Rare American classics: 12g L.C. Smith Long Range Water Fowl SxSs….

Scarce L.C.. Smith Specialty grade 12ga "Long Range" 32" fantastic duck gun!
Scarce L.C.. Smith Specialty grade 12ga “Long Range” 32″ fantastic duck gun!

Power and range have always been obsessions with shooters, and as long as people have been using shotguns, they’ve tried to build ones that can reach out further and take game at longer ranges.

In the early ’20s, Fox introduced its contribution to this tradition: the A.H. Fox HE-grade SxSs. These guns were built to take ducks at long ranges using Western’s new12-gauge Super-X shotgun shells.

Western Super X ammo
Western Super X ammo

Around the same time as Fox, L.C. Smith got into the long-range game with its Long Range Wild Fowl Guns. These Smiths were also made to shoot Western’s new ammo and the company claimed “The killing range of this gun is from 70 to 85 yards, and the gun is capable of killing at even longer distances.”

The L.C. Smith Long Range Wild Fowl Guns were big 12 gauges built with wide, heavy actions and barrels built to withstand the recoil from heavy loads. They weighed 8 – 8 1/2 lbs and had 30″ or 32″ barrels with 3″ chambers and were designed to handle 1 3/8-oz of shot. Chokes, as you can imagine, were tight.

Scarce L.C.. Smith Specialty grade 12ga "Long Range" 32" fantastic duck gun!
Scarce L.C.. Smith Specialty grade 12ga “Long Range” 32″ fantastic duck gun!

Scarce L.C. Smith Specialty Grade 12ga “LONG RANGE” 32″ – FANTASTIC Duck Gun: Exceedingly rare configuration with ONLY 2 made in this configuration!!  Matches the LCSCA letter as found today! 12ga L.C. Smith Specialty Grade Long Range gun made with 32″ barrels.  Gun with large original beavertail forend, capped pistol grip buttstock and made with Hunter One SST.  Very scarce gun.  The tip of the beavertail on this gun with a bone inlay that appears it could be original. This gun remains in fine condition overall.  Barrels show most of an older restored blue with an area of light pinprick pitting at the breech end of the left tube on top. Action retains about 35% light original color.  Stocks are sound and retain most of a restored finish. There is a small repair to the bottom left stock finger as seen in the photos. Mechanics are crisp and bores are bright and shiny. These Long Range Guns don’t come up very often and this is a particularly useful and popular configuration. Price: $5950  

L.C. Smith 12 Gauge - LONG RANGE, 3", STRAIGHT GRIP, SST, SxS SHOTGUN
L.C. Smith 12 Gauge – LONG RANGE, 3″, STRAIGHT GRIP, SST, SxS SHOTGUN

This Field grade Long Range Water Fowl Gun was made in 1922, a few years before L.C. Smith had fully developed the features of these guns and come up with a consistent way to designate them. I’ll let the seller tell you all about it:

L.C. Smith 12 Gauge – LONG RANGE, 3″, STRAIGHT GRIP, SST, SxS SHOTGUN:

Description:
General Specs: L.C. Smith, Year 1922, 12 Gauge, 7lbs 12oz, Chokes F/F, LOP 14″ rear trigger, DAH 2 7/8″, DAC 1 13/16″
Serial Number: RE51777

L.C. Smith 12 Gauge - LONG RANGE, 3", STRAIGHT GRIP, SST, SxS SHOTGUN
L.C. Smith 12 Gauge – LONG RANGE, 3″, STRAIGHT GRIP, SST, SxS SHOTGUN

Anyone who has studied L.C. Smith is aware of their famous “LONG RANGE” waterfowler.  Made to shoot a heavy 1 3/8oz. load while keeping patterns 90% 40 yards, the Long Range is very sought after and in high condition like this one, nearly impossible to find.  Special attention to chamber, bore, and chokes from the finest barrel men in the business is what made the L.C. Smith Long Range gun a legend.  The Long Range had heavy barrels with reinforced forend lug, standard frame, 3” chambers, long barrels, and tight chokes.  Those are the features that make a L.C. Smith a Long Range gun.  The Long Range was not officially introduced to the public until 1923 and most (definitely not all) were marked with “LONG RANGE” on the bottom of the barrel lug visible on the underside of the action.  This Field Grade Long Range, snRE51777, was built and shipped in 1922 and does not have the “LONG RANGE” marking on the barrel lug.  It does have all the features of a Long Range and we have the L.C. Smith Collectors Association letter and the Cody Firearms Museum letter documenting it is a Long Range, one of about 2000 ever made.  Not so “Rare”, but only 343 had ejectors, and only 66 had single selective triggers.  Now that is RARE!  Now consider the factory English stock (only found on about 10% of the total production of L.C. Smith guns) and you have A VERY RARE COMBINATION INDEED. NOW, FOR THE FINAL CLAIM TO AN EXTREMELY RARE FIND…THIS GUN HAS 98% FACTORY CONDITION TO GO WITH ALL THE REST!

