L.C. Smith No. 2 Grade, pic courtesy The L.C. Smith Collector’s Association

Every gun nut has THE shotgun they’re trying to find. For a friend of mine, it’s 2o gauge Lindner-made Charles Daly with damascus barrels. Another guy I know is searching everywhere for an all original, color-case hardened Belgian-made 20g sidelock with 28″+ tubes.

My holy-grail used to be a 16 gauge L.C. Smith No.2 with a straight grip and double triggers. I spent years trying to track one down. When you look at the gunmaker’s production numbers, it’s easy to see why.

L.C. Smith No. 2 Double Barrel Side-by-Side 16 gauge shotgun

According to the L.C. Smith Collector’s Association, the folks in Fulton made just seven-hundred and ninety-three 16-gauge No. 2s. I bet at least 90% of these had pistol grips, and that’s why one with this configuration are easy hard to find (I’ve owned at least 3).

But swap in a straight grip, ask for double triggers, and now you’ve got a tough gun to track down. L.C. Smith probably set up fewer than thirty 16g No. 2s like this, and I’ve spent a decade looking for one.

L.C. Smith No. 2 Double Barrel Side-by-Side 16 gauge shotgun

In the past few month — bang! — two of them have popped up on the market. When I found the first one, I shocked by the condition – 90%+ all original – and stunned by the price – $8,0000. This one has less of that condition, but the price  is still steep. Of course, it may be the last one you every see:

16 gauge L.C. Smith 2E with an original straight grip and double triggers: Nice, original condition LC Smith 16 GA, grade 2E.  28″ barrels choked .021 modified right and .032 left.  Both bores are .661.  Barrels retain 75-80% original blue.  Engraving is sharp and clear, original case color remains at 50% or so.  Straight hand stock with splinter fore-end.  Checkering is sharp and un-damaged.  Butt stock has an extension added that is so good that is hard to see.(see photos).  LOP is 14 7/8″ to a 1/2″ pad.  DAC 1 5/8, DAH 2 3/4, Cast is neutral.   Mechanically perfect, this one is ready for some action in the field or on the range.  Price: $5,495.00

L.C. Smith No. 2 Double Barrel Side-by-Side 16 gauge shotgun

L.C. Smith No. 2 Double Barrel Side-by-Side 16 gauge shotgun

L.C. Smith No. 2 Double Barrel Side-by-Side 16 gauge shotgun

E.C. Griffith’s PARKER DH 12GA 30″ Double Barrel Shotgun

Shooting live pigeons used to be a big sport in the United States. After the Civil War and up until around 1900, top competitors like Captain A.H. Bogardus and J.A.R. Elliott traveled around the country, shot in front of huge crowds, and won thousands of dollars.

E.C. Griffith was another one of these top shots, and in 1901 he won the the country’s most prestigious live pigeon shoot:

“The ninth Grand American at live birds was again held at Interstate Park on April 3, 1901…Shooting from 28 yards, E.C. Griffith killed 25 straight from 28 yards, then had to endure an 18 bird miss-and-out shoot off over 21 others to claim the crown.”

-From the Pennsylvania State Sportsmen’s Association

E.C. Griffith’s PARKER DH 12GA 30″ Double Barrel Shotgun

Amazingly, the Parker shotgun he used to win this event just popped up on the market. Here’s more info about this historic side-by-side from the seller:

PARKER DH 12GA 30″ Double Barrel Shotgun IMOD & IMOD: DT, EXTRACTORS, STRAIGHT GRIP, THIS IS THE GUN THAT E.C. GRIFFITH WON THE 1901 GRAND AMERICAN HANDICAP LIVE BIRD SHOOT.WE HAVE AN EMAIL FROM THE TRAP SHOOTERS HALL OF FAME STATNG THE INFROMATION ON THE PLAQUE ON THe STOCK IS CORRECT AND THAT HE ALSO WON THE CLAY BIRD SHOOT AS WELL AS HIS RHODE ISLAND STATE SHOOT THAT YEAR. THE PARKER LETTER DOES STATE THE GUN WAS ORDERED FOR MR GRIFFITH IN 1898. THE BARRELS ARE 90% BLUE, RECEIVER IS SILVER BROWN, WOOD IS VG WITH DETERIORATING VINTAGE PAD, ANTIQUE. Price: $9,850.00

E.C. Griffith’s PARKER DH 12GA 30″ Double Barrel Shotgun

12 gauge Arrieta Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun

Do you love the idea of ordering a bespoke shotgun? A lot of people do. But there can be a downside to a having a shotgun custom made just for you: After all your anticipating and money spent, what you specified on paper may not be what arrives at your door.

