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

FOX XE 12GA SxS SHOTGUN, SPECTACULAR
FOX XE 12GA SxS SHOTGUN, SPECTACULAR

FOX XE 12GA SxS SHOTGUN, SPECTACULAR: A Dandy High grade Fox with all the features! Original metal finish. Curio/Relic: Yes Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge Manufacturer: A.H. FOX Model: XE Barrel Length: 30IN Chambers: 2 3/4 IN Ejectors: YES Condition: EXCELLENT Metal Condition: EXCELLENT Wood Condition: EXCELLENT Bore Condition: EXCELLENT Barrel Type: CHROMOX STEEL Triggers: SINGLE SELECTIVE Stock Comb: 1 1/4IN Stock Heel: 1 1/8IN Butt Pad: SILVERS LOP: 15IN Rib: VENT Weight: 8LBS 5OZ Manufacture Date: 1936 Choke Left: FULL Choke Right: IMP/MOD Engraving: HAND ENGRAVED. Price: $9975.00

Beautiful Parker BHE 12ga with 30" barrels - fantastic engraving! Awesome modern dimensions, too
Beautiful Parker BHE 12ga with 30″ barrels – fantastic engraving! Awesome modern dimensions, too

Beautiful Parker BHE 12ga with 30″ barrels – fantastic engraving! Awesome modern dimensions, too: Fabulous gun made in 1922 made on a #2 frame with 30″ barrels.  Made with auto ejectors, double triggers, cappled pistol grip (gold oval in cap) and skeleton buttplate.  This gun is nicely engraved with game scenes on both sides and beautiful scene of setters on trigger plate as seen in the photos.  Overall the gun remains in excellent condition.  Barrels retain nearly all of an older restored blue.  Stocks are sound and retain nearly all of their restored finish.  The receiver is very nice with about 20% original color.  Engraving is crisp and clear.  The mechanics are crisp.  Bores are brilliant and shiny.  This is really a very clean and usable gun. Price: $9250 

Merkel 12Ga. 200E O/U Unfired
Merkel 12Ga. 200E O/U Unfired

Merkel 12Ga. 200E O/U Unfired: Merkel 12 gauge 200E game gun. This gun has 28″ solid rib barrels choked improved modified (.030″) and full (.040″). The gun appears to be unfired retaining 100% of the original case color, 100% of the original barrel blue, and 100% of the original wood finish. It has a straight grip stock with dimensions of 141/2″ LOP, 11/2″ at comb, and 23/8″ at heel. It has double triggers, ejectors, a 3 piece forend, and a scalloped action. It weighs 6-12 and would make a great light weight gun for pheasants, chukars, or huns. Built in the early 1970s in the GDR. Sorry, no box. Price: $4195

Webley BLE 700 Side-by-Side 12 Gauge
Webley BLE 700 Side-by-Side 12 Gauge

Webley BLE 700 Side-by-Side 12 Gauge: Barrels: 28″ Chokes: IC – F L.O.P. : 14 3/4″ Drop: 1 3/8″C x 2 1/8″H Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz Ser. #: 144241 Price: $3,950

Beretta 686S Orvis Uplander 20/28 Gauge Over & Under 2 Barrel Set Engraved Checkered Walnut Stock
Beretta 686S Orvis Uplander 20/28 Gauge Over & Under 2 Barrel Set Engraved Checkered Walnut Stock

Beretta 686S Orvis Uplander 20/28 Gauge Over & Under 2 Barrel Set Engraved Checkered Walnut Stock: Here is an excellent quality two barrel over and under set in very desirable 20 and 28 gauge with screw in chokes.  The factory pad is still flexible, but is slightly deformed, probably from long term storage.  Comes with non-matching Beretta box and extra choke tubes. Barrels are matching serial numbers and numbered 1 and 2.  Nice wood!  Shotgun Gauge: 28 Gauge Manufacturer: BERETTA Model: 686S ORVIS UPLANDER Serial Number: L39083B Barrel Length: 26″/28″ Condition: EXCELLENT Metal Condition: EXCELLENT Wood Condition: EXCELLENT Bore Condition: EXCELLENT Action: OVER & UNDER Triggers: SINGLE SELECTIVE Stock: CHECKERED WALNUT Butt Pad: FACTORY PAD LOP: 14-1/4″ Finish: glossy Wood/Deep Blue Manufacture Date: 1993 Chokes: SCREW IN Engraving: YES Extras: BOX & PAPERS. Price: $3450.00

Auction alert: 28g Arrieta – Orvis Uplander sidelock SxS…

Amoskeag Auction Company has this great little Orvis / Arrieta Uplander in their No. 130 Featuring Fine Collectible Arms sale on Saturday, June 5, starting at 9:00 AM Eastern.

