doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Baker 12/20 action, Grant, opinion needed.

I am looking at a very nice Grant 12/20 self opener. My friend I shoot with tells me to stay away that they had problems with that action. Now it weighs in at 6lb.2oz and that is light for a 12 bore.
But it looks so damn good. Opinions needed.
Thanks

They are certainly beautiful guns. There was a nice pair sold in the last Holt's auction, 8100 GBP if I remember correctly.

Contributors in the UK should know about any issues with the Baker action. Take the gun to your gunsmith for the usual inspection- on face, bbl measurements, etc.

Also, Diggory Hadoke has nice section about these guns in his book: "Vintage Guns", page 52.

And if you get the gun, please post photos!

Very fine guns. A friend I shoot with has one and it's not had any problems. However, like many 'different' or unusual actions, these guns need to be well maintained by a smith who can work to the fine tolerances required to ensure the problem free operation one can expect.

The Baker action was used in quantity because it was good. Problems tend to be caused by poor smithing.

Tim

I use Baker 12/20 action guns started by Charles Lancaster in 1928 and completed by Stephen Grant in 1933. The guns are a delight to use with 1oz (28g) loads of N0.6. I shoot partridge and pheasant throughout the season here in the UK. The guns are serviced every 2-3 years by an experienced gunsmith and have proved very reliable for may seasons of hard work.
Bob

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Good Lord man! That is a beautiful pair of Lancaster 12/20's!!

I've only handled one. Spectacular doesn't begin to describe it. I am not aware of any problems with the action.

Sir Gerald Burrard wrote very highly of the Lancaster 12/20.
As I recall though he described it not as a true self-opener but an Easy-Opener. It also closed easier than a true self-opener.
I've never even seen one myself, but would love to have one.

Lovely! Made my day!

Thanks for the kind comments re my 12/20's.
Here is what I have been told and managed to discover for my self. After the first world war ended came the great depression which was a very hard time for gun makers. In an effort to keep the workforce fully employed many gun makers started manufacturing guns before an order had been received from a customer. The guns were taken to various stages of completion ready for their final finishing to suit the customers measurements and requirements. The guns I have are the last pair of 12/20's made but never completed by Charles Lancaster. Lancaster's business was bought out by Stephen Grant and the unfinished pair was included in the inventory. Grant finally completed the guns and sold them in 1933. The guns have certain characterisms belonging to both makers like Lancaster's house type engraving but with Grant's fluted fences. The guns have serial numbers belonging to Stephen Grant's register and are cased in a Grant double case. However the guns bear the name of Charles Lancaster.