Manufrance | 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.

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

July 17, 2022 by Gregg

Manufrance Ideal Grade 5 16 ga SxS Shotgun: Manufrance Grade 5 16 ga under lever produced in 1931 with dual safety for right or left hand shooter. It has the retractable sling that makes it handy for carry on distance walks. It is in very high condition. It never fit me quite right and I did not want to alter it. It has straight stock with LOP to front trigger at 14.25 inches. The drop at the heel is 2 5/8″ and 1 5/8 inches at the comb. The gun weight is 6.2 lbs on my bath room scale. The barrels are 70 MM left brl is approx imately XF and the right brl is F on my slide in gauge. The case colors are very good and the checering also very good. The barrel blue is nice with no dents etc. The stock has minor handling marks.The butt plate is original to the gun. The best part of this gun is the dual safety feature for left or right had shooter. Price: $4,500

Very nice F. Castellani 12ga Game gun – a hand made, hand engraved full sidelock gun of very fine quality: Proofed in 1985, this full sidelock and nicely rose and scroll engraved gun exhibits very fine quality. The gun, made with 28-1/2″ fluid steel barrels with splinter forend. The splinter forend made with Anson type pushbutton release is checkered in point pattern. The coin finished action is nicely engraved in very fine rose and scroll engraving. The blued top lever is also very nicely scroll engraved as seen in the photos. Straight english grip buttstock is nicely point pattern checkered. The buttstock terminates with a finely checkered butt. Overall, the gun remains in excellent original condition. Barrels retain more than 97% original blue with brilliant shiny bores. Action is excellent with nearly all of its fine original coin finish remaining. Stocks are sound with only minor handling marks and retain nearly all of their original finish with only a couple of minor light impressions. Top lever well right of center. Mechanics are crisp, ejectors snap with authority and the gun is nice and tight. This is an exceptionally nice and high quality full sidelock gun which is well finished and deserving of great merit. The gun is very reasonably priced and should be valued much higher. Price: $4,195

Parker VHE 12ga SxS Shotgun Nice: About excellent overall condition with vivid case coloring remaining, with a couple spots of finish loss present on barrel. Marring to original finish present on stock. Choked full/improved mod, LOP 14 3/8″ with ejectors. Mfd in 1928. Drop 1-1/2″:2-1/2″ 6lb 15oz 1-1/2 Frame. Price: $2995

Sig Arms ~ Aurora TR30 ~ 20 GA OU Shotgun

Sig Arms ~ Aurora TR30 ~ 20 GA: Sig Arms model Aurora TR30 20 gauge over/under shotgun with 28″ barrels, three inch chambers, ejectors, and single selective trigger. Factory flush choke tubes. Modified and improve modified included. The bores are bright with no dings, dents, rings, or bulges. Action has some light case color loss at the edges. Barrels show some minor wear at the muzzles and some light scratches. Checkered stock and fore end show some light handling marks and scratches, though none are through the finish. Price: $1,899.99

AYA NUMBER 3 BOXLOCK SXS 20GA 28IN LIGHT: A sweetheart of a game gun from one of Spains most prominent makers. Light and lively at just 5lbs 4oz. Great mechanical and cosmetic condition. No issues. Price: $1,875

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.

This week’s good guns…

February 19, 2018 by Gregg

A. Hollis .577 Nitro Express Underlever, Hammer Double Rifle

A. Hollis .577 Nitro Express SxS Double Rifle: Underlever hammer rifle. Weight 13-3/4 pounds, 25″ Krupp-Steel Chopper-Lump barrels, proofed 650-90 Cordite 577 3″ Nitro Express. Barrels have great bores with crisp, sharp rifling from back to front, dolls head extension, flip-up ivory night sight and excellent blacking. 15-1/8″ pull over Silvers recoil pad, Holland-style cheekpiece, excellent wood to metal fit, and blank initial oval. Traces of case-color remain on the lever, action and rebounding hammers. Includes trunk case and accessories as pictured, as well as RCBS loading dies, and a decent supply of brass, and Woodleigh bullets. Price: $34,500

