Recommend me a 12G SxS external hammer shottie

[Zman]

I want to relive a bit of nostalgia when as a youngster I was shooting my grandads external hammer shottie. The things had 30s barrels and packed a punch when going out for ducks. The old bloke sold it before I had a chance to get own it.
So I'd like to purchase and oldie to perhaps restore and take it on as a project. Must be a good platform with a well known good action, barrels and good stock. I may need to source parts so would be nice to still get them.

I've seen Russian Baikals, Hollis, Liege United Arms etc. Just dont know what to look out for with these particular brands.

appreciate any help for people that have owned them , still own them and especially ones that have been restored. I have about 1k to spend.

I could get a new Huglu coach but much prefer an oldie.

[bigpete]

I've got a Hollis i use blackpowder shells through a bit.
Cz used to make one that ticks all the boxes for me,hammers,removable chokes,3" chambers,28" barrels,steel shot proof. But you can't seem to get them here. I'd get a Huglu,but you can only seem to get coach guns. I did have a baikal coach gun with hammers,it was bloody accurate with slugs,actually realistically better than my baikal 45-70 double rifle.

[No1Mk3]

If you want an oldie there are plenty around and fairly cheap prices ($50 to $300) but many will be 2 1/2" chambers and almost all made prior to 1920 will need low/std pressure (8500 psi) ammo. I have a number of early hammer guns and love them dearly, I also have a nice Lucchini, mid 60's gun, in 2 3/4" that is a very nice gun to shoot as well as a Bernadelli I paid $150 for + $30 to have it shortened to Coach Gun. With the older guns look for ones with tight actions, there are still plenty of them so don't put up with some sloppy crud, check the barrels for bulges and ring them to ensure the ribs are still good. Cheers.

[Zman]

but many will be 2 1/2" chambers and almost all made prior to 1920 will need low/std pressure (8500 psi) ammo. I have a number of early hammer guns and love them dearly,
With the older guns look for ones with tight actions, there are still plenty of them so don't put up with some sloppy crud, check the barrels for bulges and ring them to ensure the ribs are still good. Cheers.

Does that mean I'll have to load my own shells?

Action we mean its snaps shut tightly against the breach face with no slop? up \down , left \ right?

[Blr243]

Good on you for embracing history and tradition and choosing to hunt with old classic firearms

[Zman]

Good on you for embracing history and tradition and choosing to hunt with old classic firearms

thanks.

Now to find one that people aren't asking stupid money for it. Just cause it's old, doesn't mean it automatically needs to goto Sotheby's. Probably sold by antique dealers that sell old furniture holding a collectors license.

[bigpete]

There should be heaps for quite cheap

[cadet]

I'm biased, but I believe the British makers perfected the sxs hammer sporting gun by the end of the 19th century - everyone, everywhere else has been trying - poorly - most of them poorly to imitate the archetype. It's currently a buyers market for those arms; sellers are struggling to move them; a sound example by a reputable maker can be had sub $500. You just need to understand how to assess working condition and work within their limits. Have a look at what's on offer in the next Melbourne auction; catalogue and bidding are open now.

[Zman]

It's currently a buyers market for those arms; sellers are struggling to move them; a sound example by a reputable maker can be had sub $500. You just need to understand how to assess working condition and work within their limits. Have a look at what's on offer in the next Melbourne auction; catalogue and bidding are open now.

How does that auction work? I've spotted a few but the starting bid is a bit high. I think they're asking for a little too much. Can you make an offer which is obviously lower than the Starting bid? Or is that reserved post auction?

[cadet]

It's currently a buyers market for those arms; sellers are struggling to move them; a sound example by a reputable maker can be had sub $500. You just need to understand how to assess working condition and work within their limits. Have a look at what's on offer in the next Melbourne auction; catalogue and bidding are open now.

How does that auction work? I've spotted a few but the starting bid is a bit high. I think they're asking for a little too much. Can you make an offer which is obviously lower than the Starting bid? Or is that reserved post auction?

The starting price is the starting price; take or leave. If you think the starting bid and reserve are too high, you could wait and see what's passed in after the auction (and things do get passed in), then make an offer. I wouldn't bid on much without having inspected in hand though, if you can manage.

[6878mm]

you have PM

[Vermont]

I have a couple of the Rossi guns (12 & 20 ga) and like them
The wife really likes her 20ga
I also have a CZ and like it, but it is not my go to gun due to the hammer springs being heavy and hard to cock
Bot that can be fixed, I just have not done that yet