doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com W & C Scott boxlock Info please

Need some help here fellows,

I'm looking at a W & C Scott 12 bore boxlock ejector.

It has bushed strikers, Purdey double bite and what I believe is a "screw grip" third fastener. It has 30 inch fluid steel barrels, pow/splinter stock configuration. It feels really sweet when I bring it to my shoulder.

The action has no engraving on it, not even border and the case colors are gone.

It is nitro proofed and I see what looks like 1 1/8 on the water table. I see no chamber length marking nor any ton marking. I'm assuming that the 1 1/8 means that it was proofed for one and an eighth ounce shot charge? I was told it has 2 3/4 inch chambers. Not sure I believe that.

The serial number is 83835 which according to the list in the Galazans catalog means it was made around 1908.

I know about the popular 700 series Scotts. They made a 400 and 500 series that I know nothing about.

Might I be looking at one of those models?

Asking price is $1000.00

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

bryan

If there's no chamber length marked, then it's a pre-1925 gun--which agrees with the SN you posted--and I'd be very skeptical that it had factory 2 3/4" chambers. If they've been lengthened, the gun would be out of proof under British rules, although it might very well be safe to shoot (but NOT with American factory 2 3/4" ammo) depending on overall condition, with particular attention to barrel wall thickness.

I believe the 400/500 guns came along after WWI--someone with the Scott book may be able to confirm that.

$1,000 would be a good price for a Scott nonejector gun in decent condition. But if for nothing else but the chamber length issue, I'd want to have a knowledgeable gunsmith take a look at it.

bryan - the Screw-grip boxlock came in, I believe, ten levels of original quality grade. These are not the same as the W&S Series guns, far as I know. They all left the factory as very servicable guns. Current condition level will be far more important than original quality level , in this case.

The Brand Value of Scott is BV3. The description of the action as devoid of engraving places this gun at the bottom end of boxlock quality. Note that it is very rare for the extent and quality of engraving coverage and quality of the wood not to go hand-in-hand with the actioning and barrel quality. Lets say it is an OQ7.5 - OQ7 is expected to have border engraving and OQ8 is a plain BLNE. The current condition level, considering there is no case color, can't be higher than CC4 (heavy use but no abuse). If you suspect it will need some repairs soon, then you will need to reduce the CC a notch or two.

BV3-OQ7-CC4 = $1233 and BV3-OQ8-CC4 = $771. Asking price seems about right if we have gotten OQ and CC near correct. If it is a BV3-OQ7.5-CC5 (minor repairs needed or restoration accomplished) = $750.

The fact of 2 1/2" or 2 3/4" chamber is a very low priority question as you will need to shoot low pressure loads no matter the chamber length. Let me say that again - in no way does the presence of 2 3/4" chambers, neither factory nor reamed, make this gun suitable for typical American factory (SAAMI standard) loads. It will require CIP standard loads, factory loads of known low pressure, or handloads to known low pressure formulae (which may very well be assembled in 2 3/4" cases - you must use low pressure loads, though). Also, you will likely find the gun more enjoyable with shot loads in the 7/8 oz range and held to 1100 fps, especially if you will shoot clay target volumes of shells. Low recoil is kind to you and the wood. Low pressure is kind to the action metal.

This sounds like a candidate for an economical entre into SXS shooting - IF, BIG IF, the gun is truly sound and you are willing to feed it the required diet. pictures would be very helpful.

"$1000 would be a good price for a Scott nonejector gun in decent condition." Does that mean this is a smokin deal since this example has ejectors?
Jim

Thanks for the input.

The gun is in very good overall condition.

I know it is important to shoot the appropriate pressure shells.

It is a consignment gun. I'll have to find a way to get the barrels examined so I can make an informed decision.

My gunsmith is over on the eastern shore, 70 miles away.

If it does have 2 3/4 chambers, I have to believe that they were lengthened.

With all the other doubles out there, this may be more trouble than it's worth.

Bryan

Woops--good catch, Italian! Yes, if the gun doesn't have problems, I'd say a Scott ejector gun for $1,000 is indeed pretty much a "smokin deal".

Bryan...could the gun be sent to your Gunsmith first....for a chamer /in proof check up?..You might lose your 3 day s thisway, but if you trust the smith & like the gun....
Also you could perhaps negotiate a 7 day look over, that way you'll have a chance to look it over yourself again.
Some sellers are flexible a bit.
OH I just read that your smith is only 70 miles away...
Have the Gun sent to him for inspecction,,then go pick it up if it passes...if it doesn't, have him ship it back, & mail him a Cheque......
shoot thats not far to get a gun you like checked out...I'driven 100's
good luck