That’s one reason I like used doubles. With a used shotgun, you know what you’re getting (at least once your gunsmith has had a chance to look it over). Even if you buy a side-by-side or over-under online, you should be able to get your money back in a couple of weeks if there’s a problem.

12 gauge Arrieta Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun

So you’re thinking about “bespeaking” a 12 gauge Spanish sidelock, I would take a long look at the Arrieta you see here instead.  I’m not sure if it’s 557, a 570, or something between. But whatever model it is, it sure looks like a good deal for $2,999 – especially when you consider that a brand  new 12 gauge 557 costs $4,999.

If you agree, now. This shotgun is at Gunauction.com, and the listing ends September 14, 2013 19:57:00 PT. Here’s more about it from the seller:

12 gauge Arrieta Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun

12 gauge Arrieta Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun: This elegant gun is one of Arrieta’s best guns! It’s a 7 pin Holland & Holland style lock. It has has a case colored receiver and is beautifully engraved with ultra fine scroll engraving, gold plated removable sidelocks, double trigger (front hinged), auto ejectors and so much more. Notice all the details like N/S screws, the beautiful case color, the fit of wood to metal and so on. This particular gun is “as built” with the exception of an added pad (owner is tall), no wood was cut off. It is a 12 bore choked light modified and improved modified. 6 pounds 12 ounces. Stats: LOP 15″, BBls 27&3/4″, DAH 2&1/4″, DAT 7&1/4″, OAL 45&1/4.

12 gauge Arrieta Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun

20g Fox Sterlingworth Shotgun, 28″ barrels, Ejectors

Here’s a double a lot of guys are looking for – and for good reason. Fox Sterlingworths are great American doubles. Finding one in 20g with this much condition, 28″ barrels and ejectors is tough to do.

If you like the looks of it, get on it now. It’s online and the auction ends 9/15/13 19:05:0. Here are the spec from the seller:

A.H. Fox Sterlingworth, 20 ga. side by side shotgun. Serial #263097, mfg. 1929. Very good condition. Oh boy, oh boy, we have a Prom Queen here! Go get the crown! Beautiful and elegant 20 ga. Sterlingworth on the small frame with ejectors and CONDITION: 70% fading case colors and 95% blue on the barrels! Yee haw! Nice tight action. 28″ ribbed barrels. Bright bores. Choked M/F. Marked “Savage Arms Corp., Utica, N.Y. USA” on top of left barrel and “Sterlingworth Fluid Compressed Steel” on right top of barrel. Original stock has some hunting marks as expected. Hard buttplate. Ejectors work great! Double triggers. All original and gorgeous!

Alderfer Auction Co. in Hatfield, PA, is having a big firearms auction on September 17, 2013, 12:00 PM EST. Here are few of the double barrels in the sale that caught my eye.

Ithaca Grade 2 side by side double barrel shotgun

Ithaca Grade 2 side by side double barrel shotgun: 12 ga. 30″ bbls. 2-3/4″ shells. Full chokes. SN 183829. Blued finish on barrels, barrels show several areas of freckling and light pitting, barrel rib approximately 3″ from muzzle shows a small dent, lightly engraved receiver shows no case color, bores are slightly dirty but look good, checkered walnut stock and forend show light handling marks and has 1-1/2″ crack, factory plastic butt plate shows wear but is intact as does the pistol grip cap, white bead front sight, double triggers and automatic ejectors. Good. Estimated: $400 – $700

Von Lengerke & Detmold The Knock About Gun side by side double barrel shotgun

Von Lengerke & Detmold Knock About Gun side by side double barrel shotgun: 12 ga. 30″ bbls. 2-3/4″ shells. IM/Full chokes. SN 87884. Blued finish on barrels, small amount of case color on receiver, bores are slightly dirty but look good, very small amount of light oxidation on barrels just below muzzle, right side lock has light freckling, right side barrel to include the rib shows areas of freckling, checkered walnut stock and forend shows handling marks some deep, plastic spacer and after market butt plate added. Estimate: $400 – $600

Browning Superposed Midas Grade over/under double barrel shotgun

Browning Superposed Midas Grade over/under double barrel shotgun. 12 ga. 29-3/4″ bbls. 2-3/4″ shells. Full/Modified chokes. SN 1289S71. Blued finish on metal, highly engraved receiver, excellent bores, select checkered walnut stock and forend show no handling marks, rubber butt pad, white bead front and middle sights. Stamped on barrels “Browning Arms Company Morgan Utah & Montreal PQ Made in Belgium”. Serial number on barrels match receiver. In factory Browning marked hard side lockable case (with keys) with warranty card. Estimate: $5,000 – $7,500

Browning Superposed Diana Grade over/under double barrel shotgun. 12 ga.

