doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com red headed step children

In the better quality domestic side x sides, I have a soft spot for them all; but perhaps the make that intrigues most of all is (guess what?) the Syracuse gun, especially the odd and higher grade examples. As FYI, I have just received what is most likely Frank Hollenbeck's prototype gun for study and a possible DGJ article. It is a higher-grade exmaple with no serial number, grade stamp, or patent dates; and the most unique example I have yet seen. I hope Dan will allow me to share the gun in his magazine, as I believe anyone into old doubles will find this example as interesting as I do.

The short-lived Sears made A.J Aubrey/Meriden- a surprisingly high quality workhorse SxS that sold for around $13 new (when an L.C. Smith sold for $25 then).

I have a damascus hammer gun I just love, although it is a bit heavy (+8 lb) and tightly choked, it is perfect for trap and with more use my scores are improving. Even with the low pressure 7/8 oz loads, last weekend I managed to shoot a 21 (and should have done better missing two easy shots at the center station), which is pretty good for me. It gets more looks and favorable comments from fellow shooters than the high dollar guns.

Doug

Manufrance Ideal.............like Russ R. said "if you don't know read up on it"

enuf said!

The knurled barrel of the Winny 11 tells a story don't it; one that Winchester understood all too well in hindsight. My little Charlin field grade says a lot to me about what's possible in the approach to balance, handling, stock fit. I must have been issued a French body? Not so much an awkward stepchild; more of a long-lost cousin.

jack

Anyone else have a Rhinhard Torkalson, they have one of the few practical single selective triggers of their day..MDC

I'll fess up to owning two "Non-Beauties."

My Dad gave me a brand new a Mossberg 16 gauge bolt-action for my 13th birthday, which I still own and use. It has Mossberg's version of a poly-choke. With it, I've taken geese, ducks, rabbitts, squirrels, dove, quail, and pheasant. Every time i use it, I think of Dad, who has been gone for many years. I make it a point to hunt with it at least once every season.

A more recently acquired ugly duckling is a 20 gauge Remington 11-48 with very worn original finish, and it is probably 50 years old. Stll shoots well, and I sometime break 22 or 23 with it on the skeet range, to the chagrin of the O/U shooters.

Every once in a while, its fun to take these less than pristine charmers out to shoot some clays -- or better yet, take them hunting.

JERRY

I hear more than a few guys have a soft spot for those Win. M21's, homely looking things though they be.