Gents,
In regards to some of the more Euro-phile comments made here, I will ask you to consider the following:
1. Consider that on the lower end of quality (trade guns, etc.) European guns were simply not competitive below a certain price point, due both to the cost of getting the guns here, and due to the tariffs (rightly or wrongly). And THAT is why you see few lower end English guns at shows amidst a sea of Crescent Arms quality clunkers. A simple matter of home-field advantage. NOT that the average quality of those numerous Birmingham guns was necessarily any better than the average of those made here.
2. On the higher end, the very best of what America produced in the golden age of shotguns (roughly 1875-1925) was every bit as good as the best England or Germany made. No, they didn't make as many. But I believe the best of what they did make stands a peer to their Euro bretheren.
Is it true that the American aesthetic was and remains more grounded in utilitarian purposes. Our historical experiences have nudged us this way. And it's also true that the class system of Europe has tended to nudge those countries the other way. But that does not mean that the highest and best of what we could -- and can -- produce, isn't as good. And anyone who thinks so has never bought an English or French car.
The English ones usually look great while you're on the side of the road awaiting a tow. The French ones will get you laughed at while waiting for a tow. Either way, you waited for a tow from a guy with an old American pickup.
3. English 'best' guns were -- and are -- built for a man whose hands have quite literally never seen dirt. Most of their shooting in the golden age was purely for sport. Hence the emphasis on how light and dainty they were/are. This is probably less so with the Germans and their superb guild guns, as even the aristocracy had a rich hunting-for-the-table lifestyle heritage.
We have our differences, and our pros and cons in terms of what matters to our consuming public, but that doesn't mean that Dan Lefever wasn't every bit the equal to James Purdey. And if you doubt me, you haven't seen the very best of what he created. I can think of a number of special order guns of his make that will quite literally bring a tear to your eye.
Lastly, please humor me. What is "shooting loose?" And I guess related, what is a "hinge pin?" Didn't it occur to any of these makers to put in some wear compensating features in their design?
Oh...
- Nudge