L.C. Smith 12 Gauge - LONG RANGE, 3", STRAIGHT GRIP, SST, SxS SHOTGUN
L.C. Smith 12 Gauge – LONG RANGE, 3″, STRAIGHT GRIP, SST, SxS SHOTGUN

For those of you that admire the famous Elsie LONG RANGE, and the magic and skills of some of the best bore and choke men that ever lived, this is the “Holy Grail”.  Truly a fine example of an untouched, factory original, 98% condition in case color, blue, and stock finish in a waterfowler from the heydays.  You can still see jeweling on the breech face of the barrel and all the original trigger blue remains on the trigger blade. The 32” F/F choked barrels match to perfection from left to right.  Of the last 1000 barrels I have measured up, this is the only set that has the same bore diameter, barrel wall thickness, and choke constriction.  It is simply unheard of.  And it is all untouched barrel work as it left the factory.  This gun even has a LONG STOCK WITH EXCELLENT SHOOTING DIMENSIONS and a 14” LOP measured from a single trigger in the rear position to the end of the butt plate.  Add a vintage pad and you will have 14 ¾” LOP.  This gun has everything the modern collector/shooter is looking for and is almost impossible to find.  You can tell this will be an amazing gun in the field.  A gun sure to increase in value as you enjoy its use.  A classic waterfowler at home in the blind or whacking turkey, blocking for pheasants, or blasting long range doves, this is a chance to own a very nice Elsie! Price: $5,750

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

MANTON 8 BORE EXPRESS- 17 Lbs. 7 Oz. of REAL TURN of the CENTURY SPORT- 24" FULLY RIFLED STEEL Bbls.- EXC PLUS BORES- CASES & ALL LOADING DATA
MANTON 8 BORE EXPRESS- 17 Lbs. 7 Oz. of REAL TURN of the CENTURY SPORT- 24″ FULLY RIFLED STEEL Bbls.- EXC PLUS BORES- CASES & ALL LOADING DATA

MANTON 8 BORE EXPRESS- 17 Lbs. 7 Oz. of REAL TURN of the CENTURY SPORT- 24″ FULLY RIFLED STEEL Bbls.- EXC PLUS BORES- CASES & ALL LOADING DATA#5770, Manton & Co. Gun Makers To H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. K.G. London & Calcutta: A large Jones Action Underlever Back-Action Rebounding Hammer 8 Bore Black Powder Express Shoulder Double Rifle Made with a 3 1/4″ Case and with 24″ Steel fully rifled barrels with a rib extension dolls head, Full length rib with 1 standing & 3 folding platinum lined rear sights at 50 – 100 & 150, Percussion style fences, Full length trigger guard tang to a steel engraved grip cap, Extremely solid and sound wood with nice color & contrast, Shadowline cheekpiece, Sling eyes, Lever release forend, Great stock length at 14 1/2″ LOP over a 7/8″ Silvers pad, Great weight at 17 Lbs. 7 Oz., This is a full rifled set of barrels and the bores remain excellent plus and I would put them at 92-93% from the day they were cut, All the screws are in very good to excellent shape and nearly everyone lays north & south including the 6 inside the forend, It has been professionally refinished from stem to stern with fresh case colors, The whole is cased in a high quality oak & leather trunk with a trade label. This piece is accurate, comes with the proper head stamped cases, bullets, bullet mold, wads and all the loading data will be provided. It is ready to go hunting and a whole bunch of fun shooting. There are 8 bores and then there are other 8 bores but one would have to go a fair distance to come up with a more solid gun than this Manton with barrels that are in excellent condition inside and out plus it has the proper weight and great length of pull. To quote Mr. Geoffrey Boothroyd “Few people would dispute that the most famous name in the history of British gunmaking is that of Manton”. Manton in this era called the 8, 10 & 12 bores as “Big Game” rifles; the 450, 500 & 577’s were called “Express Rifles” and the 400 & 470 as “High Velocity” rifles. Price: $39,000

Francotte 20E 16 Gauge SxS Shotgun, 1926, FACTORY ORIGINAL HIGH CONDITION
Francotte 20E 16 Gauge SxS Shotgun, 1926, FACTORY ORIGINAL HIGH CONDITION

