doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com What is rationale behind skinny splinter forearms?

Jimmy makes it clear that some people prefer plow horses and others choose thoroughbreds.

Hey Jimmy I got this really nice custom Russian shotgun with a beavertail forend that I would be will to trade you straight up for one of those nasty Model 21's with those deplorable splinter forends. You know just so you don't have to look at it anymore. A 16 or 20 gauge would be real nice. Oh yeah I promise not to put it away using a shop towel either.

No thanks. I already have a Baikal..... I don't know what you are trying to say, keith. Poison Ivy is not a tree. It's an ivy. So, it would be hard to make a stock out of it. And GJZ, I bred and raised horses for years. And I do prefer Clydesdales and Belgiums to narrow headed, skidish Thoroughbreds. But they were the preferred horse of most of the women at the barns where I boarded. Think there's a relationship here? Good luck guys. Nuff said.

Hi Jimmy,

Do make up your mind. First you say some guns you have with splinter forends are
"worthless" and all of a sudden they are worth twelve grand! I am not willing to go
squatting around just for the sake of it.

As far as riding goes, I would much rather mount a "skinny" arabian mare than have
to squat on a Clydesdale or Belgian work horse.


JC

I thought I could sit this one out. Ha!

Logically, splinter forearms are a throwback, and were designed merely to retain the barrels (muzzleloader) or contain the forearm iron (breaktops). If the idea really was to minimze the weight or put the hands close to the barrel, forearms would have been eliminated. Nowadays, splinters are preferred by many just out of hidebound conservatism. Why else would a Model 12 be disallowed on a driven shoot? It spoils the flavor of the day.

All that aside, straight grips, splinter forearms, and double triggers are slick and fun in a minimalist way. It's like the old saw about a sports car being the least amount of machinery on four wheels necessary to move one quickly and securely between two points

As to shooting qualities, I seriously doubt that most people could tell much of a difference in hitting ability betweeen straight/splinter and pistol/beaver configurations. However, if side-by-sides were all that existed in the world and records were being kept of all scores, I suspect the pistol grip and beavertai configuration would come to the front for the better control it offers.

No, JayCee, Arabs are too dicey and choppy to ride. I prefered Walking and Racking horses and quarter horses. And I feel guns with splinter forearms are worthless but I can't give them away after I bought them. But, I hope that you guys know I am just pulling your chains here. I wouldn't seriously resort to name calling because someone liked a different than I. But in the past discussions on this topic have been a bit heated just like this. So, if I really insulted anyone, I do apologize. But I still hate skimpy little splinter forearms with a passion.

Was just being facetious Jimmy, however, poison ivy has several different forms from a weed only inches high to woody vines that commonly grow 50 or more feet up into large trees. Several growing in large trees near my creek are over three inches in diameter at ground level.... more than enough for a very irritating splinter, or even a beavertail. The woody vines contain urushiol which is the same dermatitis causing oil as in the leaves. I have learned the hard way that cutting the vines with a chain saw throws chips that will cause the usual itching rash. Supposedly burning these vines can carry the urushiol in the smoke and cause a rash or even more serious irritation in the lungs if you breathe the smoke. Also, I understand your buying of splinter forend guns. I have bought guns I didn't like when they were too cheap to pass up. I then traded or sold them to get something I did like.

I know that stockmaker.

Jimmy, did you have to stand on a chair when you bred those horses? Sorry . . . couldn't resist.

Jimmy, always thought this was just banter.

Best,

JC