doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Modern clays SxS

Mark,you are on the right track, IMO. However, you should really determine the handling characteristics you want (enjoy shooting or shoot well - not necessarily the same thing). Here is a starting point: Weight 7#12 oz, balance 4 3/4" to (front)trigger, unmounted swing effort 1.9, and mounted swing effort 8.5. These numbers may not suit you, but are a good place to start.

I think highly of the AyA #56 and would not be afraid of an old one.

AyA M-56 SLE #568629 Weight = 7# 10 1/2 oz, Balance to trigger = 5 3/4", Unmounted swing = 2.00, Mounted swing = 8.86, 12 ga, bbls = 30", LOP = 14 5/8", and 1/2 weight radius = 11.00 (not compact).

AyA Model 53 SLE Weight = 7# 10 oz, Balance to trigger = 6", Unmounted swing = 1.79, Mounted swing = 8.39, 12 ga, bbls = 30", LOP = 14", 1/2 WR = 10.44 (compact).

See the differences? The #53 will be a bit quicker for the same weight. Add the extra 5/8" of stock for equal LOP and I'll bet these two guns would be hard to tell apart for handling. Swing is hard to get (unless you want to work with me), but weight and balance should be readily available and will tell you if a gun is inthe "ball game."

How are you measuring swing effort and weight radius? I have seen balance point measured from the hinge pin but I think this is the first time I have seen it measured from the trigger

A few suggestions:
Stay with a single selective trigger for a clays gun; a Model 21 with 32" barrels has about perfect dynamics for a clays gun; don't worry about modifying a gun you're going to use, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

I have a 32" RBL 12 with beavertail, single trigger, and pistol grip. It's a clays-killing machine.
JR

The AYA No.56 is a fine choice. I had one that I absolutely loved.... just couldn't hit much with it.



AYA is now offering a hammer gun as well. However, I am not sure of the price (close to $20K I believe). Here are photos of one ordered by a member of the "Spanish Gun" forum at Shotgunworld.












If you willing to settle for something a little less fancy and a little less costly, I am selling a nice modern Beretta MI-VAL pictured below. It would make a great clays gun.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=219169104



Adam

Mark, I'd second Stallones' and PALUNC's nomination of the BSS. 30" barrels are the longest, but find one of those and put in choke tubes, you're good to go.

Don't know how much luck you'd have finding a long-nosed Bernardelli hammergun, but if you prefer modern guns with hammers, they're a good choice.

Or how about a Classic Lion from Fabarms? Don't know how easy it would be to find one, but they imported some with 30" barrels and choke tubes.

Agree with Larry. For the money, a 30" BSS Browning is the best option for an entry level clays sxs. Most have so-so wood and the forend and grip are a little clubby, but they are fine, well made guns with good dynamics, and are good candidates for Briley Thinwalls. Hard to find the 30 inchers, though.

I've had several BSS's, and the last was a 28" gun used for ducks. One thing these guns benefit from is moving the nose of the comb back about 3/4". Opens up the grip and makes it much more comfortable.

Actually, a 30" BSS is a also a good candidate for a nice re-stock. You could put $2500 into one and end up with a $4500 gun that would stand up to a Model 21 in every category. Thought about it many times myself.
JR

Mark
Check your PM

Verney-Carron will build you just what you want to your dimensions, weight and balance point in about 8 months starting at about 9k. Built on the same bullet proof style action they use on their 600 Nitro double rifles.

Rocketman:
"Mark,you are on the right track, IMO. However, you should really determine the handling characteristics you want (enjoy shooting or shoot well - not necessarily the same thing). Here is a starting point: Weight 7#12 oz, balance 4 3/4" to (front)trigger, and mounted swing effort 8.5. These numbers may not suit you, but are a good place to start."
I agree with your numbers I just had my Francotte Eagle measured at the Rocky Mountain Vintagers and your numbers are very close to what my 30" Francotte measured.
I am looking further at Fausti, Poli and AyA. The search is fun.

There are two 30" Brownings on Gunbroker right now.