Francotte 20E 16 Gauge SxS Shotgun, 1926, FACTORY ORIGINAL HIGH CONDITION5lb 12oz, Side by Side, Serial # 81889. his Francotte Model 20E is a sideplated box lock gun that is a mid-grade gun from this maker.  Built in 1926 during the time when quality reigned supreme, this little Francotte retains most of its factory original condition with 85% vivid case color, clear sharp deep chiseled engraving, excellent screws, mirror bores, 98% factory blue, beautifully figured European walnut with excellent checkering…just a beautiful little 16 bore.  Weighing just 5 3/4lbs. and balanced just ahead of the hinge pin with 28″ barrels choked LM/IM (.014/.024 restrictions, can be altered to your specs in our shop within 10 days of purchase), this is the epitome of the upland game gun.  The gun is mechanically excellent in all ways, with strong well timed ejectors, crisp double triggers, tight as new on hinge and breech face, this is the way you like to find them.  The Francotte guns are one of the best buys in the fine gun world and known for strength and durability while being quite refined.  This gun has 5 locking points; Greener cross bolt, double underlug bites, sideclips, and through the frame barrel lug…just as good as you can get and being 90 years old and still tight as new, a testament to its design.  Compare this gun to any other offerings for condition and features and you will agree it is priced to sell. Price: $6,450

ENGLISH DOUBLE BARREL HAMMERGUN BY "JOSEPH HARKOM & SON, EDINBURGH
ENGLISH DOUBLE BARREL HAMMERGUN BY “JOSEPH HARKOM & SON, EDINBURGH

ENGLISH DOUBLE BARREL HAMMERGUN BY “JOSEPH HARKOM & SON, EDINBURGH12 gauge, 30″ damascus steel barrels.  Casehardened and engraved back action locks, carved fences, underlever action.  Three position hammers and extractors.  In lovely condition with very crisp engraving with the action and locks showing much of the case colors fading.  The barrels showing  a nice pattern and have been professionally rebrowned.  Beautiful wood and checkering.   Dimensions:   Barrels measure .728″ in both barrels.  Chokes are cylinder bored.  Walls exceed .028″  Weight: 7lbs 1oz.  LOP: 14 5/8″ to a steel buttplate.   Comb:  1 1/2″  Heel: 2″. Price: $3,950

L.C. SMITH WILDFOWL 3" Chambers 12GA 32" bbls
L.C. SMITH WILDFOWL 3″ Chambers 12GA 32″ bbls

L.C. SMITH WILDFOWL 3″ Chambers 12GA 32″ bblsA Classic American Side-by-Side Water Fowl gun. Price: $1800
Manufacturer: HUNTER ARMS
Model: L.C.SMITH WILDFOWL
Serial Number: R191118
Chambers: 3″
Barrels: 32″
Gauge: 12
Stock Comb: 1 1/2IN
Stock Heel: 2 1/2in
Butt Pad: LONDON STYLE
LOP: 14 1/2IN
Weight: 8.25LBS
Manufacture Date: 1939
Choke Left: FULL
Choke Right: FULL
Proof:Nitro: YES

J.P. Sauer & Sohn Suhl SxS 12 Ga Shotgun with straight stock
J.P. Sauer & Sohn Suhl SxS 12 Ga Shotgun with straight stock

J.P. Sauer & Sohn Suhl SxS 12 Ga Shotgun with straight stockPrice: $1,199.99
Caliber: 12 Ga.
Metal Condition: Excellent.
Wood Condition: Excellent Light handling Marks..
Bore Condition: Excellent.
Barrels: 28 Inches. With a Greener Style cross bolt break.
Triggers: Double Triggers.
Stock: Walnut with diamond pattern on grip.
Fore End: Walnut with diamond.
Butt Pad: Factory with embossed logo.
Weight: 7 Pounds

Another great 8 gauge, this one by E & C Sneider, Baltimore, MD …

Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun

Here’s a real rare double. It’s an 8g Sneider made in the 1880s. When this SxS was built, it was one of the finest hammerless shotguns being made in America — and one of the most innovative.

E & C Sneider was founded by  Charles Edward Sneider. He learned his trade in Europe and by 1859 he was in Baltimore working for Thomas Poultney & David B. Trimble. By 1865, Sneider was on his own, working in Baltimore from a shop on 66 S Sharp St. In 1874 his sons  — Charles Lewis & Charles William  — were working with him. Charles William filed the patent that created this shotgun in 1880.

This patent cocked on the fall of the barrels and the locks used coiled springs, which were thought to be more reliable than leaf springs. It also featured a unique trigger safety which used a serrated dial on the toplever to engage a rod pointing up from the top of the action. When this dial was pushed forward, it pressed down on this rod and freed the trigger sear for firing.

Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun

Sneider built several grades of shotguns on this patent. The top grades (like the one shown here), locked up with a sliding bolt which engaged a bite in the rear barrel lump and top extension. They also featured compensating hinge pin which could be adjusted for wear and a unique sliding barrel stop which kept the barrels from wearing on the hinge pin when the gun was opened.