Browning Superposed Diana Grade over/under double barrel shotgun. 12 ga. 28″ vent rib bbls. 2-3/4″ shells. Full/Modified chokes. SN 91091. Blued finish on barrels, highly engraved receiver, very good bores, select checkered walnut stock and forend show multiple light scratches, factory black plastic butt plate, single bead white front sight. Barrel is stamped “Browning Arms Company St. Louis MO & Montreal PQ Made in Belgium”. Serial number on barrels and receiver match. In factory marked Browning hard side lockable case (with keys). Very good. Estimate: $2,500 – $4,000

Browning Upland Special over/under double barrel shotgun. 20 ga

Browning Upland Special over/under double barrel shotgun. 20 ga. 26″ vent rib bbls. 2-3/4″ shells. Adjustable chokes. SN 12506PW123. Blued finish on metal, excellent bores, checkered walnut stock and forend show minor handling marks, factory plastic butt plate. Serial number on barrels and receiver match. In factory marked Browning hard side lockable case (with keys) and 4 choke tubes. Very good. Estimate: $200 – $400

Ansley H. Fox, 12 Gauge, Double Barrel Shotgun

NOTE: Even though the seller has listed this gun as an XE, it appears to be a CE-grade Fox Shotgun. My mistake.

Knowing when to stop is crucial to embellishing a shotgun. Too much engraving, fancy checkering, cakey wood, or gold ruins a SxS or O/U. Too little leaves a gun looking dull and unfinished. Getting it just right is the trick.

Fox’s XE grades were higher grade doubles in their day, not the very best, but very, very good, and quite expensive. They featured Automatic Ejectors, a Silver’s Recoil Pad and Lyman Sights. The stocks were made of Circassian Walnut and oil finished with a  full pistol, half pistol, straight grip, or  Monte-Carlo style grip. They were offered with Chromox Fluid Steel in 26 “, 28″, 30″ & 32″ barrels. Like all Fox shotguns, they came in 12 gauge, 16 gauge and 20 gauge.

From A.H. Fox, via the A.H. Fox Collectors Association website:

Ansley H. Fox, 12 Gauge, Double Barrel Shotgun

“The XE is the result of the increasing demand for a gun which shall be as nearly perfect for the purpose as it is possible to be made. Each gun receives and elaborate amount of handwork, which.. is still the only way to produce a really accurate and high grade gun.”

Here’s more about the one you see here from the seller:

Ansley H. Fox, 12 Gauge, 28″ Barrels: Bores in Excellent Condition as is the Whole Shotgun, Mfg. in Phila. PA, Double Trigger, Half Pistol Grip, #4 Barrels Weight, Chromox Fluid Compressed Steel, Metal Bead, Ejector, LOP 14 7/16″, Choke Modified & Full. Hand Engraved Scroll Work and Game Scenes. Serial #30827. Price: $8950

Ansley H. Fox, 12 Gauge, Double Barrel Shotgun

Parker Bros. DHE DBL 12 Ga. Hammerless Pigeon Gun #143296

Pigeon Gun…I’m always suspicious when I hear those words. Dealers love to them as a way to jack up the prices on any heavy twelve gauge shotgun, and a lot of time the words are misapplied to side-by-sides and O/Us that were really made as heavy game guns or even waterfowlers.

That being said, I’m 99% sure the Parker you see here is the real thing: A genuine American Pigeon shotgun. With 34″ barrels, a high, straight-grip stock, and no safety, it has all the features you would expect in a SxS custom made for the pigeon ring.

Wehrly’s Auction Service in Glen Rock, PA, has this shotgun and the auction begins on September 21, 2013, 8:30 AM EST.

Parker Bros. DHE DBL 12 Ga. Hammerless Pigeon Gun #143296

Here’s the minimal description from the seller:

Lot 15A: Parker Bros. DHE DBL 12 Ga. Hammerless Pigeon Gun  #143296: Description: checkered wooden stock, double triggers, etched,Titanic steel, DBL, #’s match, 34″ barrel this gun has ejectors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Parker Bros. DHE DBL 12 Ga. Hammerless Pigeon Gun #143296

Parker DH-grade Double Barrel Shotgun, the the The Parker Gun Collector’s Association Site

Here’s a tough 16 gauge side-by-side to find: a Parker Bros. DHE-grade double barrel shotgun. Also known as Grade 3s, Parker introduced its D-grade shotguns in 1875. With a price of $100, this model was the company’s least expensive “custom made” shotgun.

