doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com English Doubles.. Lang vs. Osborne vs. Jeffery

Hello, I am shopping for my first English made double. I have found several guns made by:

Joseph Lang & Son

Chas. Osborne

&

W.J. Jeffery's

Can anyone tell me how these makers compare? Was one more prestigious than the others?

I have found a very plain Lang 16 gauge that I am considering purchasing..

Thanks!

Forget what name is on it - the quality is there to see if you look for it. Buy the best quality gun.

All three of these makers made everything from cheap to lovely although you will see better Langs more often that the other two.
As Dig says, if they are all modest guns, buy the gun not the name.

Another idea:though late in the game,if you read some books on the subject you might develope opinions of your own and not rely on the opinions of strangers

I am looking at all modest box locks, I was just hoping to get an idea of whether one name might have built better guns in general.

I am thinking from the research that I have done so far that a BLNE lang might be the ticket for my grouse gun. I cannot find much information on Osbornes..

The boxlocks from those makers would be good guns if in proper condition. Possible the Jeffery and Lang started life in one of the Birmingham shops like Webley and Scott. I am not sure if Osborn brought in his boxlocks, too.

Better hurry, Grouse season is already open!

Buying a British gun based on name is like choosing a lady based on the dress she is wearing. The quality and value is what is under the dress or name in this case. The thing that makes it more so was the tendency for name makers to bring in lower grade guns from the trade and finish them or just have their name put on them.

Buying a British gun is real simple when you think about. Does it fit you? Is it in good condition? Does it appeal to you? Will it do what you want? If not pass. The name of the top rib or the action side never made a gun shoot better anyways. Never buy a gun looking for resale value alone. Buy to use and be happy.

Haha grouse hasnt started near me yet!

So any opinions on a simple Joseph Lang box lock?

GG: There aren't any, or hardly any Grouse in OH anymore.....but MI isn't too far and there are some there. Just got back from our yearly 'opener' hunt in lower MI. Grouse are down a bit as compared to last yr and very wild, but enough to keep a guy interested. In terms of the Lang, I just so happen to own one....a 16b BLE made in the 1960's by AG and L. It is very nice, weighs about 6 lbs with 28" barrels. Not quite as nice as a Holland Royal, but nice. I'm sure you will be happy with a J Lang. I like mine.