they’re so rare here in the States, very few of us will ever have the experience it takes to appreciate them.

The Italians have been breeding some kind of Bracco Ialiano for several hundred years. In Pointing Dogs: Volume One, The Continentals, Craig Koshyk does an fantastic job of laying out this history. In this post on his Pointing Dog Blog, he talks about what of the things that makes that has always set the Bracco Italiano apart from other continental pointers. It’s their gait.

Braccos are trotters, and in the field they move in a very distinct way. Rather than pressing forward and bounding like a English Pointer, Braccos stride, head high, and back level and straight. All the action takes place in their legs, and when they get up to speed, they like they’re floating across the field. Check out the videos below to get a better sense of what I mean.