doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com question about swivels affecting value

I have located a gun that I would like to own. It is a grade and gauge that I want, and I haven't had much luck in finding one. The gun has a few issues and due to that, I am really thinking hard on if I want to buy this one.

The main hang up for me is that the gun has had sling swivels attached to it. I was curious what the thoughts were on how those detracted from the value of the gun. This is a good old American made gun and those swivels just really stick out in a negative way in my mind. Was curious what others thought about it.

I think it is real interesting how this topic really fires some people up.It seems most abhor them; I would think those that appreciate the continental gun would be more tolerant, or even expect them. Me, I find them quite functional, particularly on a heavyweight 32 inch full/full duck SxS when you are humping dekes out to the blind. I have to admit, though, I have a few nice ones that I think swivels would ruin the lines. Fun topic.
Rick

To many of us, sling swivels in good condition are essential to any double used for hunting. Their absence is a big negative, big enough I would pass on that gun. I only shoot Swedish and German doubles, guns that always have them, unles some American or Brit took them off.

Niklas

Pretty much what Rick said. Highly functional if you are going cross country without needing to get off an instant shot. Other than that, they clutter the lines of a gun. Most people would prefer not to see them and, yes, that will impact the resale.

Most of us like to shoot nice guns. I do. Given that, I view swivels much as I would epaulets on a dress shirt.

I prefer slings on a gun. Does not matter the origins

Pete

The gun in question is a pretty odd gun, with only around 150 or so made, so my opinion is that it really hurts the guns value as any deviation from original hurts in resale. I was curious if others thought the same. Thanks for the replies...I am pretty sure I will be passing on the gun. It has a few other bigger issues that I can't get past.

I have never cared for them but I find most of the field guns I purchase have them. I have found they mar the stock and the barrels so I remove them and place them in storage. The stock hole is filled with a brass engraving oval and the barrel has shot peened into the holes. The shot can be removed for later return of the sling swivel and the butt can be redrilled and swivel installed if the next owner wants it. It works for me , but I must admit I have never given the value a great deal of thought. I wouldn't make a very good collector.
Best,
Ron

Please tell us what this rare gun is.
Best,
John

I have to think it would negatively affect the collector value so if that is your only reason for owning the gun, collector value, then you should pass. From your post it's obvious it will bother you every time you take it out to fondle.

I like swivels on some hunting guns. Not on my grouse gun because I really have no hopes of ever limiting out and will be ready for a shot all the way back to car or camp. Duck guns and the ones I use for pheasants, fine with me. I wish the continental straps were easier to take off though.

I'm with John Mann; I want to know what this great collector gun is. I have collector guns with swivels and I realize that it detracts from the value of some. However, I wouldn't pass on a gun that was priced to adjust for the swivels.