doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Zepher Upland King - Opinions

Hi all, does anyone have any opinions/comments on this V. Sarasqueta model imported by Stoeger? Good, bad or whatever.

Thanks all!!!

Greg

I think they are basically the top of the line boxlock Zephyr's. I would suspect the innards are pretty similar to the Woodlander,etc. The only obvious difference is maybe a bit better wood, the standard single trigger and vent rib. I own a number of Zephyr's and really like them for the money. The finish seems better on the higher grade sidelocks; for my money, the only obvious defect on all is the crappy looking ducks and birds and some rudimentary engraving at times.
Rick

I have no data on the guns referred to but my Zephyr is marked 4E, a sidelock ejector with double triggers, splinter forend, small finely checkered pistol grip. Engraving is certainly not world class, just oak leaf pattern on fences and some zig-zag on the borders of sideplates. Gun has H&H intercepting sears and cocking indicators. I wish such guns were still available from Stoeger instead of the junk they are currently offering. Good luck with your Sarasqueta (identified by the diamond mark preceded by V. and ending with S. with running hare on the water tables and barrels), Victir built pretty good stuff for my money. Chopperlump

Actually, the Upland King is a sidelock, not a boxlock. It was the highest grade V. Sarasqueta gun imported by Stoeger back in the 60's. I believe they all came with single trigger standard, and there's always some concern with Spanish single triggers. It also had a beavertail and vent rib standard. Back then, that's what most of the gunmakers thought Americans wanted. Somewhat "out of fashion" now.

Just to clarify, V. Sarasqueta made higher grade guns than the Upland King. It just happened to be the most expensive one in the Stoeger import line.

I thought the big Thunderbird sidelocks were the most expensive?
Mine is actually an earlier import, was called an 8H. Appears much like the Thunderbird, but wasn't named yet, and is 12 ga. 3 inch instead of 10. Higher grade than the Sterlingworth models (with full scroll engraved sidelocks). My memory must have messed up (nothing new there). I have about a full collection of old Stoeger catalogs I have collected over the years primarily to research Zephyr's; I thought Upland Kings were the top boxlocks.
Rick

Woops . . . you're half right, Rick. In my 1961 Shooter's Bible, the basic Thunderbird (10ga, available as 12ga magnum on special order) goes for $228, the Upland King for $218. But the Upland King is definitely a sidelock:

"The Upland King has a genuine sidelock action . . . " There was also an Uplander (next step up from the Sterlingworth), but it's also a sidelock.

Hi all, thanks for the responses. The reason why I asked this question is I was doing some research on one for sale - $600 (which I think is a good price). I always like to get other opinions from others, especially those who have first hand experience with the gun, prior to making a decision. Well, the seller did inform me that one of the ejectors would not "close". That in itself sealed the deal for me (passing it up I maen). Still, you always learn from others so thanks so much again!!

All the best!!!

Greg

is that the one paul crosnoe has now? it also looked in the closeup of the r/h side of the action like there was a crack in the stock behind the lock plate.

dontcha wish they'd put that stuff in the ad so you didn't waste your time on a call. george caswell is most honest, straight-forward dealer i've encountered yet.

Hi and Bingo!!! I missed the crack. One of the two questions he did answer was about the stock. I asked if there were any crcks or repairs to the stock - the answer was - No. Thanks on the ip about Mr. Caswell, I sure do appreciate it.

All the best!

Greg

And, Mr. Brown, you were correct as to the sidelock status. I stand corrected!
Thanks
Rick