doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com What's the least expensive "best gun"?

I do like my AYAs, but they're not an English best. AYA #1 & #2 are a close hard to tell or feel the difference from a H&H Royal.

There is a lot of truth in that, however ........... there are other reasons that one might be approached and asked a question or given a comment. That might be "What kind of shells are you using, to kill birds like that?" or "I can't believe you're shooting a .410." or "I didn't see you miss today".

I've been around shooters/hunters all my life. I've shot with the very wealthy and I've hunted with the humble. Double barrel Purdeys and single barrel Iver Johnsons. I've seen people in awe of an expensive shotgun and I've seen people in awe of the shooting ability of a man with a worn out Parker with the forend held on with black electrical tape.

What's my point? Everybody needs to assess their desires. Do you want to be remembered because you own a London best, or because you were a far above average shot? I'm not saying they are mutually exclusive, but the hard truth is that I can count the number of men I have known in my life that were "best shots", and also shot "best guns", on one hand ......... and have fingers left over. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number who wanted to impress with their fine guns but couldn't shoot them worth a continental damn. And, I know a considerable number of men who can shoot game with the best, but could care less what kind of guns they're using.

What do I respect the most, the ability of the man ............. or the gun? Without a doubt it is the ability of the man. And, just for the record .........I prefer hunting with the humble.

SRH

The reality of it is you should be very well versed in doubles before plunking down your cash on an English Best. I went through a truck load of boxlocks and SNLE's before buying my Holland. Know your stock dimensions, the chokes you like and spend a few extra bucks having it inspected by a knowledgeable smith. There is tons of junk on the market. Be open minded but when you find the right gun, buy it and do not spend too much time thinking about it. Try to buy a well cared for gun that has not been tarted up. Easier said than done I know. I looked for years before find the gun for me. The best investment I ever made as it gives me hours and hours of pleasure each fall.

I understand from a client that this gun may be out of proof due to the chambers being lengthened

http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-fo...un_id=100960479

It still could be a good buy. I would also want to be sure the barrels started out 28" long and that it has good wall thickness.

There are quite a few dollars between the AyA and H&H Royal. The AyA is a best buy for a very high quality gun. If you will look at pre-1900 guns, there are still some great buys to be had for true best quality guns from the best makers. I don't know why more buyers aren't looking at pre-1900 vintage guns. They are freaking awesome...just saying.

When a friend broke the front articulated trigger on his 626 Beretta sent him one free in the mail and it fit right away. In the same year an English firm charge 1200 pounds for an articulated trigger and needed the gun there for six months.

No matter how much pre4stige a best exudes, that kind of bespoke diddling dulls the mystique.

Neither. I don't hunt or shoot or select guns to impress others. The enjoyment I get is being in the moment, for myself. And if any of my shooting or hunting partners have a memory of me, I hope that it is that I am a good person to spend time with.

Whatever quality guns I have, however good they may be, I get all the satisfaction I get from them from my own opinion of handling and shooting them. Not someone else's. The idea of having a particular gun because it means I have "arrived" is a repugnant idea to me.

And it's not for lack of knowledge of what having "arrived" means. Beside Wingshooter from this site, the last guy I hunted with stands a good chance of having to buy our other hunting partner from that day a new matched pair of Purdey if a particular deal goes through. That includes the trip to London for fitting.

I didn't mean to imply that those were the only two options, James. Your thoughts are right on, and I agree with them entirely.

SRH

My pair of stocked to the fences sidelock Evans guns are second tier even though they are made on Scott actions and can be found for very low prices in UK auctions. What's up with that? My Arrizabalaga 28 is absolutely unengraved, but the fit of wood to metal, metal to metal and the lockwork finish is amazing. It is every bit the gun a Funeral Purdey is, but I bought it for $2600. Although Don's charts are interesting, we had best do our homework before using his charts to write our checks. Also, what's up with AYA #2 guns selling in the UK for 400BP but $6000 here?

Do I have to wait for Christmas to read a really good post from you, James? Merry Christmas!

I try to save my best for the really good days! 😜

It�s late now so Christmas has passed into the books where you are, King. So it�s a belated Merry Christmas and I hope you aren�t one of the unlucky in your province with no power tonigh.