GEORGE CRAHAY 12 BORE DOUBLE RIFLE/ SHOTGUN SET 1870’S, CASED WITH TOOLS: Price $14,000

CIRCA 1870’S
VERY UNIQUE & RARE
SIDELOCK HAMMER GUN WITH REBOUNDING HAMMERS
27 ½ RIFLE BARRELS WITH FULL DEEP RIFLING
1 ½ CHAMBERS 8LBS 12OZS AS RIFLE
8LBS 2OZS AS SHOTGUN 27 ½ INCH SHOTGUN BARRELS2 ½ CHAMBERS
CHOKED IC/IC
AS NEW CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT
BELGUIM PROOFED OUTSTANDING QUALITY

Parker BHE 12 Gauge SxS Shotgun, 30” Barrels Pistol Grip Stock Splinter Forearm: 2 ¾” chambers, chokes measure .039 right and .040 left. Barrels retain 96% original bluing with various light handling marks. The rib has dual white beads and is marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CONN. ACME STEEL”. Bores are clean and shiny. #2 frame has darkened and retains 40% original case coloring. Floorplate has darkened and retains 60% original color. Trigger guard retains 20% original bluing. Forend iron retains little color. Double triggers, ejectors and automatic safety. Pistol grip stock and forearm have had varnish added. Both have various light handling marks. Length of pull: 14 1/2” to the front trigger over a Pachmayr Old English recoil pad. Drop at comb: 1 3/4″. Drop at heel: 3 1/8″. Weight: 7.8 lbs. Mechanics are good. Price: $16,995

Francotte (A&F) 28 Gauge -Side by Side – “The KnockAbout Gun” – M/IM Chokes – Single Trigger – Auto Safety – Ejectors – Straight Grip – BLE: 26” Barrels – 5 lbs 2 ozs – 14 1/4” X 1 1/2” X 2 1/4” – Raised Solid Rib – Third Fastener – Sweet Sweet Sweet little Francotte in its purest configuration. Price: $9,995

Francotte (A&F) 28 Gauge - “The KnockAbout Gun” - M/IM Chokes - Single Trigger - Auto Safety - Ejectors - Straight Grip - BLE — Francotte (A&F) 28 Gauge – “The KnockAbout Gun” – M/IM Chokes – Single Trigger – Auto Safety – Ejectors – Straight Grip – BLE

MANUFRANCE COSTO SxS 16 GAUGE – HIGH CONDITION – OPEN AND FULL CHOKES: Here is a Manufrance Costo 16 ga with special barrels. The right barrel has slight rifling designed to dramatically open the pattern on the first shot (front trigger). This was confirmed by examining a vintage copy of the product catalog. This high condition gun has all original case color and finish. Excellent bores. The famous French retractable swivel system is fully intact with the leather as supple as new. It is very rare to find these swivel devices in fully functional condition. Swamped rib. Barrels are 27 5/8″ with bore measurements of .669 right and .671 left. While the right barrel has the spreader choke, the left barrel has 45/1000 choke (extra full). Chambers are 2 3/4″. Extractors. Swamped rib. Non-auto safety. Weight is 6 LBS, 3 1/2 OZ. LOP is 14 7/16″. A rare gun in this condition. Price: $1,650

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

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

Auction alert: Winchester M21 16 gauge Skeet, Churchill Utility 12g…

November 6, 2014 by Gregg

E. J. CHURCHILL CASED SHOTGUN - 12 ga Side by Side Hammerless 'Utility' Model — E. J. CHURCHILL CASED SHOTGUN – 12 ga Side by Side Hammerless ‘Utility’ Model

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Thomaston, ME, is holding there FALL FEATURE AUCTION OF FINE ART & ANTIQUES this weekend. These side-buy-side shotguns are going off on Sat, Nov 08 2014, and the sale starts at 11:00 AM.

