doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Hypothetical senario and the gun?

For perspective on the current offerings in new SXS guns: if one was to take up residence in, say, the Alaskian wilds and for creature comfort wanted a sxs as their only shotgun what current offering would fill the bill? Taking into consideration notox regulations and required durability of the gun? Thanks for the interest!

I have hunted Southeast Alaska for years and all my hunting there has been done with a Model 21, as far as sxs goes. I know you can't go wrong with one. Sorry forgot to add this. There are others just as capable. I would think it would be which tickles you the most.

Awfully nice of you to limit this to sxs shotguns...

A Husquvarna top lever hammer gun with fluid steel barrels, or a non ejector, double trigger Fox Sterlingworth or Parker. If cost is not a factor, a double trigger, non ejector Model 21. I don't think there is anything "toxic" about any of those shotguns. The cost of the Model 21 would be the only limiting factor.

Agree on the Sterlingworth here. I've had one for 40 years and it's never needed anything other than routine cleaning and oiling. It comes as close to unbreakable as I know. I sure there are other very reliable guns but I have confidense in this one. Missed the "currently manufactured" till now. Why would you limit yourself in this way?
Jim

Yes the working hypothesis applies to SXSs only (the creature comfort element) and to currently manufactured guns ( the state of new sxs offerings element). I am assuming Bismuth is not going to be the choice of the back in Alaskian bush dweller? There are many pumps, semis and u/os that would fill the bill.

This is absolute heresy and doesn't make sense for Alaska---or most places---but depending on your age, whether you're gunning for the pot or the outdoor pleasure, it would be a 3-inch 20 o/u. I don't know if SKB is available now. It's light for a day's roaming and I use it mainly for grouse and ducks over decoys but when the geese intrude I shove in three-inchers and the results are satisfactory. Over hill and dale and through the swales with a 12 is no picnic.

Hmmm, only one gun (has to do it all), ultimately reliable, currently manufactured...how about a Merkel 12 ga. boxlock? I've never owned one, but I would think it would strike a good balance between fine quality, affordability, and certainly durability. I have a friend in rural Wyoming who came up with that answer for the very similar requirements he had.

A Browning BSS and an 870 to carry around the streams. A Tikka O/U with shotgun and rifle sets of barrels would be nice if you live in the bush.Around Haines gun shots were like dinner bells and would guess its like that other areas also. Yes a 458 is big for Sitka Blacktail not not for what wants your gut pile ASAP.

Is there such a beast as a modern day, durable sxs beater? If so, that is what I'd want! Don't need to worry about it so much when you're out in a skiff running rivers or the coast line, or running around on the snow-go chasing ptarmigan, or tossing it into a plane for some coastal or river beach landing while fishing or hunting waterfowl. Remember the caveat is the "wilds" of AK, and anyone who lives in the wilds of AK is going to spend some time away from the comforts of home using said sxs.

Salt water and the rainy season is kind of rough on non stainless guns and require some attention rather frequently, Unless you like to spend a bunch of time cleaning a trophy double after a day afield, in possibly less than ideal conditions (tent, lean-to, tarp, minimal light, etc) than a nice double is fine! My two cents!