doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Need help selecting first old SxS

If you buy thru the internet, find a seller that will take it back, no questions asked. You'll only be out shipping if it isn't what you want.

I think Stallones and Walt Snyder's suggestions are solid. You might also look at Lefever Nitro Specials, Hunter Arms (LC Smith) Hunter Specials, and some others.

I like to hold a shotgun in my hand, although I've bought a few cheap guns without actually laying hands-on.

Without a strong return policy and some very good pictures, I don't think I'd go 1K on an unseen shotgun. I've been that high and a bit more on a rifle, but I knew the dealer and had dealt with him before.

Joe is correct about sticker shock at Barnett's but you can look. Looking is good. How about a Syracuse Lefever? Lot of G grades out there and yes you can pick up a pretty nice shooter G for under 1k. Not so many are steel-barreled tho and those are about the same age as your more usual damascus so it'd be a tossup on barrel strength and special low-pressure diet. Tunes whispered a bit of a hint there if you're not stuck on American scrap iron. Also don't buy too many with the stock cranked down like a hockey stick unless you like standing your jaw on the comb where a lot of folks think your cheekbone should go. I can see a lot of advantages to a mid-30s NID. Sterlingworth not so much but they're still plentiful and hell for stout and they'll come and go again without causing you too much fiscal pain.

jack

There are some very good deals out there right now in older Spanish doubles, but you'll need help to pick the right one in that price range. It's easy to make a mistake on those, but the good ones are quite nice.

I don't have anything against American guns but I'd look for a Berreta SXS maybe not quite in the older time frame but certainly an older maker

It appears to me that presently the best values in that price range are from the Continent, although buying from a reputable seller with inspection privileges is imperative, it's easy to get stuck with a junk gun otherwise.

A word about Steve Barnett: I had a doublegun from him in my hands for inspection and the return spring snapped. He offered without hestitation to take it back for a full refund or pay for the repair, at my option. This kind of courtesy to the customer is becoming a rare thing.

The most quality for the least money are the German guns I think. You can get a pretty nice German 12 gauge boxlock for that.

Best,

Mike

Jerry,
Sterlingworth 16 Gauges sell for under a $1000.00 time to time on Gunbroker, but you take your chances. I've seen the same for Elsies as well and once in a blue moon a 20 Ga sells for around a $1000.00. These are guns without a reserve.

BUCK2
Another option you may want to consider is a an actual Czechoslovakian made CZ BRNO. I think they were made from the 60's through the 80's and they are very nice for the price... around $400-$600 for a 12GA. I bought a pair from a board member last year and they are very well made and balanced guns.

LC Smith without a doubt.

I'd go with a Fox....all a thousand bucks is going to get you is an over priced clapped out L.C. Smith.