Eight gauges like this were popular up and down the Eastern seaboard. They were far too expensive to buy and be used as “market guns” by commercial hunters. Instead, sportsmen used them to pass shoot ducks, geese & swans.

Here’s more info on this 8g.

C. W. Snieder patent of 1880 for a hammerless shotgun
C. W. Snieder patent of 1880 for a hammerless shotgun

This is a very rare Baltimore made, Antique Sneider 8 gauge shotgun. E &C. Sneider guns where made in Baltimore MD in the 19th century. This one being a high grade 8ga is extremely rare. This gun is well made, heavy and large. The Damascus barrels are 36″ long. They are solid and I see no dents. There is still some Damascus color and swirl. There are some dark spots in the bores, but overall they are clean and shiny. The action is tight. The firing pins look good and overall the gun is in fine functional condition. The engraving is very nice, as you can see. The wood is a high grade and in very good condition. The buttplate is original and nice, but does show a slight gap between the stock. The forend is in fine shape, but it could be a little tighter to the barrels. This is a large and heavy shot gun, weighing 14.6 lbs. A really fine piece for any antique gun collection.

 

Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgunAntique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun
Antique Sneider 8 gauge double barrel sxs shotgun

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

HOLLAND & HOLLAND, SELF OPENER BREVIS 12GA SHOTGUN
HOLLAND & HOLLAND, SELF OPENER BREVIS 12GA SHOTGUN

HOLLAND & HOLLAND, SELF OPENER BREVIS 12GA SHOTGUN: S/S, WITH HAND DETACHABLE LOCKS, 1930 MFG DATE, HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL SCROLL WITH CASE COLORS, 98% ORIGINAL, 26 1/2″ CHOPPER LUMP BBLS, 2 1/2″, CHOKED 1/4, 1/2, STANDARD GAME RIB, EJECTORS, DBL TRIGGERS WITH HIGHLY FIGURED WALNUT, ST/SP, LOP 14 1/2 TO CK BUTT, 1 3/8, 2 1/8, CAST OFF 1/4, 6LBS 3OZ, ORIGINAL MAKER’S CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, INCLUDES ORIGINAL EXTRA PINS IN IVORY, ONE OF THE VERY BEST , ALL ORIGINAL CONDITION, RETAINS NEAR ALL CASE COLORS, ORIGINAL BLUE & STOCK FINISH! Price: $36,750

LEBEAU COURALLY GRAND LUXE SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE: MADE 1972 ROUND ACTION SIDELOCK 27 1/2″ 007 AND 016 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM ENGLISH GRIP CHECKERED BUTT EXCELLENT PLUS CONDITION 6LBS 9 OZ X 2 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 14 3/4 Price: $25,000

LEBEAU COURALLY GRAND LUXE SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE
LEBEAU COURALLY GRAND LUXE SIDELOCK SXS 12 GAUGE

A.H. FOX XE 12 GAUGE SxS  SHOTGUN: #22XXX PHILADELPHIA GUN 30″ FULL AND FULL 2 3/4 DOUBLE TRIGGER EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP LIKE NEW ORIGINAL CONDITION 7LBS 2 OZ X 3 X 2 X 14 Price: $17,500

A.H FOX XE 12 GAUGE SxS American Shotgun
A.H FOX XE 12 GAUGE SxS American Shotgun
WINCHESTER - Model 21 - 12ga - 30" M / F - - RARE - Double Trigger - Ejector - Splinter
WINCHESTER – Model 21 – 12ga – 30″ M / F – – RARE – Double Trigger – Ejector – Splinter

WINCHESTER – Model 21 – 12ga – 30″ M / F – – RARE – Double Trigger – Ejector – Splinter: 1932 – Winchester Model 21 – 12ga, 2-3/4″, 30″, Mod / Full (.010 / .034), Pistol Grip, Splinter Forearm, Double Triggers, Ejectors, Automatic Safety, LOP 14-1/4″, Drop 1-5/8″ to 2-5/8″, Weight 7 lbs. 4 oz. Excellent Condition. Appears to be original finishes – at about 92% overall. Bores are excellent. Price: $4,750

LC SMITH LONG RANGE 12 GAUGE WITH 30″ BARRELS – 3″ ORIGINAL CHAMBERS – FIELD GRADE: Here is the famous LC Smith “Long Range” 12 gauge in Field Grade. Designed for long range waterfowl shooting this gun features 3″ chambers and special chokes. Correct “Long Range” features and markings (see last photo). Mirror 30″ bores as original, Right at .727 with 30/1000 choke (Full) and Left at .728 with 48/1000 choke (Extra Full). Chambers measure 3″ and have correct forcing cones. Barrels ring true with no loose ribs. Gun is tight on face. Case colors in protected areas. Extractors. LC Smith buttplate. Weight is 7 LBS 15 OZ. Beavertail forend. LOP – 14 1/8″, Drop at Comb – 1 9/16″, Drop at Heel – 2 3/8″. Price: $1,650

