My first of these working mans doubles was a 16ga Stevens 530A which Larry Brown in Vol 8:4 DGJ called the most refined of the modern Stevens guns. and ...an attempt to add a bit of class to what was at that point Savages only economy offering. Its hard to see the class apart from basic checkering but the gun is still a solid shooter after 70+/- years.
My other double that clearly fits in this category is also my current favorite: a 1937 Ithaca Western Arms Long Range Gun in 16ga. My interest in these guns was stirred by Walt Snyders 1993 DGJ article. Not only has the gun lived up to its nickname, the Durable Double, it also has the distinction of probably saving Ithaca during the Depression. Whether its release simultaneous with the start of the Depression in 1929 was a demonstration of management brilliance or stroke of luck we cant know for sure but the gun, which shares a number of parts with the Nitro Special and barrels with the NID, took off in sales while the NS and NID declined. It eventually sold over 65,000.
Walt says, Every double gun collector who wants to include some reality in their double gun collection should have a Long Range Double... We perhaps could modify that slightly to say should have a working mans double. All of these remind us of reality.
Ive watched for a Long Range for a long time but most of them have been used completely up. There are a few good ones out there and Walt said, If you find one and it doesnt instantly bond to you, please call me. Ill be right over!
I did finally find a good one and it did speak to me. Im glad I listened.
There was no need to call Walt and theres no need to call me. Its not for sale.
Last edited by FallCreekFan; 12/18/19 09:36 AM.
