doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Under-Snap-Action Purdey Thumbhole Lever ..

I use this c. 1874 ( rebarreled )Charles Lancaster with no problems. I seem to shoot it quite well and carry it for target and hunting more times than not.

1892 snap underlever as used by James Woodward on "The Automatic."

Dig.....Given the high pheasants you shoot, you'd have time to have four dead in the air even if you were muzzle loading

I wish some would buy this so Ted could get his commission check.

Mr. Wolfe-

That Lancaster is very nice.

If you don't mind me asking, who did the restoration work on it?

Thanks

OWD

OWD
Les Paul did a pretty much complete redo (orig wood) with the case colors done by Doug Turnbull.

Rocketman,

Nice Automatic!

I have a Woodward Automatic double rifle made in 1891.



It can be viewed in detail at:

James Woodward and Sons, "The Automatic"

These are rare and fascinating guns. Who else put a roller bearing on the front of the bolt for ease of operation?

Curl

Marrikai, The purdey thumbhole action was abandoned very soon after the apearance of the toplever. a thumbhole ejector gun would be very unusual. I do however, have a Purdey hammer ejector that was made for the Earl of Pourtsmouth in 1904. It is numbered 8 on the toplever so it wouldn't ger mixed up with all the others. It is light and fast, but choked a bit too tight for our ruffed grouse. It would be good for driven, or our Western phesants. It was rebarreled in the 20's by Bate of Birmingham.

Rocketman and Dennis, It is good to see that some great guns still get out into the field. I believe that is the first Lancaster thumblever I have seen. I have never used a Woodward Automatic but I'm sure they are wonderful.

I find the underlever system to be very efficent. At last years Vintage Cup stalking rifle competition I was able to fire 6 aimed shots with a Ruger #1 single shot in 16 seconds. I was only able to do 18 seconds with a toplever ejector double. I like the push underlever so well that I am thinking of having a Searcy underlever double made. I also like the clean top these actions have.

All the best, Mal

Thanks for all the comments and observations. I learned alot. The downside to this is that the gun I was looking at sold. Yes, Ted it was the link to the Boss you provided. Story of my life. Well at least I am a better person from the wisdom provided and know what to look for in the future. Thanks guys!

2X zero is still zero, viagra jOe. I guess I'm not the only one who thought it splendid, and worth the asking price...
Best,
Ted