doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com 10 Gauge SxS for Hunting

Thanks for the info again Greg. I agree that the fixed chokes shouldn't be a problem since this will primarily be a duck/goose killer. However, it is a gift and my father really wants the interchangable chokes, probably, as you suggested, to amaze his friends at the dove field sometime.

Do you know what it runs to get a fixed choke gun converted to interchangable? Also, I have absolutely no experience in buying used guns. I'm not a collector. I have a grand total of three shotguns, all purchased new. I will almost assuredly be purchasing the gun sight unseen from a auction website. Is there any way for me to determine the quality of a gun (specifically the two linked above) or should I just pick the pretty one and roll the dice?

Dan sorry if offended you.

My comment was directed at the seller or the manufacturer for calling it a "Spanish Churchill". I suppose to intice a buyer by using a fine English gunmakers name.
Both are workhorses and fairly priced. Either gun should handle any factory 10 gauge load you put through it.
If you wish to have inter changable chokes I would suspect it would take thin-walled chokes as made by Briley...

From the Briley website.

10 ga. O/U, S/S, Threading & Three Chokes
Lead or steel $399.00 ----- ----- ----- -----

I live less than 130 miles from Briley, but Orlen does my barrel work. He charges $55 a barrel to ream and thread, and $27.50 per tube for 10g tubes.

He does good work and is fast in the turn-around.

michael.orlen@verizon.net

Regards

GKT

The 10ga sxs is a wonderful duck gun...if you shoot steel you need all the pellets you can get out there and it's a noticeably better killer than a 12.

Some handle better than others. Very few have screw chokes but you don't need them for ducks. Get an ic/mod or a mod/full. Note, steel shoots tighter than lead.

One I can recommend is the Belgian Centaure made by Fabrique Armes United Liege (FAUL). Sometimes called Continental Arms. Strong as hell, handles very well, and kills them dead dead dead.

DD, I would strongly suggest you consider looking for one of the AYA 10 Magnum SxS. I have shot them for over 25 years and they are probably the best quality and also the lightest of the Spanish doubles. They have 32" full & full barrels as built and typically weigh around ten lbs.They all tend to be barrel heavy and slow swinging and as I wanted a lighter, faster handling gun for decoying and pass shooting I sent the gun to Briley and had it shortened to 28" and had thin-walled steel choke tubes installed.The end result is a gun that still balances about an 1nch ahead of the hinge pin but handles much quicker and weighs just over nine lbs.I have put all manner of factory and reloaded lead and steel thru it and it is rock tight and has accounted for a serious number of Canadas and Snows.It is my go to gun for heavy duty goose hunting in tough conditions.Worth a look IMHO

A quality modern ten bore that is regularly available on the internet market and can be easily fitted with screw in chokes, and is not exceptionally heavy is what is referred to as the "lightweight AYA Matador", which has double triggers and case hardened receiver. It usually weighs under ten pounds, has 32" full and full barrels. I would buy one in low use condition, send it to Briley in Houston to be shortened to about 29" and fitted with their screw in chokes. It has automatic ejectors, modern dimension stock, beavertail forearm, and hard butt plate. I own one, have shot it for years on waterfowl with steel and other no tox ammunition with no harm to the bores. It is one great ten bore. I own a baggo ten bores but this is the one I hunt with regularly. There is no other choice, in my opinion.

DD,

Here Mike Orlen's website:
http://members.aol.com/sgunbore/brochure.gif

Like many here, I have used his services and can highly recommend him. Call him before you send the gun. He is a bit hard to reach, because he is a one man shop. He will answer all your questions and give some advice about chokes and tubes.

You are getting some good advice by folks who have handled a lot guns in the goose and duck blinds. Goose season is winding down in most parts. So the number of used 10 gauges available will increase in the next month or so. Zabala, Matador and FAUL are all good field guns that will get the job done with modern ammo.

Buying a used gun for the 1st time on the net can present challenges. Be sure to ask the seller a lot of questions. Look at the pictures carefully. If you are unsure, ask here.

Hope you dad limits out with the 10 gauge!

Pete

DD, A pic of yours truly with the shortened AYA 10. It Works

I like the look and feel of the 10 AYA Matador. I have been looking at one downvalley that has been sitting in a pawn shop for a few months. Have a standing offer of $500.00 that hasn't been accepted yet. Great shape, doesn't look like it has been shot extensively at all. I think the alterations that the other folks have talked about are just right on for a good long range waterfowler. Good luck.

BTW The last time I saw the AYA 10's being offered new in England
they were listed at over 1000 pounds