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4 members (SKB, Argo44, LGF, 1 invisible),
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Forums10
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Mar 28th, 2026
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 625
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 625 |
I would like to buy one (or more likely some) English doubles. I have collected many American doubles and find that fairly straight forward. But, honestly I see some English doubles in the low three figure range and of course there are the 10,000 and WAY up "best guns."
How does one get their feet wet in English doubles? How much must you spend for a solid shootable English double? Is it possible to get a good gun for a few thousand? If so, what companies to look for? Suggestions? References? Thanks, Jake
R. Craig Clark
jakearoo(at)cox.net
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 940 Likes: 6
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 940 Likes: 6 |
Jake,
You have three options, but only two good ones.
1 - Spend several hundred dollars building a good reference library, and then spend several hundred more hours reading, researching, and absorbing the information. Enjoy the process and then go on your hunt for a nice English gun.
2 - Hook up with a mentor who has traveled these paths or hire a very knowledgeable individual to keep you from getting burned. Go on your hunt together.
3 - Start hunting immediately and take your chances. Be prepared to make some mistakes ($$$).
To answer your question - Yes, you can get a nice English boxlock ejector for a few thousand. Non-ejectors are normally at a good discount off the ejectors and can be a good buy. Sidelocks and droplocks will cost you more but provincial makes can be good quality-buys.
It is possible to get burned (pay too much or get stuck with a lemon) - same with a quality American double. But if you have already played with Parkers, Lefevers, Foxes, and the like, then English doubles should not be too much of a stretch. For references, you might start with "British Gunmakers" (Vol I & II), "Birmingham Gunmakers", and any of the big company books (Purdey, Boss, Greener, etc.) For an overview of on the types of English gun, you might enjoy "Heyday of the Shotgun".
It may also be beneficial to research some of the posts by Dig Hadoke (sorry Dig, I don't recal the name you post under on this board) as well as his articles in the DGJ.
Good luck,
Ken
Last edited by Ken Georgi; 01/01/07 09:27 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,213 Likes: 83
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,213 Likes: 83 |
I believe Dig is now Salopian.
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income.
- Errol Flynn
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,250 Likes: 1 |
One of the best bargins going, are the sidelock non-ejectors guns. The English never favored them, and some handsome ones can be found at a good price. Make sure the gun is in recent proof, as refreshing can lead to thined-out barrels. Guns from the 1900s up to WWI are from the golden age of English gunmaking.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,580 Likes: 830
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,580 Likes: 830 |
yes it is very possible to get a decent british sxs for a few thousand dollars. Its hard with british guns to buy using a makers name. Each gun must be viewed as an individual, as most Brit makers offered a wide variety of quality levels, with most all of them being servicible at the time of purchase. Many of these guns have been refreshed several times, and can (as Lowell pointed out)
end up with thin barrel walls. Barrel condition is very important when re-selling British guns. Also look at gun fit. There was a much wider variation among older British sxs stock dimensions than among our american counterparts. Consider sending a perspective purchase to a gunsmith who is familiar with sxs's to have him inspect your gun before purchase. Feel free to email me off-line with any other questions. I enjoy helping folks get into British guns.
Steve
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,135 Likes: 59
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,135 Likes: 59 |
I believe Dig is now "Small Bore"
So many guns, so little time!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 15
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,954 Likes: 15 |
Jake - I have a market model for Brit-Continental, SXS, 12 gauge, typical models (there are some that fall outside of it), 1890ish to 1960ish, and USA retail. The model works of three parameters - brand value (BV) based on the maker's name, original quality grade (OQ), and current condition (CC). The model can be used to predict price based on the three parameters or to help estimate the parameters if the price is known (unreasonable price will produce unreasonable parameters). The model was developed to jump-start understanding of the market. It is an Excel file if you run Excel (PM me an email address) of hardcopy (PM me a land address).
BV has five levels from Brit top makers to Continental "guild gun" no-namers with a range in price of eight fold and is covered in a chart. OQ ranges from "best quality SLE" to colonial/farmer grade BLNE with a 20 fold price influence over nine steps. CC ranges from pristine to wall hanger over nine steps and has a twenty fold price influence.
Drop a note if you are interested.
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