The DHE you see here was made in 1905 (the H is for hammerless, the E is for ejectors). It looks like it’s in nice condition. I’m not sure how many 16 gauge DHEs Parker made, but I can tell that you don’t see them on the market that often, especially nice shooters like this one. This one is online at Gunbroker.com and the auction ends 9/25/2013 3:15:42 PM ET. So if you like it, get on it now.

16 gauge Parker DHE Double Barrel SxS Shotgun: With steel 28″ barrels. 2-1/2″ chambers choked Imp. Mod and full according to my gauges. Bluing is thinning on barrels and stock has the usual dings and scratches for a gun this age. recoil pad is flat from sitting. 14″ LOP to the front trigger. Size 1 frame. Bores are great. Serial # 134521.

16 gauge Parker Bros DHE Double Barrel SxS Shotgun

16 gauge Parker Bros DHE Double Barrel SxS Shotgun

16 gauge Parker Bros DHE Double Barrel SxS Shotgun

16 gauge Parker Bros DHE Double Barrel SxS Shotgun

16 gauge Parker BHE Double Barrel Shotgun, Damascus Steel Bbls

The 16 Parker DHE I wrote about this AM is a tough gun to find. But the Parker you see here is even harder to track down. It’s  a 16g BHE.

According to the Parker Gun Collector’s Association, the Parker company made just 1,034 B- grade hammerless shotguns. Of those, I bet very few came with in 16 gauge a straight, ejectors, shootable dimensions, and 28″ damascus barrels, like this one.

Called “Hansome and Durable” by Parker Bros, B grades were the fifth grade from the top (Invincible, A1-Special, AAH, AH, BH) and always custom made. They came standard with Circassian walnut stocks and they featured checkered side panels with fancy fleur-de-lis drop points.

16 gauge Parker BHE Double Barrel Shotgun, Damascus Steel Bbls

Here’s more about the gun from the seller:

Parker BHE, 16 ga, 28″, Double Barrel SxS Shotgun: #208XXX, 28” Damascus bbls, 2 9/16 ” chambers, IM/M chokes. Lop: 14 5/8 ” LOP, 2 5/8 ” DOH, Skeleton buttplate, 6 lbs, 12 oz. Made in 1924. Stock: Original finish. Metal: Original finish, Concave File Cut rib. Price: $35,000

BTW: If you’ve ever wondered about the strength of damascus steel barrels, make note that this gun was made in 1924 – well after nitro powders had become the standard in the industry.

16 gauge Parker BHE Double Barrel Shotgun, Damascus Steel Bbls

16 gauge Parker BHE Double Barrel Shotgun, Damascus Steel Bbls

16 gauge Parker BHE Double Barrel Shotgun, Damascus Steel Bbls

B.C. Miroku Model FE My Luck Double Barrel SxS Shotgun

B.C. Miroku Model FE My Luck Double Barrel SxS Shotgun

You probably don’t know it, but Miroku is one of the largest gun makers in the world. For many years, this Japanese company made Charles Daly over unders. Since 1973 they’ve made Browning’s Citori O/U shotguns, and today they also make firearms under the Winchester brand and under their own name.

The company has also made side-by-sides, including Browning’s BSS shotguns and their own line of boxlocks and sidelock doubles. The shotgun you see here is one of the sidelocks. There’s not a lot of info out there about these guns, but I think this model was made in the 1980s. I’ve seen a couple, and they’ve both been extremely well made shotguns, and great buys, too.

Made in Japan: Take a Tour of the Miroku Shotgun Factor with Field & Stream’s Phil Bourjaily

Here are the details on the shotgun you see here:

12 gauge B.C. Miroku Model FE My Luck Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with ejectors

Price: $2,999.99

Ithaca Flues Grade 3E 20 gauge Double Barrel Shotgun

A lot of side-by-side fans don’t know this, but up until World War 2, the Ithaca Gun Co. was one of the most successful shotguns makers in the US , and probably in the world.  The company made several different models of side-by-sides up until then, and the Flues was one of their most popular.

Introduced in 1908 and made until 1926 (when it was replaced by the NID)m  Ithaca made 223,000+ Flues shotguns. Of those, the one you see here has to be one of the rarest. Not only is it a graded 20 gauge, but it also has ejectors, 30″ barrel, and a ton of original condition.

