I only bought two shotguns through the internet. One was from Simpson LTD out of Ill.,a 12 ga Field Grade Longrange Wildfowl 32" barrels full/full Hunter One-Trigger, ejectors and thank goodness no recoil pad. Length of pull 14 1/8" . I asked all the questions, any cracks behind the sideplates, condition of barrels , and dents, bulges, how they rang, etc., asked condition of wood any major dents etc. Went through their email service and called a few times. Always talked to the same guy and he would always get the gun and go over it with me. Asked if that was the best they could do and they knocked some off the price. Good communication, great description and excellent shipping.
Second experience was just this past Monday when gun arrived. Circa 1887 L.C. Smith Syracuse 10 ga. Quality 2 30" Good (name of type) Damascus barrels. The dealer goes by Dust to Dollars listed on Guns America, out near Salem Oregon. Name is Mark, family run business. Emails were always answered, talked a few times on the phone. His pictures were great, his description was good. Asked same questions as you should always ask about any gun especially a 121 year old one. Bores were shiney, no dents, wood in good shape. Plus he had a 90 day lay away plan, perfect for me. Also came down on price.
Like I said gun arrived Monday by UPS, by the way ecellent with the tracking numbers, box didn't have a blemish on it.
Gun was better than he said, wood is great, 22 lpi, 14 1/8" lop and 3" drop, with original butt plate with L.C. Smith Maker (dog watching falling duck) and then Trap Gun. Faint case colors, screws are all clocked and I believe never turned by anyone. Chokes measure .758 and .759. Color of barrels look like the brown rust as I don't believe that they blued barrels. Pattern of Damscus is Good, Dr. Drew or Pete can verify type other than what L.C. Smith called it.
Shipped gun in brand new Plano plastic case, gun broken down and barrels wrapped in bubble wrap and charged me $40.00 shipping.
In my opinion can't say enough good things about him.
The gentleman that owned it had it on consignment and I was told he was up there in age, I believe it might have been his father's also, He knew how to take care of it.
Some pictures