I’ve always liked these guns. I think they’re great looking birds guns and great values.

(BTW: Sorry I don’t have more pics to post, but the auctioneer only posted the two I’ve used here. Why? I have no idea.)

Lot 45. An Orvis Custom Uplander Sidelock Smallbore Double Ejectorgun by Arietta
Lot 45. An Orvis Custom Uplander Sidelock Smallbore Double Ejectorgun by Arrietta

Lot 45. An Orvis Custom Uplander Sidelock Smallbore Double Ejectorgun by Arrieta: Serial #57-03-100-00, 28 ga., 28” barrels choked improved cylinder and modified with excellent bores. The barrels retain 99% original deep blue with some light border engraving at the breeches and tight matting along the rib. The locks and frame retain 98-99% original blue with very slight thinning and some small blemishes, the locks have multiple fine lines engraved around the borders with geometric patterns on the screw heads and hinge pin. The checkered straight grip walnut buttstock and forend are very good, there is a small hairline crack on each side of the forend at the frame and some lightly-added varnish on the forend and around the locks. The figure is quite nice and the butt has been skip-line checkered, the length-of-pull is 14 3/8” with drops of 1 1/4” and 1 7/8”. The gun also features double triggers, 2 3/4” chambers, the butt is cast-on, there are dial-style cocking indicators and the ejectors are robust. ESTIMATE: $2000-$3000

Lot 45. An Orvis Custom Uplander Sidelock Smallbore Double Ejectorgun by Arietta
Lot 45. An Orvis Custom Uplander Sidelock Smallbore Double Ejectorgun by Arietta

Good gun alert: 20g Orvis/Arrieta Uplander SxS….

Orvis "Uplander" by Arrieta in 20 Gauge
Orvis “Uplander” by Arrieta in 20 Gauge
Nice grouse gun, nice price. That’s what I thought of when I saw this 20g Orvis Arrieta Uplander. New England Custom Gun in Claremont, NH, has it, and this true sidelock shotgun looks fairly priced at $2,795.

I remember seeing these shotguns in Orvis’s catalogs years ago. Their no-frills looks just feels right for upland hunting in New England. They’re basically 557’s with a plain, blacked finish, which I prefer over the engraving and color-case hardening Arrieta applies to their other guns.

Orvis "Uplander" by Arrieta in 20 Gauge
Orvis “Uplander” by Arrieta in 20 Gauge

Orvis “Uplander” by Arrieta in 20 Gauge: 27″ barrels choked .005″ & .005″. 14 1/2″ Length of Pull. Has some character marks but a great grouse gun. Price: $2,795

Orvis "Uplander" by Arrieta in 20 Gauge
Orvis “Uplander” by Arrieta in 20 Gauge

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

PURDEY BEST HAMMER PIGEON GUN SXS 12 GAUGE
PURDEY BEST HAMMER PIGEON GUN SXS 12 GAUGE

PURDEY BEST HAMMER PIGEON GUN SXS 12 GAUGE: #17XXX, ORIGINAL 30″ STEEL BARRELS 027 AND 036 2 3/4″, DOUBLE TRIGGER, EXTRACTORS, SPLINTER FOREARM, ENGLISH GRIP, MINTY ORIGINAL CONDITION, 8LBS, 2 3/16″ DAH, 1 3/8″ DAC, 15 1/4″ LOP. Price: $42,500

Webley & Scott M701 (M700) - 16 Gauge:
Webley & Scott M701 (M700) – 16 Gauge:

Webley & Scott M701 (M700) – 16 Gauge: This Webley, serial number 131366, has strong case color and bluing and the wood is in excellent condition showing minimal signs of use. The right barrels is marked “Webley & Scott Ltd.” while the left barrel is marked “Birmingham”.  The barrels sport a single, silver bead. It has the following attributes: Barrel Length: 28”: Choked: Imp Cyl / Full, Ejectors, Overall weight:  6lb 2oz, LOP: 14-5/8”, DAC: 1-3/8”, DAH: 2-1/8”. Price: $3,195 