It’s up for auction now on Gunbroker.com and the listing ends on 11/12/2013 @ 12:34:10 PM ET. You probably won’t see another one like it again, so if you like it, bid on it now. Here’s more about it from the seller:

Ithaca Flues Grade 3E 20 gauge Double Barrel Shotgun

Ithaca Flues Grade 3E 20 gauge. A great example of early Ithaca engraving. Serial number has this gun being manufactured in 1920. 30″ barrels, 2 1/2″ chambers, ejectors and it’s choked tight mod/tight mod with FULLY TAPERED CHOKES FROM THE FACTORY!!! The right barrel measures .605 with a .17 (.588) constriction at choke. The left barrel measures .605 with a .16 (.589)constriction at choke. The wood has beautiful figure, the case color is approximately 70%-75% intact and the bluing is 97%. The LOP is 14 1/8″. Drop @ Comb is 1 1/2″ and drop @ heel is 2 3/4″.

Ithaca Flues Grade 3E 20 gauge Double Barrel Shotgun

Macon Brother’s Auctions in Walla Walla, WA, has a handful of nice looking doubles coming up tomorrow. You can check all of them out here. These are the ones that caught my eye:

DARNE MODEL P17 SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN

DARNE MODEL P17 20 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN: SN 4S545; 20GA; 2-3/4″ CHAMBERS; 25-3/4″ BARRELS; IMPROVED CYLINDER & LIGHT MODIFIED CHOKES; 15″ LOP; DROP TO COMB 1-5/8″; DROP TO HEEL 2-1/2″ TO STOCK & 2-5/8″ TO PAD; CAST OFF; ENGRAVED FRAME; CHECKERED STOCK & FORE END; SLIDING BREECH; RECOIL PAD; 5.85LBS TOTAL WEIGHT; SOFT CASE.

WILLIAM EVANS 16 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN: SN 5649; “WILLIAM EVANS FROM PURDEY’S, 65 PALL MALL, ST. JAME’S, LONDON”; 16GA; 2-3/4″ CHAMBERS; 28″ BARRELS; MODIFIED & FULL CHOKES; 14-5/8″ LOP; DROP TO COMB 1-1/2″; DROP TO HEEL 2-5/8″ TO STOCK & 2-3/4″ TO PAD; CAST OFF; ENGRAVED FRAME; CHECKERED STOCK & FORE END; RECOIL PAD; 6.05LBS TOTAL WEIGHT; WILLIAM EVANS HARD CARRY CASE.

WILLIAM EVANS 16 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN

WEBLEY & SCOTT 20 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN

WEBLEY & SCOTT 20 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN: SN 129817; 20GA; 2-3/4″ CHAMBERS; SINGLE TRIGGER; 28″ BARRELS; MODIFIED & FULL CHOKE; 14-5/8″ LOP; DROP TO COMB 1-3/8″; DROP TO HEEL 2-5/8″; CAST OFF; ENGRAVED FRAME; CHECKERED STOCK & FORE END; CASE COLORED; SHELL EXTRACTORS; 5.65LBS TOTAL WEIGHT; SMALL RECOIL PAD.

AYA AGUIRRE-ARENZABAL 12 GAUGE MODEL 2 SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN: SN 437736; 12GA; 2-3/4″ CHAMBERS; 26″ BARRELS; IMPROVED & MODIFIED CHOKES; 14-9/16″ LOP; DROP TO COMB 1-9/16″; DROP TO HEEL 2-7/16″ TO STOCK & 2-1/2″ TO PAD; CAST OFF; ENGRAVED FRAME; CASE COLORED; CHECKERED STOCK & FORE END; 6.65LBS TOTAL WEIGHT; RECOIL PAD.

AYA AGUIRRE-ARENZABAL MODEL 2 12 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN

WEBLEY & SCOTT 12 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN

WEBLEY & SCOTT 12 GAUGE SIDE X SIDE SHOTGUN: SN 123521; 12GA; 2-1/2″ CHAMBERS; 28″ BARRELS; IMPROVED CYLINDER (SKEET) & IMPROVED CYLINDER MODIFIED CHOKES; 14-3/4″ LOP; DROP TO COMB 1-3/4″; DROP TO HEEL 2-3/4″ TO STOCK & 2-7/8″ TO PAD; CAST OFF; ENGRAVED FRAME; CASE COLORED; CHECKERED STOCK & FORE END; RECOIL PAD; 6.60LBS TOTAL WEIGHT; WEBLEY & SCOTT HARD CASE.

Parker VH 16, Remington Era, Straight grip, 28″ Exc. original

In New England, a ruffed grouse is called a pa’tridge. I don’t know why. There’s always one gauge I associate with pa’tridge hunting: the 16. I don’t know why this is, either.

