I'm wondering if anybody has any information and thoughts on this gun. I believe the model is a "HUNTER SPECIAL". I've been looking for a 28", 12 gauge for pheasant hunting. It's a sidelock with nice engraving and nice wood. Any idea of when this model was manufactured? This gun is listed on Gun Broker if you want to look at it.
Thank you for your help.
I don't know but I don't think that gun is a true sidelock. I think is is a boxlock with plates. FWIW Jake
They're still in biz.
http://www.renatogamba.it/I looked at some of them in boxlock and the true sidelocks. Nice looking pics on the net. I've not handled one in person, but heard good feedback here when I asked about them.
I'm sure you are correct about it being a boxlock with sideplates.
Gamba's first sidelock model is the 'London' series. As with all post war Italian guns, there is a datecode on the barrel flats. the code is progressive Roman numerals from 1945-1974 and a two letter code from 1975 forward. Do a search.. it is posted frequently and is also available at the Beretta web site. Gamba makes good guns and is known for not answering correspondence.
I have two Renato Gambas. One boxlock and one Boxlock with a Side Plate.They are great guns, well made and high quality.They have had past problems with a proper dealer in the US,but otherwise I would be very confident.They have been responsive by e mail when I have had a problem or question
I realize this may be a rookie question but this gun has no rib extension. All the guns I have looked at have a rib extension that locks into the standing breech. Is this a concern for the barrels becoming loose on face?
Here are the Italian date codes:
X = 1954 XX7 = 1971 AT = 1988
XI = 1955 XX8 = 1972 AU = 1989
XII = 1956 XX9 = 1973 AZ = 1990
XIII = 1957 XXX = 1974 BA = 1991
XIV = 1958 AA = 1975 BB = 1992
XV = 1959 AB = 1976 BC = 1993
XVI = 1960 AC = 1977 BD = 1994
XVII = 1961 AD = 1978 BF = 1995
XVIII = 1962 AE = 1979 BH = 1996
XIX = 1963 AF = 1980 BI = 1997
XX = 1964 AH = 1981 BL = 1998
XXI = 1965 AI = 1982 BM = 1999
XXII = 1966 AL = 1983 BN = 2000
XXIII = 1967 AM = 1984 BP =2001
XXIV = 1968 AN = 1985 BS = 2002
XXV = 1969 AP = 1986
XXVI = 1970 AS = 1987
Thanks for the date codes. I also found them on the Beretta site. I am looking at this gun tomorrow.
Any comments on the need for a rib extension?