Fabrique National 16 gauge side by side sidelock shotgun
Fabrique National 16 gauge side by side sidelock shotgun

Fabrique National 16 gauge side by side sidelock shotgun: 30″ demi bloc barrels, 2 3/4″ chamber, Ejectores, Modify & full shocks. English straight stock LOP 14 1/8″ to front trigger. Mirror Bores. Shotgun is tight with or without the forearm. Barrels have some finish scratches as well as the stock, very good checkering, mechanical is excellent, ejectors are strong and on time. triggers are strong and crisp. weight 6.75 lb. Price: $2,995

BERETTA - Orvis Uplander - 686 Onyx - 26-1/2" IC /M - Like New:
BERETTA – Orvis Uplander – 686 Onyx – 26-1/2″ IC /M – Like New:

BERETTA – Orvis Uplander – 686 Onyx – 26-1/2″ IC /M – Like New: 20ga, 3″, 26-1/2″, IC / M (.017 / .029), LOP 14-3/8″, Drop 1-3/8″ to 2-1/4″, Slight Cast Off, Weight 5 lbs. 14 oz. MINT – As New! Appears unfired. I think this was a leftover from the Orvis Shop. They didn’t have any high grade wood for it, so they ordered up a standard set of wood from Beretta. Price: $1675 

FRENCH GUILD 16GA SXS BOXLOCK SHOTGUN
FRENCH GUILD 16GA SXS BOXLOCK SHOTGUN

FRENCH GUILD 16GA SXS BOXLOCK SHOTGUN A wonderful 16ga French Guild gun. Ready for forest range or field. No issues! Nice wood. Great barrels. Locks up tight. Functions well.
Chambers: 65MM, Condition: VERY GOOD, Metal Condition: VERY GOOD, Wood Condition: VERY GOOD, Bore Condition: BRIGHT, Barrels: 27IN, Gauge: 16GA, Stock Comb: 1 1/2IN, Stock Heel: 2 1/16IN, Butt Pad: LEATHER PAD, LOP: 14 1/2IN, Weight: 5LBS 15OZ, Choke Left: SKEET II, Choke Right: SKEET. Price: $875

Auction alert: 20g Beretta/Orvis Uplander, no reserve …

P. Beretta Orvis Uplander 20ga 26.5 O/U Shotgun
P. Beretta Orvis Uplander 20ga 26.5 O/U Shotgun

Here’s your chance to get a deal on one of the nicest upland guns you’ll find. This gun is a Beretta 686 Onyx that was fitted with upgraded wood and retailed by Orvis as their “Upland” gun. I think they offered these from around 1995 – 2005.

This one is on Gunbroker.com now and the online auction listing ends 8/20/2019 @ 2:04 PM.

P. Beretta Orvis Uplander 20ga 26.5 O/U Shotgun
P. Beretta Orvis Uplander 20ga 26.5 O/U Shotgun

P. Beretta Orvis Uplander 20ga 26.5 O/U Shotgun: You are bidding on a beautiful P Beretta Orvis Uplander 20ga 26.5 O/U Shotgun. LOP 14.5″ including 3/4″ pad. It is a very clean and well cared for shotgun. The bores are clean and free of damage. I see no finish issues or damage to the barrels aside from one tiny spot I tried to photo. I can barely see it but I can feel it when I run my finger along the side. Looks lightly used. I pictured two very small 1mm dings on the left side of the stock. Those 2 spots are the only damage I can find. Checkering looks 100%. It comes with the green soft case that is pictured.

Good gun alert: 20 gauge Orvis Arrieta Uplander sidelock…

Arrieta by Orvis 20ga Uplander SxS Sidelock shotgun
Arrieta by Orvis 20ga Uplander SxS Sidelock shotgun

Even though most people think of as just a fishing company, Orvis has been selling hunting clothing and gear for as long as I can remember. For a while, they partnered with Arrieta to import different models of side-by-side shotguns.

The “Uplander” may have been their most basic model. I think it’s basically an Arrieta 557 with a color-case hardened action and no engraving.

Regardless, this one looks like a classy little double and its price makes it hell of a deal.

