doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Zepher Thunderbird 10ga???

guys, what can you tell me about the Zephyer Thunderbird?

I know it's a 10ga double and imported by Stoeger eons ago. From the vauge pics I've seen, it looked like it had engraved side plates, couldn't tell if it had a Greener bolt, looked like it had some hefty weight to it thou.

Any help?

Thanks, Al

Made by V. Sarasqueta, imported--as you noted--by Stoeger. The Stoeger catalog says it was an H&H style sidelock gun, standard with PG, extractors, 32" full choke barrels, weight of 12 pounds. Same gun available special order, for the same price, as a 12ga magnum.

Not great quality, Very heavy, poor engraving. OK if price is right.

Thanks.

Sarge,what's a ball park price?

I haven't seen the gun, it's in Conn., I'm in Michigan. I'll be close to there next week and if time allows, I'll see if I can arrange to look at it.

It was meant to be heavy, to absorb the quite stout recoil of 10ga magnum shells in a fixed breech gun. Price in the 1961 Stoeger catalog was the same as a Bernardelli Roma 4, which today--depending on condition, and in 12ga--would be about a $1500-2000 gun. Would be interesting to see some current prices on Thunderbirds to compare. They're not all that common, but then again, I don't know that you'd want to shoot steel shot through them, which makes them of less interest to waterfowlers--unless maybe Bismuth is available in 10ga. Tungsten Matrix is not. Otherwise, you're talking a real heavy turkey gun.

Earlier models were called the #6HD. Also came in 12 ga. 3 inch. Not the greatest engraving, but a true sidelock of good quality. Mine was bought used by my Dad, and has been shot by my Dad and myself for close to 50 years now; it always has been and will remain my favorite gun. Heavy, but swings beautifully, great FxF chokes, always a great far-killer in the duck blind. Also, as strange as it may sound, was amazingly accurate with rifled slugs, and had an outstanding pattern with buckshot as well. You will get a lot for your money.

Larry,
Bismuth IS available in 10 gauge. I shoot it in my customized Zabala S x S regularly. Kills geese at 50 yards like the proverbial "Hammer of Thor"!

I saw one at the Cabelas in Owatonna MN about 2 years ago, for about the price Col. Brown says. Looked like a quality gun to me, if you needed a high class goose shooter.

Al: I had one a few years ago, 10 ga. Magnum. 3 1/2" chambers. The over all quality was not great. Very poor engraving and the metal work was not great, soft screws Etc. I would not pay more than $500-$600 for on in excellent over all condition.

thanks.