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Forums10
Topics39,558
Posts562,782
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Most Online9,918
Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 3
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 3 |
Greetings from South Florida
I am new here and here’s a little about why I am here. I grew up shooting rifles and competing in USPSA and IDPA, but enjoyed small game hunting with an old over under 12ga. Ten+ ago I gave the old O/U to my brother, and have gone without until I had the itch to find a classic SxS.
Jumping in with more money than brains, I bought 3 old 12 ga.
Last year I got my First, an AyA Yeoman (393140) which is simple and in pretty good condition, however someone sanded off the color case finish. From searching on here, I think it’s from the 70s.
Second is an old J P Sauer & Sohn, Suhl Habicht (259474). It’s a bit rough, nickel plated, dented wood, but nice barrels and bores. 65mm I believe and possibly from 1938. May have been a waste of money, does anyone think it’s restoration worthy? I got it pretty cheap.
Third, I recently got a Luigi Franchi Condor. I know it’s a 1952 because it came in its original case with the original receipt, proofing sheets, certificates, etc in the little envelope from new; and a sort of paper catalog of all the different models available from Franchi, I’m guessing 1952. The gun is In beautiful condition, nice hand engraving and has removable chokes. From my research, it’s a nice ‘entry level’ higher end gun.
I’m going to bring them to South Florida Shooting Club which is 15 minutes away, and have them evaluated.
What do you guys suggest for shells?
From what I’ve read, nothing more than 1oz. and 1300fps. but shouldn’t the Yeoman be able to shoot most 2 3/4” shells since it’s ‘newer’? I would use this gun for hunting and clay sports, and the Franchi for birds and clays.
Thanks for reading and I am hoping to learn and share more. I will try to share pictures.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 796 Likes: 40
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 796 Likes: 40 |
A lot of us shoot shells in the 1125 to 1175 fps range. Birds and clays won't know the difference.
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1 member likes this:
DougSFL |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14,033 Likes: 1832
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14,033 Likes: 1832 |
Welcome to the illness, eh . . . I mean "club". As mentioned, you give up nothing in effectiveness by staying in the 1150 - 1165 fps range. And, it's so much easier on the gun's wood (and your shoulder), primarily at the stock head.
With the shorter chambered Sauer I'd either make an attempt to get ahold of some 2 1/2" lower pressure loads or get some B & P Comp One loads. They are 2 3/4" but are much lower pressure than most over the counter stuff. Shouldn't be any problem for it to digest if it's tight and on face.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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1 member likes this:
DougSFL |
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,876 Likes: 172
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,876 Likes: 172 |
B&P Comp 1 at 1160 FPS. They are soft shooting and clean
Mike Proctor
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1 member likes this:
DougSFL |
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,548 Likes: 343
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,548 Likes: 343 |
As Stanton said, welcome to the "club"! You'll find lots of knowledge and information here, enjoy the ride!
Karl
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1 member likes this:
DougSFL |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,180 Likes: 128
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,180 Likes: 128 |
some advise re value and durability...
guns valued at under $500 should be avoided...
guns valued over 500 to a 1000 are often best buys...
the sweet spot seems to be 1000 to 1500...
everything good for reasonable money...
gotta be a really good reason to pay over 1500 for a field grade shotgun...
Last edited by ed good; 11/03/25 11:51 AM.
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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1 member likes this:
DougSFL |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,180 Likes: 128
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,180 Likes: 128 |
of the three guns you describe, the sauer sounds like the best bang for the buck...
also, gunsmith usually can safely open Sauer chambers to 2 3/4"...but still keep loads to under 1200 psi...
and b&p comp one are wonderful loads for old and new guns...
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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2 members like this:
canvasback, DougSFL |
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Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 3
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 3 |
Thank you guys, B&P Comp 1 is the census winner for sure!
I will report back after I take them to the “doctor” to get their physicals… The JP Sauer had a rib repair, but yes, I love old German stuff… Hell, I have 3 old Mercedes Diesels.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,677 Likes: 582
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,677 Likes: 582 |
of the three guns you describe, the sauer sounds like the best bang for the buck...
also, gunsmith usually can safely open Sauer chambers to 2 3/4"...but still keep loads to under 1200 psi...
and b&p comp one are wonderful loads for old and new guns... I liked the first part of Ed's advice but pretty sure I don't go along with lengthening the chambers.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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1 member likes this:
Geoff Roznak |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,180 Likes: 128
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,180 Likes: 128 |
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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