Arrieta by Orvis 20ga Uplander SxS Sidelock shotgunVery nice 20ga Arrieta 28″ barrels. straight grip, splinter forend, Leather recoil pad, LOP 14 1/8″, choked imp, mod, double triggers, 6lbs 2oz. Price: $2,595

Arrieta by Orvis 20ga Uplander SxS Sidelock shotgun
Arrieta by Orvis 20ga Uplander SxS Sidelock shotgun

Uplander. A quick video about what it’s all about…

Pheasant o2008 Pheasant opener in South Dakotapener in South Dakota
2008 Pheasant opener in South Dakota
A breeder I used to know was a blunt SOB. Within 30 minutes of our first meeting he cut me off mid sentence and said this: “Someday you’ll grow up and be done with that.”

We had been talking about pheasant hunting in South Dakota, and I had mentioned the numbers of birds we were killing out there. This was back in ’03, when we were seeing 4-500 pheasants a day on the ground we hunted. Limiting out wasn’t the problem. Limiting out before noon was.

But this arrogant breeder wasn’t impressed. He looked down on anyone who gauged success by the number of bird killed — especially if the birds were wild.

Back then, his attitude pissed me off. I get it now, though.

These days, even though I love to upland hunt, killing birds is far from my top priority. Feathers in hand are nice, and a dead bird every now and then does a lot to keep a bird dog interested in the game. but there’s a lot more that

Good gun alert: Beretta/Orvis 20g Uplander, 28″ bbls…

20 GAUGE BERETTA ORVIS UPLANDER
20 GAUGE BERETTA ORVIS UPLANDER

Here’s a great O/U at a very fair price. These Beretta/Orvis Uplanders are great handling guns with excellent single triggers.

20 GAUGE BERETTA ORVIS UPLANDER: GUN IS IN GREAT SHAPE. ALL ORIGINAL. LOP 15″ TO END OF ORVIS LEATHER PAD. 28″ PIPES. GUN WEIGHS 6# 2 OZ. REMOVABLE CHOKES. COMES WITH IC/MOD. ACTION IS STILL TIGHT BARELLS ARE BRIGHT AND SHINY NO RUST ANYWHERE. I HAVE USED THE GUN SO IT HAS SOME SMALL SCRATCHES IN THE WOOD AND METAL I TRIED TO PHOTGRAPH ALL OF THE DEFECTS BUT THEY DONT SHOW UP. OVER ALL THE GUN IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. FAST HANDLING ENGLISH STOCK WITH AMAZING WOOD. NOT THE FAKE PAINTED ON CRAP LIKE YOU SEE TODAY. IF YOU BUY THIS GUN NEW FROM ORVIS THEY ASK $3K+ I AM. Price: $1950 – 0B0.

20 GAUGE BERETTA ORVIS UPLANDER
20 GAUGE BERETTA ORVIS UPLANDER

Good gun alert: Another 20g Beretta black Onyx with 28″ barrels…

Beretta 686 ONYX 20 GA., 28" BBLS
Beretta 686 ONYX 20 GA., 28″ BBLS

Here’s another one of these great Beretta O/Us at an even better price.

This one has a pistol grip. If you would like to switch it to a straight-gripped stock, check out the wood sets at Cole Gunsmithing. You could get a new butt and forend for as little as $365.

Beretta 686 ONYX 20 GA, 28″ bbls.

Price: $ 1,449.99

Manufacturer: Approx. 1996 ; SN – F06055B
Caliber: 20 GA.
Chambers: 3
Metal Condition: Shows original finish with gold inlay on reciever and light handling marks.
Wood Condition: Shows original finish with light handling marks.
Bore Condition: Bright.
Barrels: 28″ with vent. rib.
Triggers: Single selective with gold washing.
Stock: Select walnut with pistol grip and sharp checkering.
Stock Dimensions: 14 1/2″ LOP ; 1 1/2″ DAC ; 2 1/4″ DAH.
Fore End: Select walnut with finger groove and sharp checkering.
Butt Pad: Beretta logo black rubber.
Weight: 5 lbs. 11 oz.
Sights: Silver bead.
Chokes: Choke tubes : IC / MOD.

Good gun alert: 20g Beretta/Orvis 686 Onyx Uplander, 28″ bbls…

Beretta Uplander in 20 gauge 28" barells 3 inch chamber
Beretta Uplander in 20 gauge 28″ barells 3 inch chamber

Here’s a great upland gun at a fair price. These Beretta/Orvis Uplanders are tough to finds with 28″ barrels.