LC SMITH LONG RANGE 12 GAUGE WITH 30" BARRELS - 3" ORIGINAL CHAMBERS - FIELD GRADE
LC SMITH LONG RANGE 12 GAUGE WITH 30″ BARRELS – 3″ ORIGINAL CHAMBERS – FIELD GRADE

A super nice looking A.H. Fox Sterlingworth Wildfowl SxS…

Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint
Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint

The Super-Fox is one of America’s legendary shotguns. Famous outdoor writer and sportsman Nash Buckingham raved about it’s ability on high birds. He loved the loved the gun so much that he named it “Bo Whoop” because of the unique sound it made when fired.

The A.H. Fox company offered the Super-Fox from 1923 to 1940. In one of their catalogs, the company wrote: “The long distance shooting Gun built especially for close patterns at extra range…gives patterns never before attained at forty, fifty and sixty yards and above….”

In his book A.H. Fox: The Finest Gun in the World, Michael McIntosh wrote “…The Super-Fox was the product of several minds, all focused on the remarkably complex problem involved in getting a shotgun to reliably deliver a high percentage of its shot to roughly the same place at any distance beyond forty yards. It was also the product of technologies unknown before and of splendid talents brought together at precisely the right time.”

Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint
Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint

A.H. Fox brought in Burt Becker to build the first of these doubles. Becker was a well-known gunsmith with a gift for boring barrels. In describing Becker’s contributions to the Super Fox, McIntosh wrote:

“Becker clearly understood the advantage of keeping a gunbarrel free from abrupt changes in diameter, and his solution involves a three-fold approach. First, Super-Fox chambers are bored to extremely close tolerances, and most will not accept a cartridge that is even slightly oversized. There also is a bit more taper in the Super-Fox chambers than in the average gun’s. Becker’s forcing cones are 3/4-inch long and obliquely angled, so that shot columns are eased rather than squeezed into the bores. Finally, to reduce the difference between chamber and bore diameters even further, Becker overbored the barrels. A 12-gauge Super-Fox has nearly 11-gauge bores.”

The A.H. Fox Sterlingworth Wildfowl was made up from leftover HE-grade Super-Fox actions and barrels. It was offered from 1934 to around 1940. I don’t think many of them were made, and if this one is as good as it looks, it may be the best one out there.

Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint
Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint

NOTE: In his original listing, the seller calls this gun a “Fox Waterfowl Grade (XE) Sterlingworthand says it “…is basically a Super Fox XE.” This is incorrect. I believe he meant to say “HE” instead of “XE”. I made the correction below.

Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint: Amazing, near mint, late production Fox Sterlingworth side by side in little known Wildfowl Grade. A rare grade and gun is all original in near mint condition. The case coloring is some of the best I have seen on a Fox shotgun. Beautiful dark walnut in forend and stock, which has original, period correct, Jostam Mfg. red rubber pad. Original blue on 30 inch Full/Full choked barrels with ejectors. Action snaps shut tight like a vault door. Length of pull is 14 inches with 2 3/4 inch drop at heel. Take down those high flyers like Bo-Whoop’s cousin should!!  Price: $7,000

Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint
Fox Waterfowl Grade (HE) Sterlingworth Near Mint

Good gun alert: a 10 gauge, 3 1/2″ Neumann SxS shotgun…

10 gauge Neumann SxS Game Gun, 32" bbls
10 gauge Neumann SxS Game Gun, 32″ bbls

A big gun, a small price – that this Neumann double barrel shotgun. This SxS was made in Belgium in the ’50s, and its a well-made shotgun. If you’re looking to push a lot of lead, it will do the trick.

10 gauge Neumann SxS Game Gun, 32″ bbls: Very good condition overall with normal handling marks. Manufactured in Belgium by Neumann & Co. for Silver & Co. of San Francisco. Price: $1,099.99

10 gauge Neumann SxS Game Gun, 32" bbls
10 gauge Neumann SxS Game Gun, 32″ bbls
Caliber: 10 Gauge
Chambers: 3 1/2
Metal: Very Good
Wood: Very Good
Bore: Very Good
Barrels: 32″ with Tapered Concave Rib
Triggers: Double Triggers with Ejectors
Stock: Checkered Walnut Pistol Grip Style Butt Stock
Stock Dimensions: DAC: 1 3/8″, DAH: 2 1/8″, Cast off: 1/8″, LOP: 14 3/8
Fore End: Checkered Walnut Semi-Beavertail Style
Butt Pad: Pachmayr Ventilated Recoil Pad
Weight: 10 lbs. 10 ozs.
Sights: Two Beads
Chokes: Fixed: Light Full & Light Full, .030″ of constriction

Massive gun alert: a 4 gauge shotgun by A. Peterman…

Massive 4 gauge, A. Peterman, Philadelphia, Single Barrel Waterfowl Shotgun
Massive 4 gauge, A. Peterman, Philadelphia, Single Barrel Waterfowl Shotgun

Yeah, that’s right – a 4 gauge. The shotgun for the manliest man.

