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Forums10
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 131
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 131 |
I would like help selecting my first old SxS.
I would mainly like to know what to watch for, and what to ask the seller about the gun.
SxSs are very rare about here, so I am almost forced to buy thru the internet. I have admired SxSs for a long time and visit this site daily, but dont post much. I do have one of the launch edition RBLs, but I now have the urge for something old.
What would you suggest for a good starter gun? My budget would be around $1000.00.
Also, I am not opposed to external hammers.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,772 Likes: 467
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,772 Likes: 467 |
You will of course want a Smith  This should help http://www.lcsmith.org/faq/buying.htmlYou will however avoid a several hundred dollar mistake by compelling a doublegun specialist to accompany you on your quest, with chamber length, bore and wall thickness gauges in hand. P.S. For an upland gun, you could get a well cared for 16g Ithaca Flues and a case of RSTs for $1000 
Last edited by Drew Hause; 04/21/11 01:29 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,403 Likes: 17
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,403 Likes: 17 |
I suggest considering an Ithaca NID. You can probably find a nice condition one in 12 ga. for under your budget AND you can shoot off the shelf loads in it.
Walter c. Snyder
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4 |
Fox Sterlingworth in my opinion
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 112
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 112 |
The sky is your limit, Good luck on your quest!
PS. post pictures for us.
Last edited by suddenthunder; 04/21/11 01:57 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,249 Likes: 424
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,249 Likes: 424 |
Many will disagree with me, but...
I would never buy a first SXS that could not shoot modern ammunition, preferably steel, OTC loads.
I have a slew of old doubles, and I find the greatest impediment to my using them is ammunition. My life doesn't provide as much time at the reloading bench as in the past, and it is sooooo much easier to just grab some OTC shells and go shooting.
That cuts the list way down.
If you don't plan to shoot it, but rather just look at it, then at $1,000.00 the field has many openings. Especially in hammer guns.
It might seem odd that ammunition determines using choice, but cartridges are the bottle neck for vintage doubles. Whether as reloads, or as specially loaded OTC offerings. One as time, the other as money.
Not everyone wants to pay $15.00 a round for skeet. And that's where it is for low pressure loads if you don't reload for yourself.
A decent afternoon with the kids (2) can run $150-$200 easily.
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405 |
An L.C. Smith would be a good option for a sidelock gun.
For your budget, a Fox Sterlingworth or Parker VH in good condition could be had for higher end American made Box Locks.
If you want something a bit cheaper and keep some money in your pocket, the Stevens 311 is a great reliable gun. Or if you want the same with some extra options, maybe a Savage/Stevens Fox Model B.
B.Dudley
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 455 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 455 Likes: 1 |
For American guns, Lefever and Fox Sterlingworth, also give some thought to the German guns. Lots of value out there.
tunes
Last edited by tunes; 04/21/11 02:09 PM.
"It's a good day for something"
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,609 Likes: 14
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,609 Likes: 14 |
Why not go to Steve Barnett Fine Guns in West Point, MS
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,941 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,941 Likes: 19 |
Mike Covington lives in Jackson and knows about the older doubles and i am sure he will be contacting you. Bobby
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