by hunter1941 » 14 Aug 2018, 2:03 pm
Good afternoon,
I did do a post about 10 days ago in reply, somehow the Gremlins got it and it disappeared.
so I am redoing it and in more detail, First off consider buying second hand, to guide you you could refer yourself to a local club, eg. SSAA,
not knowing what city or area you are in , eg. in Brisbane Branch SSAA close to 20,000 member and there are alot of old experienced shotgunners.
who can advice. ( I am a foundation member since 1960 ....... 58 years member ) and having owned at one stage about 40 plus English S x S shotguns,
and European ones like FN, Beretta, Franchi, Simpson Suhl. and having used side x side shotguns for some 70 years, I can at least offer some comment.
Beware of buying second hand from a private person or from a shop without inspecting prior to purchase by someone who knows something about it.
There have been sales even from licenced gunshops where the item has been bodgied up , or its a cheap South American or European copy being
sold as the genuine article.
The ones with ejectors cost a bit more.
Lets cover the British ones first. within the budget or under of $2000.
Make sure that they are 2.75 inch chambers. not 2.5 inch.
Good Webley and Scott model 700 series can be bought with ejectors box lock $1500 to $2000, I owned a few of these.
Greener Shotguns Empire Model E17 with extractors and 2.75 inch chambers around the $1000 mark.
better grades slightly more.
I owned a E17 made circa 1925, Rare 3 inch magnum , being the third owner, I had it for 30 years, two game farmers owned it prior in the UK,
estimated to have fired a million rounds through it , still tight and good for its age when I sold it last year.
Cogswell box locks or with side plates, around the $1500 mark good value. owned a few of these.
William Rodgers ( Webley Actions ) are good value with ejectors. owned a few of these.
Joseph Lang box locks are also good.
Owned a couple of USA L C Smith good sturdy utility $500 to $1000
BSA English Box locks nothing out of the ordinary but strong and well built $300- $500
Hollowway also Hollowway and Naughton good value around the $1000.
European ones
FN good value around the $500 owned a couple
Franchi $500 to $700 OK owned one.
Darne ( French.) unusual loading system, strong $800 to $2000 depending on Model. had of couple of these.
Beretta OK $1000 had one.
German Simpson - Suhl. well made and strong, $600 to $800. owned a couple.
Qld Gun exchange had a sale on at greatly reduced priced one went for $200 and one for $300, great prices, give away prices.
Final choice is yours as to what you want to buy, the are all well made, some you are paying for the name, but all good buying at used prices.
Kind regards,
Hunter 1941