doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Need help selecting first old SxS

Mark,

Certainly no offense taken. Just relating my experience with 311's (actually, the ones I own are all pre-1949 and stamped 5100), and I'm sure you are too. I'm just surprised the ones you've seen have let you down, as mine never have.

Fin

I've got a JC Higgins stamped 5100. It's as well finished as any shotgun you'll see for less than $1k. It's better finished than a comparable 311, the blueing and polish is far better, the metal to wood fit is excellent, and it has a steel Neidner-style buttplate. I don't know if they all are like that or this one happened to be someone's job they took particular pride in, but it's a great 16 ga. gun with a decent piece of walnut. Just no checkering.

It changed my opinion of JC Higgens guns. It's in almost as new condition and I paid $225 for it.

The Nitro Special will be lighter per gauge and have better balance and handling then the 311 but you can never go wrong with buying a Stevens. Both are good tough guns.

would agree with Daryl about German & Belgian .
I have seen a few
lovely looking ones of the unnamed Guild type around that price on web.
Might be better to save up another 500 or 1000, that would open it up a bit more.
A nice plain but stout Birmingham boxlock non ejector,like say a Greener or Midland?
At this price I'd be looking for a good solid Gun of lower grade (in the decoration/wood department),but in good shooting condition
I've had good luck buying long distance.Had to sent one or two back,but hey!
I found it very worth while to find a very good gunsmith as close as possible & after getting good pics other pertinent info
& you really want the gun, have it send it straight to your Smith.
You'll have to make sure he's willing to check it right away, then on his opinion buy or send it back.
I've asked dealers ahead of time for a few extra days on the inspection period & have not been refused.
The internet sure opens up the possibles though.
I'm going to pretend I have about a grand to spend on a gun,,see what I can find.
good luck
Franc

i have made many mistakes and lost a few dollars,really a good many buying this and that.But in my opinion buy a lower grade Smith,Parker ,DS Lefever,AH Fox in good condition and you will not be sorry.The problem will be will the gun come close to fitting you.Most have a good bit of drop. Bobby

This guys has loads of stuff like this $700 Merkel.
Helluva list.
I hope its the flash that makes the stock look orange Blackbern
I wonder if its mail only, or can you root around?
Franc

That didn't work, but check out the higher priced ($700 or a bit more)Merkels,Suaers etc here
http://www.757arms.com
Steve Cobb has a kinda pretty LePage for 1200 & a Sauer for1400
Franc

In defense of the Stevens 311's. I agree that the earlier ones marked 5100 might be the better choice. That is what mine is, which was my fist shotgun. And it has not failed me yet. I never hesitate to take it out and put 50-100 rounds through it at the skeet field.
For what a good 311 with cost, you can't go wrong.
And it they do break, there are a lot of parts available.
Now the 311 is not to be confused with the 315. The 315's are much more prone to problems due to their internal design.

http://www.vintagedoubles.com/inventory.php?sort=4&process=fullview&gunID=1575

My 77 year old Mother-in-law could haggle that gun down to $900.


Best,

Mike

I like this one too:

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_info.p...1b36ebd65b3eef8

Best,

Mike