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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10 |
Hi i have been reading for a few days now. Lots of good info. I am looking to purchase my first sxs in 12ga. I am wanting a starter gun and can't spend more than $900. Where should I start? Are there any good places to look on the internet besides gun broker. I want an older gun, but not an antique. Thanks and I am looking forward to hearing from you guys. Stroud
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 327
Member
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Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 327 |
Check your local gun shows. Spanish guns can be bought rather cheaply, but can have timing problems. Always buy on condition, not brand name. I'd spend $500-$600 and save the remainder in case any work is needed to make it right. Should get you a field grade Ithaca, Nitro Special, or other filed grade/entry level gun if you look around. The Stevens 311 and/or Savage Fox B can also be had for slightly less, but are less balanced. You never know what opportunities pop-up at gun shows.....
Mike Doerner
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,936 Likes: 16
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,936 Likes: 16 |
You should be able to find a good 12 ga Philly Fox Sterlingworth or L C Smith for around $900 to a $1000 if you look around awhile. Bobby
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,731 Likes: 489
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,731 Likes: 489 |
For $900.00 you should be able to find a decent gun. What are you going to shoot with the gun? Do you reload? One or two triggers?
Let us assume you want a double for a little hunting and a little clay target use. Chokes that should give you some flexability are I/C & M or M/F. If you reload go for the M/F, if not go for the I/M. Easy to reload spreaders.
For $900.00 I would look first for a Ithaca NID. In my part of the woods you should be able to fine a 90% gun for $700-750.00. Spend the rest on shells. NID are great guns for the money. Modern deminsions, 2 3/4" chambers, strong enough for most factory loads, solid and reliable.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 518
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 518 |
I would suggest an A.H.Fox Sterlingworth that was built in Philadelphia as opposed to one built by Savage in Utica. (Philly built guns are generally a little more refined.) Not only would this American Classic be a fine "starter" gun but could also carry you through your doublegun sojourn as these guns handle wonderfully and are very eye appealing. I would suggest you looking on: http://www.gunsamerica.com and also check the various dealers around the country--many of them have websites linked to this site--just scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on "Sponsors & Advertisers" and "DoubleGun Rack".
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10 |
Thanks. I want to hunt upland game birds with the gun. I have an O/U 20ga that I use for dove and quail. And I have a BPS 3.5 for ducks and geese. So this would be a carry in the field for pheasant and some quail hunting.
1 or 2 triggers makes no differnce to me. ejectors are prefered but i have experience without. I always put hulls in my pocket anyway.
I do reload fast steel for ducks, so i could reload. I just dont have time to shoot enough. Work full time and have a 10 month old son.
I did see a beretta sxs with no model number on gunbroker which was by now for $850.00. I asked seller some questions with no reply and it was gone today. It looked like a good deal.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,983
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,983 |
One of the best sites to watch is right here. We are all good guys and sort-of friends. Gunsamerica is another good choice. Another would be Shotgun Sports. I probably would stay away from auction sites until you are more knowledgeable. There is/was a Grade II Ugartechea on Gunsamerica for $899. I especially love Syracuse Lefevers. If you'd be happy with a single trigger, A BSS is hard to beat. They can be had in 12 ga. in the $900 range, if you shop carefully. AYA made a pretty good double for Sears. I bought one about 4 years ago for $250, including shipping, from a store in Plymouth, MA. As always, a used, older gun for $900 is far and away better than anything you can buy new, for $900. Try to find one with modern stock dimensions. Older guns, especially some of the older American guns, tend to have drop like a hockey stick. You don't want to have to add a $200 stock bending job to your $900 gun. Good luck with your quest. JL
> Jim Legg <
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,082
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,082 |
I'm with KY JON on this. I'm a bit patial to Ithaca and Lefever guns, but honestly the NID is a great choice. If you don't like it you will always get your money back on it, maybe more. But a good all around choice. Avoid the tempation of the inexpensive Flues model as they have "special needs". Nitros, although plain, are the workhorses of the lot. It will outlive you.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10 |
Now i would like an english stock as that is what i have on my o/u. Will i find one on the american made sxs? I also notice that many are 30"+. Why are so many so long? is 26" or 28" hard to come by? Sorry for being do green.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10 |
I would like an english stock as that is what i have on my o/u, will i find one on the american made guns? I also notice that many are 30"+. Why are they so long? is 26" or 28" hard to come by? Sorry for being so green.
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