Beretta Uplander in 20 gauge 28″ barells 3 inch chamber: Beretta Mobile chokes IC/M included. LOP over leather butt pad is 15″. Drop 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 slight cast off for right handed shooter. weight 6lb 3 oz on my digital postal scale. HARD TO FIND! The gun has oil rubbed drop dead gorgeous wood. All metal is pretty matte blue. I have hunted with it so it has some small dents in the wood none of the dents go through the finish. I tried to photograph them but they are mostly so light they don’t show up in a photgraph but they are there. The metal is perfect the blueing is not rubed through any where and the barrels are shinny no rust of any kind anywhere not dents in the barrels chambers are shinny. The action is tight and the top lever is well right of center. The top rib has a slight imperfection I have tried to photograph in the up close pictures it is small and hardly noticible when you look down the barrels. The leather butt pad is in great condition. Price: $2,300

Beretta Uplander in 20 gauge 28" barells 3 inch chamber
Beretta Uplander in 20 gauge 28″ barells 3 inch chamber
Beretta Uplander in 20 gauge 28" barells 3 inch chamber
Beretta Uplander in 20 gauge 28″ barells 3 inch chamber

Good gun alert: 20g Beretta 686 Black Onyx/ Orvis Uplander, 28″ bbls…

20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28" barrels
20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28″ barrels

I love Beretta’s 686 Black Onyx O/Us . Close your eyes and put a 686 to your shoulder; swap it for a Boss O/U and do the same. The differences are slight. Believe me, I’ve done it many times.

But even though 686s feel great, they do have a weak spot: the wood.  Plywood is more exciting to look it. So when Orvis developed their Uplander version of the 686, what did they do? They stocked them in fine walnut. Then they jacked up the price.

New, these I don’t think Orvis’s Uplanders were worth the money. But used, they can be good deals.  If you can get  this 20g Orvis Uplander for $2999, you will have paid a fair price for an awesome gun. Here’s more about this O/U from the seller. This gun is on Gunbroker.com now, and the listing ends 7/13/2014 @ 3:16:17 PM ET.

Orvis Upland/ Beretta 686 Black Onyx Double Barrel, O.U Shotgun: 20 ga., engraved boxlock action with sideplates, 28 in. VR barrels with choke tubes, SST, straight grip, select American black walnut with 24 LPI checkering, leather covered recoil pad, 6-7 lbs. Mfg. by P. Beretta of Italy. This shotgun is in excellent shape with no scratches or dents anywhere. The barrel looks like it hasn’t had any rounds through it. If you are looking for a premier shotgun this one would be it for you.

20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28" barrels
20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28″ barrels
20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28" barrels
20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28″ barrels
20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28" barrels
20 gauge Orvis Upland Beretta 686 Over Under Shotgun, 28″ barrels

Good gun alert: a 20g Orvis/Beretta Uplander, 28″ bbls…

Orvis Beretta Uplander 20 gauge , 28" barrels
Orvis Beretta Uplander 20 gauge , 28″ barrels

Here’s an OK deal on a real nice over-under shotgun. These Orvis/Beretta Uplander are 686s with fancy wood, and most of the ones I see have 26″ bbls.

This one has that extra 2″ so many guys want these days. Even though the gun is a bit pricey (and the online description is lousy), I bet it will sell quickly.

Orvis/Beretta 20g Uplander 28 barrels:  Screw-in chokes, and 3″ chambers. Maybe never fired.
Price: $3,200

Orvis Beretta Uplander 20 gauge , 28" barrels
Orvis Beretta Uplander 20 gauge , 28″ barrels
Orvis Beretta Uplander 20 gauge , 28" barrels
Orvis Beretta Uplander 20 gauge , 28″ barrels

Auction alert: a 20 gauge Beretta 626 Onyx SxS…

20ga Beretta 626 Onyx Side-by-Side, 28" bbls
20ga Beretta 626 Onyx Side-by-Side, 28″ bbls

Here’s a double you rarely see. It’s a sxs 20ga Beretta 626 Onyx, and it’s up for auction now, with the listing ending tomorrow, 12/24/2013, @ 6:22:43 PM ET.

From the info I’ve found, it looks like Beretta offered 20 gauge 626s from 1985-1987. I can’t imagine the company made many of them.

