I'm trying to come up with an affordable shotgun that at least approximates something from the "Vintager" period of 1880-1920. It doesn't need to be original, but it needs to cost less than $1,000 if possible. Are the various Belgian and Swedish underlever hammer guns "legit" for this sort of thing, or would they be scorned as crude tools for working class sorts? any other suggestions? I'm sort of thinking hammers, double triggers, splinter forend if possible, Prince of Wales grip, etc. The Vintagers specify side-by-side cartridge guns that are safe, of course.

You might have to "approximate" the Brit guns of the Edwardian Golden Age but if you want an American double from the time period you speak of, 1K might get you into close proximity with a great number of Lefever, Fox, Ithaca, Remington, Smith doubles with semi-pistolas and itty-bit forends. Maybe a low end Parker here and there. The Norfolk jacket, breeks, and Italian leather might also have to be approximated unless you're happy playing the American cousin.

jack

The Husqvarna model 51 hammerguns are a great deal and fine vintage style shooters. I don't much like the underlever Husky models. The Model 51 was built up through 1948, I believe, so most have modern steel barrels. I also think they're all either 16s or 12s. If you'd rather have the hammerless type gun the Husky Model 310 ia a real sleeper, and fine gun...Geo

Or, you could simulate aristocracy and simply never pay your gunmaker...

Now that is wit!!

I've seen underlever guns shot at Vintager events. The only requirement is that the gun have the two barrels aligned SxS as they are supposed to be.

None of my 3 SxS's are in any way special and I've never had a disparaging remark made about mine.

Buy what you can afford and you'll have fun shooting Vintager events. But I'll give the same advice that I always do about buying guns - if a little more money will get you a lot more gun don't skimp.

I would look for guns similar to but not limited to: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=190013442.

Or this Ithaca at:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=190137415

Ask the seller all pertinent questions, such as rust issues, bad dents, possible looseness with ribs and lock-up, chokes etc...

I bought a 1896 Remington 1894 damascus ejector gun for $1150 mid summer in so good a shape, all it needs is a hunting schedule.

Good luck!

Great recommendation on the 1894 Remington and Ithaca. I too picked up a rather decent 1894 ejector 1894 12 Remington in the last year. I guess I lucked out as it needed a top lever spring and considered by the shop owner as " way too dangerous to shoot as it has damascus barrels". He then pulled out a rather nice "G" grade Lefever (damascus) and proceeded to offer a package wall hanger deal for me.

I don't normally get lucky as many other do on this type of transaction but that was my one lucky day.

In short, I get as much enjoyment shooting the lower grade vintage SxS as the higher end. I guess it's the history behind each unique arm...

A bullet proof NID, while not fitting your specs, would fit the price range, and most likely be pretty trouble free.
Newer is better, when you are talking shooters, in my experience.

Best,
Ted

Thanks for the thoughts, fellas. Ted, what is an NID?

Hey here is a good link / article by Chuck Hawks you may want to read. It describes the NID and other classics.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/affordable_doubles.htm

and on the NID or New Ithaca Double.. (Great gun BTW). The one I have has lots of drop in the stock however, I shoot it well.

http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/the-new-ithaca-double

Kcordell: Thanks for the links.

Bill,
Do tell us what you end up with.

Thanks in advance,

Best,
Ted

The new CZ "Hammer Classic" guns retail for $900. Comes with 30" barrels threaded for tubes (5 included.

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/hammer-classic/

Adam

Adam: I had no idea CZ/Huglu offered a full-size hammer gun.

I believe its a brand new offering. Anybody have any experience with them? Sure wish it came in 20ga!

Adam

I handled one....Small hard to cock hammers with mushy lock springs combined with butt ugly stock design.

I figured they would do better than they did but what should one expect from a $900 hammer gun.