Lot 967: E. J. CHURCHILL CASED BOXLOCK SHOTGUN: 12 ga Side by Side Hammerless ‘Utility’ Model, s/n 3900 (circa 1937), double trigger, 30″ barrel, 2 1/2 choke, with crown V and other English proof marks, walnut stock with checkered pistol grip and fore-end, heavily engraved, gold inlaid ‘Safe’ mark, cushioned butt, rib sight, nicely blued finish. 46″ overall. Still has cleaning rods. One small nick in top edge of barrels, otherwise very good condition. Estimate $ 3,000-4,000

Winchester Model 21 Side by Side 16ga. Trap / Skeet

Lot 968: WINCHESTER MODEL 21 16 GAUGE Trap / Skeet SHOTGUN: Winchester Model 21 Side by Side 16ga., s/n 7353 (mfg in 1937), 26′ barrels, WS1/WS2 choked, pistol grip stock, beaver tail fore-end with kidney style checkering, single selective trigger, automatic ejectors, non-auto safety, solid matte rib, 43″ long overall. Includes original hard leather case. Excellent overall condition with a few light marks. Estimate $ 2,500-3,500

Lot 988: FRENCH SHOTGUN – St. Etienne Manufrance Robust No 32 S, 16 gauge: Breech Break Double Barrel Shotgun, serial number 99916, circa 1920, with engraved silver plate block and trigger guard, walnut stock. includes modern soft case. With appropriate manufacturer’s and proof marks. 27 1/2″ barrel, 44 1/2″ long overall. Good condition, minor wear to silver plating, all original except added butt cushion. Estimate $ 800-1,000

St. Etienne Robust No 32 S, 16 gauge Breech Break Double Barrel Shotgun — St. Etienne Manufrance Robust No 32 S, 16 gauge Breech Break Double Barrel Shotgun

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

Last week’s good guns, powered by Gunsinternational.com…

January 21, 2013January 21, 2013 by Gregg

Westley Richards Droplock Explora Side by Side Double Barrel

A bunch of nice guns came on the market last week through Gunsinternational.com. Here are a few that caught my eye.

Westley Richards Explora Droplock SXS , 12 gauge, 28” & 26” bbls: 28” Paradox bbls with flips sights for 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 yards. 26″ shotguns bbls with 2 ¾” chambers. Single trigger, ejectors. English grip, excellent original condition. Belonged to famous hunter Tony Makris, 7lb 11oz with rifle bbls. 2 1/4 X 1 1/2 X 14 ½. $22,500

20 gauge Piotti King Double Barrel Side by Side Shotgun

Piotti King 20 gauge SXS: 27″ bbls, 3″ chambers , double triggers, ejectors, straight English grip, in maker’s case. Excellent condition. 6lb 5oz. 2 3/8 X 1 1/2 X 14 ½. $19,900

L.C. Smith Eagle Grade 20ga: 26″ barrels. IC/Mod. 5 1/2lbs. Ejectors. Bold bas-relief engraving with frosted background. Mid and front ivory beads. Barrels 97%. Wood 97%. Case coloring 30%. 14″ LOP. 1 5/8 DAC. Bores are bright and shinney. No pits or dents. Gun has a rubber pad of the period. 1 of 581 in all gauges. 1 of 111 in 20 gauge. $16,000

Pre-war Krieghoff Combination Gun: Made in 1925.16 gauge over 8×57 jrs.Beautiful game scene engraving and very nicely figured wood.Bores on both barrels are bright and clean.Marked on the rifle barrel “H.Krieghoff”. An outstanding piece of German craftsmanship.All original. $4900

16 gauge Manufrance Side by Side Double Barrel Shotgun

Manufrance sxs 16ga: Very nice light Manufrance with both top and bottom sunken rib, straight grip, sling swivels. Light engraving. It features double triggers, side clips and extractors. Bbls are 27.5″, choked full and mod. The drop at the comb is 1.75, and 2.75 at the heel. LOP is 15″ to a pad. $1750

Krieghoff Combination Over Under Shotgun/Rifle

20 gauge L.C. Smith Eagle Grade Double Barrel Side by Side Shotgun

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

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.