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3 members (Themauserkid, 2 invisible),
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robots. |
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Forums10
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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,345 Likes: 391
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,345 Likes: 391 |
My advice would be to spend the money and buy what the rich like. Lets see, who is the best shotgun maker in Birmingham. I would say William Powell. Given that I would look for old SLE from that maker in good original condition. This is like taking advice on buying a Harley Davidson from those guys who have Harley tee shirts, Harley leather jackets, Harley tattoos, and Harley wallets that are chained to their belt with a Harley belt buckle... but they don't even own a bike. Jag has told us he owns one shotgun, a short barreled Ithaca mod 37 pump. He rents a .22 rifle. I didn't even know you could rent a .22 rifle. Do Rent-A-Centers have FFL's? He did mention having a 20 ga N.I.D. on layaway a while back. I guess that Obama Hope and Change hasn't worked out well for him.
A true sign of mental illness is any gun owner who would vote for an Anti-Gunner like Joe Biden.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1 |
My advice would be to spend the money and buy what the rich like. Lets see, who is the best shotgun maker in Birmingham. I would say William Powell. Given that I would look for old SLE from that maker in good original condition. This is like taking advice on buying a Harley Davidson from those guys who have Harley tee shirts, Harley leather jackets, Harley tattoos, and Harley wallets that are chained to their belt with a Harley belt buckle... but they don't even own a bike. Jag has told us he owns one shotgun, a short barreled Ithaca mod 37 pump. He rents a .22 rifle. I didn't even know you could rent a .22 rifle. Do Rent-A-Centers have FFL's? He did mention having a 20 ga N.I.D. on layaway a while back. I guess that Obama Hope and Change hasn't worked out well for him. I would say quality over quantity. What is your suggestion. Can you make specific recommendations?
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,859
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,859 |
Ive been a SXS enthusiast/collector for years and over the years Ive owned some nice guns and generally make money with my hobby, which is nice because Ill typically buy a gun that interests me without worrying about profit. However, I tend to purchase guns that need minor repairs or freshening up and since I enjoy the work its not a problem for me. In fact, after my wife passed away I bought several project guns as therapy to distract me from the sadness and lose I felt.
No ones inquired about what this mans motivations are. Is he someone who only wants pristine guns or like me does he enjoy amateur gunsmithing or have similar talents. Being a bottom feeder like I am can make the hobby very affordable.
Steve
PS my first project gun was a Crescent. For various reasons I wouldn't own another. It was a hammer gun and someone bought it as a cowboy action gun. A fitting fate for a gun with .701" bores because the factory "forgot" to finish the bores after cutting the chokes.
Approach life like you do a yellow light - RUN IT! (Gail T.)
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2 |
I've owned dozens of Crescent doubles over the years. They are cheap, but work. My suggestion is that it all depends on the man's interest. I enjoy American doubles like Parkers, but English guns just make me smile like no American one has. If that is the same for him, less known names made in Bham can be had quite reasonably. Or start with the highest quality Parker or similar that he can afford
NRA Patron Life Member
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1 |
I think he needs to look around first at the gun shows and handle some examples to learn what to look for. Ring some barrels, check some stocks for cracks, is it on face? Hopefully go with someone who knows what to look for. Do some reading on this site and others. I have learned so much just by reading what guys post on this site! Before you buy anything get some knowledge then buy what you like and can afford.I like Ithaca others Parker or Smith. Just my opinion.
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 106
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 106 |
Thank you all for your input. The potential new collector/shooter is primarily interested in guns he can use. I think the American guns are most interesting to him. Your suggestions have been passed on. I have loaned him several books on shotguns.
Thanks all.
Swampman
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,880 Likes: 16
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 13,880 Likes: 16 |
If shooting the gun is the primary motivation, money, time and risk evaluation would drive me to recommend buying a new sxs gun like the SKB. Old American guns generally have stock dimensions which aren't suited for most shooters. Many will require special low pressure ammo.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,384 Likes: 106
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,384 Likes: 106 |
Guns he can use . . . I think the best values, in terms of guns one can use without recourse to anything except off the shelf ammo, would be in guns made since WWII. I'd put the Japanese doubles (Ithaca SKB, Browning BSS, Charles Daly made by Miroku) at or near the top of the list. They're sort of American, in the sense that they were marketed (albeit not made) by American gun companies or importers. From the Italians, Berettas and Bernardellis. From the Germans, post-war Sauers, Simsons, and Merkels. Those are probably the most often encountered post-WWII side by sides that are solid performers and reasonably priced. I've avoided the Spaniards, which is a bit unfair. Toss in anything made by either AyA or Ugartechea. These are all guns that will shoot whatever Wal-Mart sells, and need a minimum amount of TLC. They fit the general category of "good using guns for not a lot of money".
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,418 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,418 Likes: 2 |
tell him don't...if he still does...at least your conscious will be clear....
gunut
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 960 Likes: 12
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 960 Likes: 12 |
One who doesn't make mistakes, hasn't learned much. Dive in while the water's warm, take your lumps, and enjoy the swim. From a learning perspective, and with the exception of relic guns, there are few double guns that can't be enjoyed. My dad said to buy the best you can afford, and you'll never be sorry. While I generally agree, most doubles have something to offer, and to learn from. No one ever stops at just one. My two cents.
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