This is my first post, so pardon anything that's not usual. I'm thinking about finding a 12 ga. in the 6-6lb. 8 oz. range. With double triggers, straight stock, sxs. Less than $1500 would work with my budget. Currently shoot an Ugartechea 20 that carries well, but is too lite. Any suggestions would be welcome.
tchark
stick a tape adhered wheel weight on the barrels near the muzzles on the bottom. It doesn't take much near the muzzles and it really changes the dynamics of the gun. If it fixes your problem with "too lite", you can make or have made a conformal weight, out of steel, that fills the shape between the barrels on the bottom rib. This can be blued and attached with something more permanent like clear silcone to make it all but undetectable.
For that kind of money, you're looking at a boxlock nonejector. I have a couple Army & Navy 12's, 28" (ejector guns) that fit your description--they weigh 6 1/4, so you should be able to find something.
Contact Stephen Cobb over in Bedminster NJ (see advertisers on this board listing). He has an absolutel wonderful W.W. Greener 12 ga. 26" light game gun for sale. I saw and inspected it at the Stamford CT East Coast Fine Arms Show last weekend. Fills the bill exactly as you described for weight, etc. KBM
There are lots of English guns that will fall in that weight range esp. boxlock non-ejectors, which tend to be lighter than sidelocks (and cheaper...).
For $1500 you should get a clean plain English gun. If you broaden your search to include German, you will get a clean fancy gun. Belgian, you will get ditto for $1000; and Spanish, for $750.
Of the American guns, you may find a Fox or an Ithaca that light but most vintage American 12 ga guns are heavier. Would pretty much have to be a lower, the way things are going. You might swing an A grade Fox for that money though.
Before I went for a 12, I would think about getting a 16 ga in a lightweight though...it'll be a stronger gun and it won't kick as hard. Important for fast second shot on grouse.
Surprised you find a 20 not enough gun. For close grouse work, 20 should be plenty. Maybe it's a function of fit?