Sixteen gauges have been around forever, but they’ve been very popular. The British never loved them, at least not as breechloading centerfires. It think it’s because the standard British game gun is a 12 gauge that’s weighs around 6lbs, 12oz. and is proofed for 1 1/8 ounces of shot.

Most British 16 gauge shotguns weigh just a few ounces less, and they’re proofed for a 1 ounce load. So for a gun buyer in the UK, the sixteen offers little benefit in weight while it pushes a 10%+ smaller payload.

Parker VH 16, Remington Era, Straight grip, 28″ Exc. original

But American 12 gauges are bigger guns, usually in the 7 1/2 pound+ range. For most makers, you had to drop down a gauge to get a double in the 6 1/2 – 6 3/4 pound range. I think that’s why the 16 gauge was more popular in the States.

The sixteen you see here is Parker’s VH grade. The VH was Parker’s original knock-about gun, and even though it was the least expensive hammerless double the company offered until they introduced the Trojan grade in 1913, the VH was never a cheap gun. It cost $50 when it was introduced in 1899. The same year, Winchester Model 97 repeater retailed for $27.

Parker VH 16, Remington Era, Straight grip, 28″ Exc. original

Parker called the VH “A gun for hard usage that cannot be equaled” and most buyers purchased them off the rack in 12 gauges on No. 2 frames with pistol grips. With its straight grip, this one was probably specially ordered.

Here’s more about it from the seller:

Parker VH 16, Remington Era, Straight grip, 28″ Exc. original

Parker VH 16, Remington Era,  Straight grip, 28″ Exc. original: Serial Number 240237, made approx. 1937. It is a VH 16 gauge with 28″ barrels choked light modified and modified. 2 3/4″ chambers with excellent bores. Length of pull is 14″ over the original dog’s head plate. The original straight grip stock is in excellent condition with sharp checkering. Both the wood and trigger guard are number matched to the shotgun and are without any doubt original. The wood is probably 2X fancy and is the nicest peice of wood we have seen on a V grade.

Parker VH 16, Remington Era, Straight grip, 28″ Exc. original

There are generous amounts of original case color remaining on the receiver sides and around the lever. Lock up is tight and the shotgun remains in excellent mechanical condition. DAH is 2 5/8″ DAC is 1 1/2″ and the weight is approx. 6 lbs 10 oz.. This is one fine original little English stock 16 gauge Parker with tons of condition. Price: $5,500.00

WW GREENER REHT60 SXS DOUBLE RIFLE 360 #2 3″ NITRO EXPRESS

WW GREENER REHT60 SXS DOUBLE RIFLE 360 #2 3″ NITRO EXPRESS: 26″ BARRELS WITH A 3 LEAF EXPRESS SIGHT DOUBLE TRIGGERS EJECTORS SPLINTER FOREARM PISTOL GRIP INLETTED ENGRAVED AND CHECKERED STEEL BUTT PLATE NEAR NEW ORIGINAL CONDITION 10LBS 8 OZ X 14 1/2. Price: $32,500.00

8 Bore R.B. Rhodda double rifle

8 Bore R.B. Rodda Double Rifle, owned by gun writer Jack Lott: 22″ barrels have very very good bores with strong rifling and mike at .875 which indicates a rare brass case rifle, actually a 7 Bore. The rifle has non-rebounding locks that work excellently and it locks up tight on the face. This was a working rifle and has sparse engraving and shows wear as there is very little finish left, however mechanically it is excellent! The stock is solid and the wood to metal fit is very good with no proud metal. The pull is about 14 1/2″ over a black recoil pad. The steel barrels were made by Adams and Tate and have a dolls head extension. It has a lever forend with a metal grip cap and vacant metal shield let into the stock. Jack Lott shot the rifle with 10 to 12 drams of black powder and either a 1000 grain round ball or a 1250 grain conical. He commented on how well it shot with the 12 dram load. The file cut rib has one fixed rear sight. It comes with a modern round ball mold, brass cases and wads. Here is a solid 8 Bore in the rare 22″ barrel length with steel barrels with an interesting provenance with Jack Lott, featured in the Guns and Ammo publication “Big Bore Rifles” authored by Jack Lott. Price: $28,500.00

Merkel — 303-EHand-Detachable Sidelock Ejector — 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chambers

