doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion German & Austrian Sporting Guns @ doublegunshop.com Recommendations on Austrian shotgun

I know very little about Austrian guns but may be traveling there fairly regularly over the next year or two doing collaborative research at the University of Vienna. Would be interested in perhaps having a 20 gauge made over there. I know there are lots of small custom gunmakers around Ferlach but wondered if anyone had any experience or recommendations on who to contact. Not looking to spend $50k or more but 10-20 isn't out of the question. Would be looking for a nice 20 gauge sidelock.

The present Ferlach gunmakers, enjoying an almost legendary status in some circles, are much overpriced IMO. As an example, a few years ago I asked Hambrusch how much would he charge me a field grade combination gun and he replied 24,000 euros
I went another way and bought a similar if slightly used gun for 1/10th of the price
So if in Your shoes I would frequent Viennese houses such as Dorotheum and Springer's and try to find a suitable pre-owned gun there. The saving would be more than enough for any modification needed, including re-newing and even re-stocking.
As I'm not that far from Vienna you are invited to see my Ferlachers (& etc.).
With kind regards,
Jani

Don't neglect the second hand market. Joseph Springer runs a high quality auction house in vienna.

If it doesn't have to be Austrian and you are willing to travel a little farther north, Ziegenhahn would be a potential option.

And if you are willing to consider a gunmaker a bit farther south, Gunsmithing Spendal is an interesting option. Master gunsmith Ale� �pendal worked in Ferlach for a number of years and is now active in Ljubljana. He will make anything available in Ferlach albeit at about 40% less.

With kind regards,
Jani

Interesting Jani - I was in Ljubljana and Maribor a few months back - wish I would've known that then.

Now you have at least two reasons to come back soon
BTW I live on the way from Ljubljana to Maribor.

With kind regards,
Jani

Jani, I went sailing off the coast of Croatia about 10 years ago. Drove down from Ulm, in Germany. Was absolutely stunned by how beautiful the part of Slovenia I drove through was. Lovely country! Wish I had been into guns then the same way I am now.