doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com New & Looking for 1st sxs

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

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

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

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.

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".

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.

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

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.

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.

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.