doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Anerican Classics - What Would You Pick?

Hi all, I'm not really into American Classics, but if you had to pick one (talking entry level or maybe a step up model) from the following markers (other than Parker):

AH Fox
Ithica
LC Smith
Lefever

Looking at overall reliability, workmanship and I guess just plain good shooter.

Thanks!!!

Greg

If damascus is ok you should consider a Remington 1894 or Lefever. If you are looking for a steel gun consider a Lefever DS or LC Smith field.

#1 Ithaca NID...least expensive and modern shell ready.
#2 LC Smith.....still inexpensive and probably ok for modern shells.
#3 AH Fox.......Sterlingworth still a fair deal, and later models ok for modern shells.
#4 Lefever......My favorite of the bunch but they are ALL antiques and should be treated as such.

My humble opinion anyway...Geo

When asked the question "what is your favorite shotgun" I have to reply with the following quaote written by Jim Carmichel

The double-barreled shotguns made by Ansley H. Fox in his
Philadelphia factory are classics for the simple reason that
they are the most beautiful shotguns ever made in America and,
for that matter, among the most beautiful boxlock designs ever
made anywhere. Whereas the customary practice of gun invention
was to design from the inside out, often enclosing the
mechanism in a plain outer shell that required engraving or
other embellishment to be presentable, the seductive lines of
the Fox receiver suggest that it was sculpted by an artist.
Like a lush maiden shed of her arrayment, the Fox needed no
engraving to accent its sensuous contours and, indeed, the
unadorned lowest grades perhaps best showcase their elegance
of form.

Ah, shotgun porn! And I told my wife I didn't look at stuff like that on the internet!

My goodness, you two 'Free State' boys need to get out and shoot some birds or sumthin'
(And I thought us Worshipful Society of Sweet Elsie Love Slaves were out on the edge)

ROTGALMAO

GJW,
If price is not an issue I would go with a Winchester Model 21. I have several of each of the major classic American guns so I say this with some knowledge. I use a 21 with 28" barrels in 20 bore for all my upland hunting and it is very light and responsive. I doubt anyone would argue with the reliability of the action. I also have a 21 for ducks in 12 bore.
Second choice (even over Parkers) is Fox. An A grade or Sterlingworth are worth their weight in the field.

Since you stated "entry level", I assume that means minimal cost. That leaves out the Model 21. I'd choose a Lefever Syracuse first, simply because they are so darn brilliant in design and simplicity. JMO

Lefever..........any of them!