I am humbled by the wealth of knowledge here, so I come to you all with a new situation for me- I don't know what gun I would like to buy! Funny isn't it? Let me explain. I know a fair bit and have owned a number of sxs's in the $200-$1200 range, my best to date is the J.P. Clabourgh SLE I have in the safe now. But my wife shocked me today by suggesting that if I sold the Clabourgh, an M1A, and use another $1000 she will let me spend, I would have about $4000 to spend on a double of my dreams. Talk about floored! Only thing is, I don't know much of anything regarding doubles worth that much. I have drooled over the pages of magazines and such, but never thought I would be able to own for for decades to come. So I come asking advice- with the below info, what brands would you suggest I research?
$4000 budget (might sell another gun if the double was absolutly perfect, but would prefer to spend no more then 4000)
12 gauge
Prince of Wales grip
Shoot modern ammo preferably, at a minimum 2.75" chambers for light reloads
And preferably a hammer
Nice wood would be a bonus too
I love the looks of the AyA #2, but it looks like they are only English grips. And its not a hammer, which would be my absolute ideal. I recently read about Beretta's 400 series hammer guns from the early 50's but can not findany for sale anywhere so I don't know availability/ price.
What about a sleeved English double? Can they shoot modern loads? I have read a lot about English doubles, and realize that name is often not a total indicator as to quality, and that my pet light loads will shoot out of damascus 2.75" chambers (I've fired close to 1000 out of old doubles). So a 2.75" chambered old English gun would certainly be a consideration for me, sleeved or not.
Am I asking for the impossible? Like I said, I'm a novice to this price point of doubles, so thank you very much for any and all advice! And if I'm crazy, just say so lol