Merkel — 303-EHand-Detachable Sidelock Ejector — 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chambers: 30″ O/U matted vent-rib barrels of Bohler Special steel with ivory bead choked extra full & extra full. 14 7/8″pull from articulated front trigger to thin black recoil pad. 1 1/2″ – 1 7/8″drop. 3/8″ cast-off. Highly figured walnut stock with slender three-piece Deeley-release forend, the captive sections of which each retained by four engraved horn-bushed screws, black capped pistol grip and with chinstrap and classic point-pattern checkering. Concealed-release, hand-detachable sidelock with intercepting sears, cocking indicators, double underbites and double Kersten locks, automatic ejectors and manual top tang safety, finished in French grey and finely game scene engraved with scenes of a hawk taking a pheasant to the left and a fox flushing grouse amongst the cornstalks on the right, all surrounded with scroll. Weight: 8lbs, 1oz. Built 1956, before the best craftsmen escaped the workers’ paradise. 99% blue. Tight, and with excellent bore. Price: $13,450

Johann Springer, Vienna — Boxlock Ejector Double Rifle — 9.3x74R

Johann Springer, Vienna — Boxlock Ejector Double Rifle — 9.3x74R : 25 1/2″ SxS dovetailed barrels of Krupp steel with full solid flat matted rib, 1 standing and 1 folding leaf sights engraved for 100 and 200 meters. Figured walnut stock with lever-release splinter forend, scalloped horn capped pistol grip, sidepanels, beaded pancake cheekpiece, sling swivels, classic point-pattern checkering and checkered steel trapdoor buttplate with compartments for three cartridges. Fine scroll engraved, scalloped, bolstered, casehardened action with Greener crossbolt passing through doll’s head extension, sideclips, double single-set triggers and automatic top-tang safety. Pull: 14 3/8″. Weight: 8lbs, 1oz. Built 1922. 99% barrel blue, fading dark case colors, tight action and excellent bores. Price: $6975.

L C Smith Hunter Arms No.2E 20 Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun Auto-Ejectors Rare

L C Smith Hunter Arms No.2E 20 Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun Auto-Ejectors Rare: 26″ BARRELS, FULL & MODIFIED, EXCELLENT BLUE, MIRROR BORES.  AUTOMATIC EJECTORS, FEATHERWEIGHT FAME, NO CASE COLOR.  TYPICAL ENGRAVING WITH A QUAIL IN A CIRCLE ON THE LEFT AND A DUCK ON THE RIGHT, ALSO SCROLLWORK AND BORDERS.  PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, GORGEOUS NICELY FIGURED WOOD.  EXCELLENT SHARP CHECKERING, ORIGINAL CRIP CAP AND BUTTPLATE.  PROFESSIONAL REPAIR AT THE WRIST.  LOW DIMENSIONS 1 3/4″ X 3″ X 14″, 5 POUNDS 10 OUNCES.  SCARCE LITTLE SMITH.  ONLY 91 GRADE TWO 26″ 20 GAUGE GUNS WERE MADE. Price: $3800.00

20 gauge BC My Luck Model F Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun

Last week I put up this post about a decent looking BC Miroku 12g sidelock that popped up on the market. Today, an even better deal has appeared. This double you see here is almost the same shotgun, except it’s a 20g with ejectors.

20 gauge BC My Luck Model F Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun

Price: $2,999.99

Webley & Scott Model 700 20 bore 28″ barrels Made in England

I’ve written this before, but if  Webley & Scott is the Ford of British gunmaker, the Model 700 is their F150 pickup. Introduced in the 1950′s, the rugged and reliable M700 was the double of choice for thousands of shooters in the UK and Europe.

But almost all those Webleys were 12 gauges. The Brits have never loved the smaller bores, and their gunmakers have never made 16s & 20s in great numbers. That’s one of the things that makes the side-by-sides you see here special. The other thing that makes them unique is their condition. Both of these SxSs look new – pretty impressive when you consider they’re at least 40 years old.

Webley & Scott 700 series 16ga with 30″ barrels.

Webley & Scott Model 700 16 bore 30″ barrels: This is great well balanced bird gun.  I think 16ga Webleys with 2 3/4″ chambers are harder to find than the 28ga guns. 16ga, 30″ barrels, Imp/ Full (.008/.036), 2 3/4″ chambers, semi-pistol grip stock, 14 1/2″x1 1/4″x2 1/8″ and cast off,  6 lbs. Two triggers, ejectors, grooved stock end, excellent codition.  Barrel blue is 99%, case colors 99 %, wood 97 %. Bores are perfect with no dents or bulges. Price: $ 3995

Webley & Scott Model 700 16ga with 30″ barrels.