Back in the 19th century, 4 gauges guns were used for everything from big-game in Africa to waterfowl in US and UK. The 4s came in a number chamber sizes–2 3/4″,  3″ ,  3 7/8″, and 4″– and they pushed up to 4 ozs of lead. That’s a lot of shot. Today’s mag tens have 3 1/2″ chambers and push just 1 5/8oz– flabby babies.

With a 40″ barrel, this 4 gauge was definitely built for ducks, geese, and swans. It was made around 1870 by Abraham Peterman, a gunmaker/gunsmith working in Philadelphia 1850 to 1880 or so. Peterman had a shop next to John Krider – a famous American gunmaker and sporting good retailer. Krider was a big deal with prosperous clients. For Peterman must have been successful to have a free standing storefront next door. The shotgun here suggests why. Even though it’s a beast, it looks very well made. It’s in great condition, too, and the metalwork looks all original.

Massive 4 gauge, A. Peterman, Philadelphia, Single Barrel Waterfowl Shotgun
Massive 4 gauge, A. Peterman, Philadelphia, Single Barrel Waterfowl Shotgun

Here’s more about it from the seller:

A. Peterman of 151 Walnut St. Philadelphia 4 Gauge Hammer Shotgun with Damascus Barrel. The gun appears to have the original case coloring and brown finish on the barrels. The wood has had a coat of oil added at some point in time. I do not think it was sanded as the wood to metal fit is perfect. The barrel is 39.5 inches in length and the length of pull measures 13 and 3/8. The gun is in good working order and locks up tight. Price:$37,500

Massive 4 gauge, A. Peterman, Philadelphia, Single Barrel Waterfowl Shotgun
Massive 4 gauge, A. Peterman, Philadelphia, Single Barrel Waterfowl Shotgun
A 12 gauge shell loaded into a massive 4 gauge by A. Peterman, Philadelphia
A 12 gauge shell loaded into a massive 4 gauge by A. Peterman, Philadelphia
Walnut & Second St, Philadelphia, Circa 1871. John Krider was on the corner, Wm. Robertson and A. Peterman were next door.
Walnut & Second St, Philadelphia, Circa 1871. John Krider was on the corner, Wm. Robertson and A. Peterman were next door.
Frederick Courtenay F.C. Selous, Explorer, Hunter, with his 4 gauge percussion rifle
Frederick Courtenay F.C. Selous, Explorer, Hunter, with his 4 gauge percussion rifle

Good gun alert: a great 10g V. Chr. Schilling hammer shotgun…

10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun

Here’s another hammergun that’s making me crazy: 10 gauge V Chr. Schilling. I love old double barrels like this one, especially ones with color and finish like this Schilling has. Check out the arrow-head drop points, too. Awesome.

This is a big 10 gauge, probably made in the 1880s as a waterfowler. I would love to buy it, but my bank account (and wife) say  I can’t own them all.

V Chr. Schilling was a European gunmaker based in Suhl, Germany. Founded in 1816 and around until the 1920s (I think), they were major players in that region’s gun trade, and they made all grades of sporting guns along with military weapons and other firearms. They also made doubles for the American firm Charles Daly.

Here’s more info about the one you see here one from the seller:

10 gauge Schilling Side-by-Side Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun: 30″ bbls, 14″ LOP to a butt plate, double triggers, 8lbs. 10z., with case. Price: $1,799.99

10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun
10 gauge Schilling Double Barrel Side by Side Hammer Shotgun

Good gun alert: a nice J. Dickson & Son boxlock, built for heavy loads…

12 gauge J. Dickson & Sons 2 3/4" Heavy Proof Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun
12 gauge J. Dickson & Sons 2 3/4″ Heavy Proof Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun

British and Scottish gunmakers are famous for their lightweight game guns. But they also made great shotguns for waterfowl and bigger game.

The Dickson boxlock you see here would be perfect in a duck blind, or beside you while you’re calling in a fat turkey. With original 1 3/8″ proofs, it can push enough shot to smack down large birds. Because the gun is built for these load, it’s heavy enough to swallow up all that recoil and keep you from getting hit just as hard.

