doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Hammer gun advice...

Hi all,
I'm seriously thinking about acquiring a hammer shotgun both for targets and game birds.
I've never owned or used one and have no particular gun in mind for purchase. I understand that barrel integrity is of prime importance but seek some input from other more experienced hammer gun users here about how best to proceed.
Regards, Jim

That's a long, bumpy road you're looking at. That being said, welcome to the dark side.

Do you want to shoot readily available ammo, or be limited to short or low pressure stuff?

Do you want to be able to shoot steel, or willing to pay for the soft non-tox?

Gauge preference, or is 12 just fine?

Approximate budget?

Jim, continue doing exactly what you have begun: ask questions. And remember, the only "stupid" question is the one you don't ask. The answer to your question will prove to be elusive but patience and study will pay huge dividends. Share your questions here and you'll find the members here to be a motherlode of knowledge. And when you begin to focus in on something specific ask the board for comments.

You are correct in saying the integrity of the barrel is most important. Almost everything else can be fixed but a bad barrel cannot (usually). The great bulk of hammer guns have welded damascus barrels, which a lot of us love. But they have to be treated with respect and fed proper ammunition. Even most vintage steel barreled guns require the same caution. There are a few modern made hammer guns, such as what V. Bernadelli made that will digest any of today's off the shelf ammo. So, first thing you should decide is are you interested in older vintage guns or modern. Decide this and then begin your study and research.

Welcome.....and good luck!

Replacement,
As I don't reload it would be commercially available low pressure loads. RST or Polywad most ikely. No steel, nontoxic maybe.
12 is good 16 better....at entry level I would hope to find something in the 1500-3000 range.
Jim

Don't do it, BUT if you REALLY want to,
you can start cheaply and securely

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=386396887

or even cheaper in 16 gauge

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=386570885

and you can try these out for a while and see is the ardor and
passion is still evident

Mike

p.s. or go big bucks and have a wonderful TANK
http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=8471

or a 16 gauge
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=386610524

Welcome aboard! For what you intend the gun for and your price range, I'd suggest you try a modern hammergun. There are just to many in's and out's with a vintage hammergun for someone just starting out. A modern one will cost less in the way of ammo as you can shoot anything off the shelf. Also less worry about parts, bbls etc. Here's a few examples that might fit your needs:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=385725714

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=386610524

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=386490932

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=385210927

Anyway, good luck!!! Remember half the fun is looking!

Best!

Greg

I've been hunting with a hammer sxs of one kind or another for 52 yrs, mostly lower end Euro guns. Mine are all hunting guns and I hunt salt water estuaries out here on the coast, no sense wrecking a nice collectable quality gun. The pair I'm using now are Husqvarna 51's built in the 1940's with 2.5" chambers in 12ga, nothing fancy but rock solid and dependable plus there are a lot of parts available if needed. I hunted grouse and ducks with a Berretta Hammer O/U MZL for a number of years before steel became mandatory, thinking about taking it out again with some ITX. I even did predator control work in WI in the 1960's with a hammer drilling, a couple of years ago I picked up a back action drilling just like the one I used to use, hope to get it on some birds and predators next season.

With your budget you should be able to find a very nice Hammer SxS that you could feel very comfortable showing up at any bird camp or event.

If you see one that interests you, get pictures and ask about it here, these guys will help you find just the right one and keep you from getting burned.

i remember wanting A hammer gun, found a solid light 12 bore, good wood, good barrels. I took it woodcock hunting the day it arrived.

and that when it started


get something you like from a reputable dealer - shoot short shells and enjoy a piece of history.

I'll second the recommendation for a modern hammer gun as your first, and I will strongly recommend the Bernardellis, as shown above. Modern steel in the barrels, 2-3/4" chambers, and safe for moderate steel loads if the chokes are appropriate. I think the VB hammer guns are the best looking of the modern, mid-priced hammer guns, and probably still the best value in that segment of the market. I own two of them. Never owned a Husky, but lots of guys recommend them and the prices are right. The VBs come in several configurations and barrel lengths (approx 26"-30"), 12 and 20 gauge, PG or straight grip, coin or case color finish, little or lots of engraving. And you can shoot promo loads from WalMart or whatever else you find on sale.

Your budget will allow you to get into some pretty nice guns, maybe even an American classic like a Parker, but those will generally have Damascus or twist barrels, which means low pressure loads. You might even find a decent Brit hammer gun for $3K, but it will take some looking. Don't overlook the Belgian guns, but be careful what you buy.