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2 members (Vol423, fab500),
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Forums10
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Apr 27th, 2024
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1 |
Need gun to go bird hunting. I have found two candidates lightly used Webley & Scott BLE in very good condition. It is 12ga 2&3/4" 3&1/4 tons per square inch 25" barrels, Churchill Rib, 1/4-3/4 chokes straight grip double triggers. The other candidate is 12ga Merkel Bros. Modell 47e BLE with Greener X-bolt, 28" barrels 3" chamber 1/4-3/4 chokes, straight grip double triggers, box, papers, ie like new condition dating back to 1989. Both fit me well and have similar handling characteristics. Which one would you choose and why? I would like the one that my family will have easier time to move when I'm no longer here. Thanks.
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,415 Likes: 193
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,415 Likes: 193 |
I have three Merkels in 12 ga., 20 ga., and a delightful 28 ga. built on a baby frame. I've always wanted an English gun, but chose the Merkels because of their recent and current manufacture, which lends them to current servicing and parts by GSI. I hunt with all of them and feel confident that they will go the distance and outlive me. As an aside, I also have two Browning BSS-SL's in 12 and 20. I love them dearly, but realize that if parts are needed, I'm on my own. It comes down to a choice of barrel length for you. My Merkels are all 28" and my Brownings are both 26". I do well with both lengths.
Karl
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,718 Likes: 479
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,718 Likes: 479 |
25" barrels are not easy to sell in a 12 bore. Be easier in a 20 but not as a 12. So if reselling is important I'd stay away from the 25".
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,486 Likes: 393
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,486 Likes: 393 |
25" barrels are not easy to sell in a 12 bore. Be easier in a 20 but not as a 12. So if reselling is important I'd stay away from the 25". I'm with Jon on this one.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 593
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 593 |
Mate, 25" barrels go off like a howitzer & are not generally appreciated by hunting buddies. As a big fellow I also feel them to be stubby, coach gun like.
If that Webley had 28" or 30" barrels I would be on to it as long as it was no more expensive than the Merkel. But that is only due to my romance with British guns.
You did not mention weight & that may come into it if you will be carrying it a lot on your bird hunts.
Both BLE.
Both have straight grip.
Both have double triggers.
Both 12g
Both fit & handle similar.
Both choked the same.
All these things I also like in a gun, but I also like the 3" chambers & 28" barrels of the Merkel.
3" chambers because of the versatility they give you in being able to shoot soft loads & hard.
Does the Merkel have the fleur de lis proof mark for steel shot & a 1350 bar proof. If so that would be the clincher for me because then it can be used if you want to go after ducks.
To me the Merkel seems like more gun, & I like more gun sometimes. If you buy a less of a gun, then you can not safely use it as more.
I could put up with a Teutonic gun If it gave me enough more.
Which one speaks lovingly to you when you hold it ?
O.M
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 306 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 306 Likes: 2 |
Hello:
I think that, in any case, you will need to open the tight choke.
For a "bird" gun 3/4 choke, or IMP MOD, is "too much choke".
Regards,
Jose M. Fernandez
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 130
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 130 |
Weight is important to me & the one thing not mentioned in the description.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 390 Likes: 8
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 390 Likes: 8 |
Go with the W&S I have used almost exclusively a XXVBL and it has taken more grouse than I can count
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1 |
Hello:
I think that, in any case, you will need to open the tight choke.
For a "bird" gun 3/4 choke, or IMP MOD, is "too much choke".
Regards, I have made mistake with respect to W-S. The left barrel is half choke.
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 593
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 593 |
Well !
Have you chosen one yet ?
If so, which one & why ?
O.M
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