20ga Beretta 626 Onyx Side-by-Side, 28″ bbls:  These guns are rare to begin with and the 28″ barrels are ultra rare. This gun is in excellent shape with only safe marks. This gun may possibly have one box of shells through it and locks up as new. It has 28″ barrels with factory interchangeable chokes. Cylinder/IC are included. It has ejectors and sst. Barrels and receiver have the factory matte finish so you do not have to worry about the blueing rusting. Center bead installed. LOP is 14 1/2 to the factory Beretta Recoil Pad. DAC is 1 1/2 and DAH is 2 3/8 and the stock is neutral.

20ga Beretta 626 Onyx Side-by-Side, 28" bbls
20ga Beretta 626 Onyx Side-by-Side, 28″ bbls
20ga Beretta 626 Onyx Side-by-Side, 28" bbls
20ga Beretta 626 Onyx Side-by-Side, 28″ bbls

Great grouse gun alert: A 20g Beretta 686 Onyx, 28″ barrels…

Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28" barrel, Single Trigger
Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28″ barrel, Single Trigger

Here’s one of the best grouse guns you’ll find: a 20 gauge Beretta 686 Onyx O/U with 28″ barrels and screw-in chokes. It’s on Gunbroker.com now, and the auctions ends Wednesday, 11/27/2013, @ 2:50:50 PM ET.

With low-profile actions and reliable, time-tested mechanics, Beretta’s 680 series shotguns are one of the best over-under ever made. I think the 686 Onyx models are the finest looking ones the company has ever turned out.

Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28" barrel, Single Trigger
Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28″ barrel, Single Trigger

If you would like to get fancy, you can upgrade the wood with one of Cole Gunsmithing’s wood sets. I like straight grips, so I would go with this one here.

Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28″ barrel, Single Trigger: This is a rare to find gun in that condition. They stopped making the black receiver. This is an excellent condition with fine wood. It still has the original blue box. This guns is like new in box, it has less 200 rounds. The top lever is still far to the right. For 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells.

Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28" barrel, Single Trigger
Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28″ barrel, Single Trigger
Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28" barrel, Single Trigger
Beretta Black Onyx 20ga, O/U, 28″ barrel, Single Trigger

Good gun alert: a Beretta Orvis Uplander, O/U, 20g-28g, 28″…

Beretta 686-Orvis Uplander, O/U, 20/28 GA Double Barrel Shotgun
Beretta 686-Orvis Uplander, O/U, 20/28 GA Double Barrel Shotgun

Here’s the perfect over-under forgrouse, woodcock, and quail. The listing says that it’s a left-hand gun. If they mean the stock is cast for a left-handed shooter, you should be able to bend to fit a righy.

Beretta 686-Orvis Uplander, O/U, 20/28 GA Double Barrel Shotgun: Both barrels are 28″ with screw in chokes single selective trigger and 3″ chambers. Straight stock matt black action and barrels. Left-hand gun. 6LB comes with fitted canvas and leather case 95%. Price: $3,500

First crush: the straight-gripped, 20g Beretta Onyx O/U…

20g Beretta/Orvis Onyx/Uplander Over-Under Double Barrel Shotgun
20g Beretta/Orvis Onyx/Uplander Over-Under Double Barrel Shotgun

The little Beretta O/U was in the rack behind the knife counter, at attention with a few 20gs just like it,  some 12gs, and rifles with shining, stainless-steel bolts. It was a 686 Onyx with a straight stock. After my first dozen visits, the guys in the shop set it on the counter as soon as I walked in.

It wasn’t expensive, but it was too expensive for me. I had my first real job then, but also my first real debt (F150, college, credit cards). It took me fifteen years to be in a better place and make one mine.

20g Beretta/Orvis Onyx/Uplander Over-Under Double Barrel Shotgun
20g Beretta/Orvis Onyx/Uplander Over-Under Double Barrel Shotgun

Here’s one just like it that just popped up on the market:

Orvis Uplander by Beretta 20 Ga Over Under Shotgun: 3″- 26 1/2″ barrels with two Briley choke tubes- IC/Mod. Single selective trigger, straight grip. 14″ to a leather covered pad X 1 1/2″X 2 1/4″ with very nice wood. Wt.- 5 lbs. 13 ozs. A great little bird gun! Price: $2,450.00

20g Beretta/Orvis Onyx/Uplander Over-Under Double Barrel Shotgun
20g Beretta/Orvis Onyx/Uplander Over-Under Double Barrel Shotgun

Good guns alert: Beretta-Orvis Upland O/Us in 20 & 28 gauge……

Beretta Orvis Uplander 28 Gauge Double Barrel Over Under Shotgun
Beretta Orvis Uplander 28 Gauge Double Barrel Over Under Shotgun

Even though Orvis is best known for fishing gear, they’ve always waded in fine shotguns for as long as I can remember. Their flagship store in Manchester usually has somedecent vintage shotguns for sale, and down through the years the company has offered a range of new side-by-side and over-under shotguns.

