doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ugartecheas from Lion Country: how good are they?

Jerry! You're killing me!

I've never heard the term "gun whore" before; but I suppose the term applies in spades to me.

I also have very few regrets about the guns I've sold or traded over the years. But I, like you, have my pet: my father's old 12-gauge Ithaca 37, with which--truth be told--I've killed more birds than all of the other shotguns I've even owned combined! If I wasn't a gun whore, I would be satisfied with the ol' 37 and call off my off my search.

I've had several Ugartecheas and have been happy with them all. I do have a 28 ga. Grade II for sale right now but not because there is anything wrong with it. I just have more 28 gauges than I need. However, with $3000 as your budget, there are lots of other good choices available in used 12 gauges. Some dandy Lefevers and even some Parkers. Take your time and look for a real treasure. Any new SxS at $3000 will likely not be as fine as a better built, older classic. They will never again build guns like they used to.
Good luck with your quest.

I own and like my older classic Lefevers, Foxes, and Elsies......but if I were buying a SINGLE SxS to hunt with, I'd opt for a newy manufactured shotgun, such as the Uggie. The older classics are much more likely to have parts wear out, or break, since they are a century old (+ or -).

If you choose an old classic, always take a back-up shotgun with you on your hunting trips.

I love the "Oldies" but they are more likely to break now and then.

JERRY

A lot of truth in what Jerry wrote. Not everyone is interested in keeping a really good English trained gunsmith in shrimp, steak and beer for the next 6 months putting an old good gun back to right. Maintenance on an old double is a different word, with a different meaning, versus how the same word is used on something like an 870 pump.
If you are just going to have one, go newer, with modern ammunition capability.

Best,
Ted

I have had two of the Grade 1 Ugartecheas from Lion Country. I believe they are a good gun for the money. Within the last 5 years I have had three guns made to fit me from Arrieta. I have since sold the Uggies.

I have had no experience with the higher grade Ugartecheas. I met Bruce Buck(semi infamous shotgun writer) once many years ago. He said of Spanish guns "if they cost the same, they are the same" this has held true for me.

I have seen the Webley and Scotts. They look nice.

Or go find yourself a good old American built SxS, you won't need anything else....you may WANT something else but you won't NEED anything else!!!

"I have had no experience with the higher grade Ugartecheas. I met Bruce Buck(semi infamous shotgun writer) once many years ago. He said of Spanish guns "if they cost the same, they are the same" this has held true for me."

I would very much agree with Bruce's statement, above. Certainly with guns made in the same country. Good advice!

i have three high grade Uggies.A grade IV 16 lion country,119 28 ga. and 1030 20 ga from Aspen.They are all very nice sidelocks. Bobby