Webley & Scott Model 700 20 bore 28″ barrels Made in England

Webley & Scott Model 700 20 bore 28″ barrels: High condition W & S Model 700 20 bore with rare 28″ barrels with 3″ chambers. Original Birmingham nitro 3 1/2 ton proof. Gun remains in proof. Little used. Game rib.  Barrels have engine turned breech. 139xxx series made in Birmingham in the ’60s or ’70s. Lacquered original case colors. Original blacking. Slight wear at muzzles and sides of action from case. Shiny bores choked Skeet 1 right and Modified left. Double triggers. Pleasing wood and sharp checkering with a few marks. Blank oval. Checkered butt. Properly balanced gun.  Weight approximately 5 lb 9 oz. Dimensions 14 5/8 x 14 1/2 x 14 3/4. Drop 1 3/8″ x 2″. Cast off 1/4″. Ejectors in time, no buggered screws!  This is a nice, true English built gun. Price: $4795

The ribs on a side-by-side don’t look like they could cause you much trouble. But if they’re loose, you could spend hundreds of dollars fixing them. Check out this quick video for some insights into how to spot loose ribs on a side-by-side shotgun.

16 gauge Parker Bros. VH SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″

16 gauge Parker Bros. VH SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″

Take a good look at the 16g Parker double you see here. I bet it will be gone soon – and for good reason. As a 16 gauge on a O frame, it’s hard to find and one of the best grouse guns ever made in America. It also has excellent dimensions, with just 2″ D@C.

Here’s more about it from the seller.

16 gauge Parker Bros. VH SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″: A splendid high condition Parker VH 16 ga. on the small O frame. The 28″ full choke barrels were 3#3ounce pre strike. The frame has 80-90& original case color on the exterior and near 100% in protected and interior locations. The blue is 90% or better with some rub marks. The wood has a few very minor handling marks. The screws appear unturned. The gun was made in 1910 and exists in exceptional condition. Original hard rubber butt plate, (1 small spilt near upper screw hole. Bore are mint. Capped pistol grip 14″ LOP, 1 1/14″ DAC 2″ DAH. A spectacular find and very collectable. Price: $3,600

16 gauge Parker Bros. VH SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″

16 gauge Parker Bros. VH SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, 28″

20 gauge Browning BSS Sporter SxS, 28″ barrels

Here’s a nice, all around birds gun that just popped up on the market. The 28″ barrels make it hard to find, and a far more desirable gun all around.

20 gauge Browning BSS Sporter SxS, 28″ barrels

Price: $2,299.99

Alderfer Auction & Appraisal in Hatfield, PA, is holding a firearms sale tomorrow, November 19, 2013. It starts at 12:00 PM EST. Jere are a few lots I liked.

12g Pietro Beretta Silver Snipe over/under double barrel shotgun

12 gauge Pietro Beretta Silver Snipe over/under double barrel shotgun: 28″ vent rib bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Full & IM chokes. SN A26407. Blued finish on metal, silver receiver, excellent bores, red bead front sight, checkered walnut stock and forend show light handling marks, after market rubber buttplate. Excellent. Estimate: $200 – $400

12 gauge Browning Lightning Grade 1 over/under double barrel shotgun

12 gauge Browning Lightning Grade 1 over/under double barrel shotgun: 28″ vent rib bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Full & IM chokes. SN 84079S8. Blued finish on metal, lightly engraved receiver, excellent bores, checkered walnut stock and forend show no handling marks, after market rubber buttplate. Barrel stamped “Made in Belgium”. Excellent. Estimate: $500 – $900

20 gauge LC Smith Hunter Arms Company Ideal Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

20 gauge LC Smith Hunter Arms Company Ideal Grade side by side double barrel shotgun: 26″ bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. IM chokes. SN FW23494. Blued finish on metal, bluing is very thin from middle sight back to receiver, bores are dirty possibly lightly pitted, front and middle white bead sights, little to no case color remains on receiver, double triggers, checkered walnut stock and forend show handling marks, forend shows a crack and previous repair. Serial number on barrel, forend and receiver match. Good. Estimate: $500 – $700

16 gauge LC Smith Hunter Arms Company Field Grade side by side double barrel shotgun

16 gauge  LC Smith Hunter Arms Company Field Grade side by side double barrel shotgun: 28″ bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Full chokes. SN FW151023. Blued finish on barrels, case colored receiver, bores are slightly dirty but look good, single bead front sight, checkered walnut stock and forend show multiple handling marks and scratches, underside of stock where it meets receiver just forward of trigger guard shows several chips to wood, black pistol-grip cap is chipped, black plastic buttplate is intact. Serial number on receiver, barrel and forend match. Very good. Estimate: $400 – $600