doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com new collector

This is like taking advice on buying a Harley Davidson from those guys who have Harley tee shirts, Harley leather jackets, Harley tattoos, and Harley wallets that are chained to their belt with a Harley belt buckle... but they don't even own a bike.

Jag has told us he owns one shotgun, a short barreled Ithaca mod 37 pump. He rents a .22 rifle. I didn't even know you could rent a .22 rifle. Do Rent-A-Centers have FFL's? He did mention having a 20 ga N.I.D. on layaway a while back. I guess that Obama Hope and Change hasn't worked out well for him.

I would say quality over quantity. What is your suggestion. Can you make specific recommendations?

I�ve been a SXS enthusiast/�collector� for years and over the years I�ve owned some nice guns and generally make money with my hobby, which is nice because I�ll typically buy a gun that interests me without worrying about profit. However, I tend to purchase guns that need minor repairs or freshening up and since I enjoy the work it�s not a problem for me. In fact, after my wife passed away I bought several project guns as therapy to distract me from the sadness and lose I felt.

No one�s inquired about what this man�s motivations are. Is he someone who only wants pristine guns or like me does he enjoy amateur gunsmithing or have similar talents. Being a bottom feeder like I am can make the hobby very affordable.

Steve

PS my first project gun was a Crescent. For various reasons I wouldn't own another. It was a hammer gun and someone bought it as a cowboy action gun. A fitting fate for a gun with .701" bores because the factory "forgot" to finish the bores after cutting the chokes.

I've owned dozens of Crescent doubles over the years. They are cheap, but work. My suggestion is that it all depends on the man's interest. I enjoy American doubles like Parkers, but English guns just make me smile like no American one has. If that is the same for him, less known names made in Bham can be had quite reasonably. Or start with the highest quality Parker or similar that he can afford

I think he needs to look around first at the gun shows and handle some examples to learn what to look for. Ring some barrels, check some stocks for cracks, is it on face? Hopefully go with someone who knows what to look for. Do some reading on this site and others. I have learned so much just by reading what guys post on this site! Before you buy anything get some knowledge then buy what you like and can afford.I like Ithaca others Parker or Smith. Just my opinion.

Thank you all for your input. The potential new collector/shooter is primarily interested in guns he can use.
I think the American guns are most interesting to him.
Your suggestions have been passed on.
I have loaned him several books on shotguns.

Thanks all.

Swampman

If shooting the gun is the primary motivation, money, time and risk evaluation would drive me to recommend buying a new sxs gun like the SKB. Old American guns generally have stock dimensions which aren't suited for most shooters. Many will require special low pressure ammo.

Guns he can use . . . I think the best values, in terms of guns one can use without recourse to anything except off the shelf ammo, would be in guns made since WWII. I'd put the Japanese doubles (Ithaca SKB, Browning BSS, Charles Daly made by Miroku) at or near the top of the list. They're sort of American, in the sense that they were marketed (albeit not made) by American gun companies or importers. From the Italians, Berettas and Bernardellis. From the Germans, post-war Sauers, Simsons, and Merkels. Those are probably the most often encountered post-WWII side by sides that are solid performers and reasonably priced. I've avoided the Spaniards, which is a bit unfair. Toss in anything made by either AyA or Ugartechea. These are all guns that will shoot whatever Wal-Mart sells, and need a minimum amount of TLC. They fit the general category of "good using guns for not a lot of money".

tell him don't...if he still does...at least your conscious will be clear....

One who doesn't make mistakes, hasn't learned much. Dive in while the water's warm, take your lumps, and enjoy the swim. From a learning perspective, and with the exception of relic guns, there are few double guns that can't be enjoyed. My dad said to buy the best you can afford, and you'll never be sorry. While I generally agree, most doubles have something to offer, and to learn from. No one ever stops at just one. My two cents.