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Forums10
Topics39,490
Posts562,003
Members14,584
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Most Online9,918
Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 997 Likes: 7
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 997 Likes: 7 |
I see an English 20ga on Thad Scott's site for around $2500.00. The lop is in the ballpark you're looking for!
CH
Cameron Hughes
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,768 Likes: 115 |
This is what I have my eye on: Lagopus..... 
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250 |
I would hold my ground and look for a good Sle 12b, they carry and shoot like a 20g.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350 |
Good advice, Lowell. My 12b Francotte handles like a 20.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,544 |
For a first gun I'd recommend a Birmingham boxlock of decent quality. Gamebore export good 2 1/2" shells into the USA - order 1000 and be done.
I just found one for someone - a Rowland Watson built by Westley Richards - mid-weight boxlock ejector, nicely made, fancy back, nice engraving: £1800. To my mind this is a good start that will last a lifetime. Plainer guns of Webley origin will come down in price to around £500 for a non-ejector.
I'd forget about 2" guns or 2-bores as they add to the expense. I don't see why anyone would put 20-bore sleeves into a12 unless they had to to shoot skeet. 12-bore ammo gives you more variety from 21 gram loads up to 32 gram in 2 1/2" chamber cases. 20 bore loads will cost more and patter worse.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 213 Likes: 3
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 213 Likes: 3 |
I'd second Binko's statement, look seriously at a Birmingham boxlock. I "went down the same road" a couple years ago, ended up with a Webley and Scott 2 1/2" 12 ga. built in 1909-10. Shooting 7/8 and 1 oz. loads the grouse don't know the difference and I got a nifty little gun, 6#, 3 oz. for a little over a grand. I handload, mostly for the love of it, but even in Colorado one can find 2 1/2" on the shelves of a couple stores in Denver--Reynolds and BassPro. If you have a Cabela's within driving distance, the ones I've been in carry 2 1/2" as well. Good luck!
Steve
"Every one must believe in something, I believe I'll go hunting today."
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 Likes: 1 |
The standard load for an English 20 gauge 2-1/2" cartridge is 3/4 of an oz. They typically weight about 5-1/4 pounds. They are really the functional equivilent of an American 28 gauge.
The standard English 16 gauge 2-1/2" load is 7/8 oz and typically the guns typically weigh 5-3/4 pounds and are the fuctional equivilent of an American 20 gauge. The English 16 gauge is also cheaper than the English 20 gauge, everything else being equal.
Best,
Mike
Last edited by AmarilloMike; 09/29/08 05:24 PM.
I am glad to be here.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 Likes: 1 |
Here is a Webley & Scott proofed with 3" chambers! http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/conten...erarchyId=11655Although at 5lbs 10 oz I wouldn't want to shoot a lot of 1-1/4oz loads through it! Mike
I am glad to be here.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,065 Likes: 1 |
I am glad to be here.
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