I think these the nicest of these new shotguns were  the Beretta Onyxes that Orvis badged as the Uplander model. Built on the 686 platform, and with choke tubes, straight stocks, and upgraded wood, these Uplanders were great guns. Today, they’re some of the best buys you’ll find in a double barrel shotgun. Here are two great ones that just hit the market:

Beretta Orvis Uplander 20 Gauge Double Barrel Over Under Shotgun
Beretta Orvis Uplander 20 Gauge Double Barrel Over Under Shotgun

Beretta Orvis Uplander 20 Gauge: 26½” barrels, screw-in chokes, in very good condition, 3″ chambers. 5¾ lbs. Price: $2,900.00

Orvis Beretta Uplander 28 Gauge: 26½” barrels, choked Mod and Imp Cy, 2¾” chambers. 6 lbs. Gun is like new. Price: $2,900.00

 

Will it finally sell? An Orvis/Arrieta 20 gauge side by side…

20 gauge Orvis Upland side-by-side double barrel shotgun
20 gauge Orvis Uplander side-by-side double barrel shotgun

I think it’s going go! I’ve been watching this real nice little Orvis/Arrieta 20 gauge for a while now. It has been on Gunbroker.com for at least 6 months, and I’ve plugged it a couple of times as a great deal. But no matter what I’ve done, it just sat there. No interest.

Well, it looks like a couple smart folks are moving on it. It’s easy to see why. First off, this side-by-side has it all: sidelocks, 2-3/4″ chambers, 28″ IC/Mod barrels, 14 1/2″ LOP to a checkered butt, double triggers, and ejectors.

It’s also in real nice original condition, with almost all its color-case hardening and blueing.  And check out the stock. That’s classic Spanish walnut, and it has just enough figure to make the entire gun look great.

20 gauge Orvis Upland side-by-side double barrel shotgun
20 gauge Orvis Upland side-by-side double barrel shotgun

A couple of great looking grouse guns…

Looking for a grouse gun? Take your pick. These two 20 gauges would be perfect in the uplands, and they’re are also excellent deals.

20 gauge Orvis/Beretta 686 Upland Over & Under Shotgun
20 gauge Orvis/Beretta 686 Upland Over & Under Shotgun

20 gauge Orvis/Beretta Uplander 686 Over & Under: the Beretta 686 O/U is one of the world’s greatest guns. This one is set up to be the holy grail of doubles for grouse & woodcock. Lightweight, with a nice straight grip, excellent dimensions, and perfect chokes, it’s all you could ask for. With the all black action, it’s a great looking double, too.

20 gauge Orvis/Beretta 686 Upland Over & Under Shotgun
20 gauge Orvis/Beretta 686 Upland Over & Under Shotgun

Specs:

-5lbs 14oz

-14 1/2 LOP, 1 3/8 DAC, 2 1/8 DAH

-26 1/2 inch barrels,  2 3/4, IC/MOD

20 gauge Orvis/Arrieta Uplander Side-by-Side: Arrieta makes some of the finest side-by-side shotguns coming out of Spain. For the money, this one  here is almost impossible to beat — especially when you consider how much a comparable new one costs today ($5,000+).

Specs:

-28″ bbls, 2 3/4″, IC/MOD

20 gauge Orvis Arrieta Upland Side by Side Shotgun
20 gauge Orvis Arrieta Upland Side by Side Shotgun
20 gauge Orvis Arrieta Upland Side by Side Shotgun
20 gauge Orvis Arrieta Upland Side by Side Shotgun

Great Bird Gun Alert: an Orvis Beretta 686 in 20 gauge…

Beretta’s line of 686 over unders are one of the greatest buys in the world of double barrel shotguns. Well made and reliable, they’re tough guns to beat. This one here will be a great bird gun for someone. Jump on it now and that someone could be you.

Beretta Orvis Uplander Over Under Shotgun 20 gauge
Beretta Orvis Uplander Over Under Shotgun 20 gauge
Beretta Orvis Uplander Over Under Shotgun 20 gauge
Beretta Orvis Uplander Over Under Shotgun 20 gauge