This one was probably made in Birmingham for Dickson. It’s looks pretty original. If the barrels check out and the rest of the gun is sound, it could be a good deal.

12 gauge J. Dickson & Sons 2 3/4" Heavy Proof Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun
12 gauge J. Dickson & Sons 2 3/4″ Heavy Proof Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun

JOHN DICKSON – 12 GA. BOXLOCK – HEAVY PROOF: EXTRACTORS, 30” M/F, D.T., P.G. STOCK. TRIGGER GUARD TANG EXTENDS TO GRIP CAP. LOP 14 ¼” OVER  PAD.  CASE COLORS 95%, WT. 7 LBS. 15 OZS.  1 3/8 OZ.PROOF, EXCELLENT CLAYS OR WATERFOWL – $3,600. Price: $3,600.00

12 gauge J. Dickson & Sons 2 3/4" Heavy Proof Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun
12 gauge J. Dickson & Sons 2 3/4″ Heavy Proof Double Barrel Side-by-Side Shotgun

Get this great duck gun: a 12 gauge Beretta 686…

Beretta 12 gauge 686 Onyx, 3 1/2" chambers, 28" bbls
Beretta 12 gauge 686 Onyx, 3 1/2″ chambers, 28″ bbls

If you’re looking for a solid, proven double at a great price, a Beretta 686 O/U is a tough gun to beat. My favorites in this line are the matte-black Onyx ones. I have straight-gripped 20 gauge that I used for grouse and woodcock. If I was in the market for something heavier, I would pick up this 12 gauge. It’s at auction now, so check it out right away.

With steel-shot approved 28″ bbls, 3.5″ chambers, and choke tubes, it’s all you need for everything from turkey to pheasants and ducks. It looks like it’s doing to be a great deal, too.

Beretta 12 gauge 686 Onyx, 3 1/2" chambers, 28" bbls
Beretta 12 gauge 686 Onyx, 3 1/2″ chambers, 28″ bbls

Wow – a modern 8 gauge side by side…

Modern 8 gauge side by side, Made in Italy, 39" bbls
Modern 8 gauge side by side, Made in Italy, 39″ bbls

Here’s a side-by-side shotgun that won’t be around for long: an Italian 8 Gauge SxS, Made in 1962.

In 1918, the US Federal Government made it illegal for anyone to use an eight gauge shotgun to hunt waterfowl and other federally-listed migratory game birds. Later, many states restricted hunting shotguns to 10 gauge and smaller.

Modern 8 gauge side by side, Made in Italy, 39" bbls
Modern 8 gauge side by side, Made in Italy, 39″ bbls

Of course, these laws didn’t apply in Europe, and it’s still legal in many areas there to hunt ducks, geese, and other waterfowl with the really big bores.

This 8-gauge shotgun was made for that kind of shooting. Judging by the looks of it, it looks like wasn’t used much at all. Here are the specs on it:

Price: $1,999.99
Manufacturer: 1962
Caliber: 8 Gauge.
Chambers: Side X Side.

Modern 8 gauge side by side, Made in Italy, 39" bbls
Modern 8 gauge side by side, Made in Italy, 39″ bbls

Metal Condition: Strong blue and case color.
Wood Condition: Excellent with crazing and flaking in the finish.
Bore Condition: Bright and shiny.
Barrels: 39+” Blue Acier steel.
Triggers: Double.
Stock: Mid grade walnut with a checkered pistol grip.
Fore End: Semi splinter checkered walnut.
Butt Pad: Red rubber vent butt pad.
Weight: 13 Lbs 12 Oz.

Now that’s BIG: a 4 gauge Belgian boxlock…

A 4 gauge Belgian side-by-side boxlock shotgun
A 4 gauge Belgian side-by-side boxlock shotgun

I love big bore shotguns. My favorites are the real big ones – the 8 and the 4 gauge side by sides. Unlike boat-mounted punt guns, most of these were made to be shot from the shoulder. They pushed a lot of lead, a long ways, and hunters used them for pass shooting, especially at geese and swans.

Heavy, and cumbersome, big bores are specialized tools. Gun makers didn’t turn out many of them, so today you don’t see them often, especially in anything bigger than 8 gauge.

A 4 gauge Belgian side-by-side boxlock shotgun
A 4 gauge Belgian side-by-side boxlock shotgun

That’s one of the things that makes this 4 gauge side-by-side so special. In the last decade, I’ve seen two other 4s (this Reilly was one of them). Both of those were hammergun with damascus barrels. This one is much later shotgun, with 39 1/2″ fluid steel barrels. To me, it looks 100% Belgian. I doubt the seller’s claim that it’s a Francotte, but I suppose it’s a possibility. Regardless, the shotgun is very rare and in excellent original condition. It would be a thrill to shoot — if you could find some 4-gauge ammo for it.

