lets compare 12 gauge field guns...

we would all benefit from hearing your opinion...

you first...

There are American field grade double and English field made doubles. Some are better than others.

You next Ed...

The only appropriate comparison seems to be "machine made" American and British doubles, because comparing non-machine made guns to bespoke guns is apples to oranges.

There is no comparison between the American made and the English "Best" guns. The English guns are so much more balanced and feel more lively in the hands.

I predict we will never hear anything from Ed about his own question. He never dared to discuss how he measures barrels, for instance. He is just hoping to hit a nerve somewhere and stir up a mess.

American double tend to be robust in design and build, trading more weight for ability to withstand extended use of heavy loads. British guns tend to be lighter, swapping weight for fleetness, while also giving up the ability to withstand prolong use of heavy loads. It is apples to oranges as others have pointed out.

Both were built in times when a man may have one gun for all types of use, which no longer apply. Most of us would feel very limited if only allowed a single gun. We might find one which we could use but would feel very bad for having to leave so many deserving guns home. Why, on opening day of Dove season I heard three model 42’s crying on the gun rack as I chose another. And don’t get me started on what the 28’s and 20’s were muttering. So many nice guns and so few days to use them all. Shoot well my friends and take one of those poor doubles shooting. It makes them so happy.

As far as manufacturing processes, I'd take any of the fine Italian doubleguns being made today, whether side-by-side or over-under. If I could select a used but well cared for Italian made Over-under that I have seen pictured in various articles and books, hands down- the Beretta 12 with straight hand stock and double triggers that once belonged to the late Ernest Hemingway, as shown in Silvio Calabi's (and his dos amigoes) books on Hemingway's guns-- Of topic, but I also own a 12 gauge Trap grade Model 12- 30" Full solid rib made in 1929 that looks to be much like the one Don Ernesto used for many years. If I could only pick from my many 12 bore shotguns one and one only to sustain me for the rest of my gunning years, it would that M12, hands down. You can never wear out a Model 12, given proper cleaning and maintenance. RWTF

foxie, i no hits hard, but try to stay focused...

if you wanna pontificate about i talian gons, himmin way an model 12's, dats fine, but then do start anutter tred sum wares else, mebbe...

For the most part, when it comes to the way they handle, you'd have to compare Brit 12s to Yank 16s. But currently, 12s are a buyers' market. Whether Brit or Yank.

I'm an American, boys, I've come a long way
I was born and bred in the USA
So listen up close, I've got something to say
Boys, I'm buying this round

Steve Earl "Johnny Come Lately"

Imagine you are an American shooter or hunter, it's 1905 and you have a couple of bucks saved up to buy your "Forever Gun". What a great time shopping features, engraving and so on.

Could you please translate please, oh Gent'man o de Sowth?? Ich verstahen nicht. Der Fuchs.

L.C. Smith grade 4E -12 gauge, 28" IC & Mod- straight hand grip, DT --oh, wait a minute guys, I already have one. RWTF. And Edmundo, a great number of the Limey gunmakers of today are using parts made to their order in Italy. And larger than life Limey shotgunning legend George Digweed shoots Perazzi- last time I looked, they were made in Italy. RWTF

Ed, why not ask us to compare and contrast American and British sports cars, or better yet compare and contrast beautiful females. That is easier, better teeth and bigger boobs for the US ladies. Except those from California who might just be trans, still with better teeth if that matters.

Ask Dewey Vicknair or better yet visit his site and read all his blogs for some very interesting comments on American doubles from someone who talks the talk and walks the walk.