doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Seeking advice on my first English Double SXS

A few more thoughts about shells. All my shotguns are European and I simply do not buy "off-the-shelf" American ammo. I buy ahead each season and generally stock up on BPs and in the past few years have switched almost entirely to 2 1/2-inch shells. They work just fine.

Just returned from a grouse hunt where I used both 16ga and 12 ga guns, all with 2 1/2-inch shells.

Good, light upland guns don't need ack-ack. I think throwing up a barrage is a mindset and it doesn't go well with fine light guns. Just my thought.

If you really want, for some reason, 2 3/4-inch chambers make certain that they haven't been lengthened and that the gun is still in proof.

I agree with most of these guys but I have a Purdey rebarreled 28 inch 2 3/4 not by Purdey weighs 6.4 lb very nice shooter and two other sleeved Hammer Purdey's that are a joy to hunt with and I do not worry about weather, scratching ect.....but I am a shooter not a collector.
You have to think about what you want it for. Most are bespoken guns made to fit someone else.
Monty

Ok - it sounds like we have general consensus that I shouldn't make 2 2/4" part of my criteria... It looks like most of you buy your 2 1/2" shells online... It also seems there is a general opinion concerning not buying from auctions, but instead a reputable dealer. Can you give me a few dealers online to look at both here in the USA and UK that you know and trust???? I've seem scores of sites with English guns, but I don't know there credentials. Also do you agree stay away from Damascus, even if I decide to go ahead and go with 2 1/2" nitro proofed chambers? Thanks for all of the good advice thus far, this is exactly what I needed.

I concur with the opinion that there is nothing wrong with 2-1/2 inch chambered guns. While I favour 16 over 12, the reality is a 2-1/2 in 12 gauge is a fine gun and likely the best value for the dollar. I further concur with the opinion that auctions are often either junk being dumped or high value items going at a premium.

A 12 ga 2-1/2 gun will weigh the same or less than the standard American 20 anyway

I do not concur with the view that sleeved guns should be passed on. A quality sleeving job is just that and while it may not be the same in terms of value as pristine original, it is less likely to cause issues.

If this is to be your final gun then hold for the perfect one, if not then consider a sleeved one as a way of getting more gun and features than otherwise can be had

I have had the adventure of buying what I thought I wanted only to discover it was not. The love of doubleguns is more like a pilgrimage in which the journey is as or more important than the objective.

Once you use a 2 1/2" you'll be complaining about have to use 2 3/4".

I don't think you are quite ready to get into an English gun, it's easy to make costly mistakes and you've still a lot to learn. For now look at an Italian or Japanese SxS.

MOW , glad to see you'll drop the auctions, great to look at but that's it. 2 1/2", 2 3/4 whatever. You'll buy the gun you fall in love with. Great dealers: Graham MacInlay in Scotland. Sells the best Dicksons and you really want to consider a Dickson round action in 12b. Also everyone's favorite, Diggory Haddok,his guns are done to a tee and you'll pay for the privilege. I've always liked Safari Outfitters up in New York and you must talk to Toby Barclay at Heritage Guns about your heart's desire in a gun. Four great dealers and there are many more. Have fun. Justin

The recommendation of a Webley & Scott Model 700 as a starting point is a good one, based on my personal experience.

Two well regarded UK dealers are Francis Lovel and Graham McKinlay. Two members of this forum, Toby Barclay and Diggory Hadoke, are in the business of helping US buyers find guns in the UK market.

As far as US dealers, some are better than others but in general approach the process like you are buying a high mileage used car from a corner lot dealer. Negotiate hard on the price, make sure you have a three-day inspection/return period, and have a good gunsmith available to inspect the gun closely.

ManOwar, for US$15k if you are willing to look and wait you will be able to find a very good Westley Richards droplock for that price or possibly a William Powell Sidelock and you won�t lose money on either, best, Mike p.s. I do a bit of work for Holts in the UK if people in Spain want something so if you wish I can ask them to keep an eye out

ManOwar,

1. I would not recommend to anyone that their first venture into English double guns be from an auction house purchase. Its a minefield out there as outlined by the posts above and nothing beats being able to work out a purchase issue with a reputable dealer. Speak to Dig or Toby and they will give the right guidance.
2. You don't need 2 3/4in, 2 1/2 is just fine with the right shells.
3. Buy the condition and not the name.

This is crucial:

"...have a good gunsmith available to inspect the gun closely."

Don't close the deal until this 'smith has inspected the gun, and don't trust anyone except this person.

Shotguns have a habit of developing problems after the seller cashes the check and ships the gun to you.

Caveat emptor is the rule, not the exception...

OWD