The big BOOM – 4 gauge and 8 gauge shotguns at auction…

Fredrick T. Baker 4 Gauge Shotgun
Fredrick T. Baker 4 Gauge Shotgun

Really big bore shotguns (2, 4 & 8 gauges) used to be popular in the United States–until they were banned in 1918. Unlike market guns, ones like these were made to pass shoot big birds like geese and swans. Today, some states allow you to use them on turkeys and pests like crows and coyotes. Other states have completely banned them for hunting.

Fredrick T. Baker, 4 ga. single barrel shotgun

Fredrick Baker made guns in and around London from 1857-1913. While I’ve seen other guns bearing his name, this is the first hammerless 4 gauge by him I’ve ever seen. In fact, it’s the first hammerless 4 gauge I ever seen. It looks like it’s in excellent shape. The sleeved/nitro proofed barrels and ammo make it an extremely rare, and desirable, package. I bet it will go for a lot of money.

Wm. Sumners 8 gauge shotgun
Wm. Sumners 8 gauge shotgun

Wm. Sumner 8 gauge single barrel shotgun

William Sumner was a gunmaker in Liverpool, England, from  about 1858 to 1890. Eight gauges like this one are the most common ones you see. They’re usually the most affordable, too. This gun was probably made around 1880. With that 42″ barrel, you could probably hold it up and let the birds run into it.

Huge gun brings a big price at Julia’s…

How much would you pay for a 4 gauge double barrel shotguns? For one person, the answer was $86,250.00. That’s what this 4 bore Dickson brought the other day at Julia’s March 2012 auction.

4 gauge Dickson Double Barrel Shotgun, Julia's March 2012
4 gauge Dickson Double Barrel Shotgun, Julia's March 2012

With 42″ barrels, and weighing in at over 22 pounds, this gun is a beast. Eccentric British collector Charles Gordonhad it made for him in the 19th century. The gun has seen a little refinishing, but it’s still in excellent overall condition.

BTW: This 4 bore is not a punt gun.  Punt guns were larger, usually attached to small boats (called punts) and used shoot flocks of ducks and geese. This Dickson would have been fired from the shoulder and used to pass shoot larger waterfowl including swans.

Here’s a 4 bore punt gun in action:

Here’s a guy firing a 4 bore from the shoulder at sporting clays.

Hunting a hundred years ago…

Salem is Oregon’s state capital. Located about 50 miles south of Portland, this city of 155,000 people and miles of sprawl was a tiny town 100 years ago. As you would expect, the hunting around there was a lot different back then.

Salem Hunt Club, 1910
Salem Hunt Club, 1910

Salem sits like a bull’s eye on Oregon’s Willamette Valley–ground zero for the first successful Chinese pheasants releases in the United States. This happened around 1882. By 1911, wild pheasants thrived up and down the valley. So did monstrous ducks and ruffed grouse.

Paul Nicholson grew up around Salem and he hunted the area extensively his whole life. This article is based on his experiences and recollections. My heart ached a bit when I read this part:

“Five cock pheasants was the limit, and it was no trouble to get limits for four or five men. We always kept a couple of bird dogs. A few were top performers, and we lost no crippled birds. Hunters were few, and we knew most of the farmers where we hunted. “No Hunting” and “No Trespassing” signs were almost unknown.” You can read the rest here.

At auction–an 8 gauge L.C. Smith…

This 8-gauge L.C. Smith side-by-side, double barrel shotgun is on Gunbroker right now. The seller says it has 32″ barrels. From the pics, it looks like it might be a No. 1 grade.

8 gauge L.C. Smith shotgun on Gunbroker.com
8 gauge L.C. Smith shotgun on Gunbroker.com

L.C. Smith made very few 8 gauges – estimates vary from 30-35. From what I’ve been able to find out, they made them from about 1895-1898 and every one was hammerless. This guy here has several 8-gauge L.C. Smiths, at least two in No. 2 grades.

Of all the major American makers, Parker made the most 8 gauges – hammerless and hammerguns- and Lefever made the fewest. Baker made a few, and Colt made at least one. A.H. Fox never made any.

Eight gauges used to be very popular for wildfowl. They pushed a ton of lead and this made them ideal for swatting flocks of birds at a time – just what a market hunter on the Chesapeake Bay wanted to do. Eight-gauge shotguns were outlawed for use on waterfowl in the US in the early 20th century.

BTW: if you have an 8 gauge double, or you know of any out there, please let me know. I’m interested in purchasing one and will pay a finder’s fee for a nice one.