A further factor to add to those already mentioned that may be playing a part in decreasing prices for British side by sides here in the UK is the ongoing phasing out of lead shot and its perceived limitations in a 2 1/2 inch chambered twelve bore.This perception may change with the development of 2 1/2 inch steel and bismuth /tin /zinc cartridges . In the majority of walk and stand shoots a 30 yard bird is a good bird which is within the capability of the the new non lead cartridges.
It may also be the case that dealers are loathe to add to their stock while the economic effect of the Covid pandemic is unclear.
While it is true you can get a better value side by side for your money than an over and under, especially if you shop privately rather than through the trade ,I do not see vast amounts of good quality side by sides at ridiculously low prices..
As Imperdix says younger shots and those entering the sport having first shot clays tend to buy an over and under as their first gun with the result that average condition average priced predominantly Spanish side by sides are trading at lower prices.
Bargains can be had when people who bought a nice side by side and have maintained their gun well ,perhaps having shot on few occasions ,decide to retire from the field and and decide not to renew their shotgun certificate. As a result some nice old English boxed boxlock ejectors are put on the market where there is no huge demand and the prices achieved reflect that.
Last edited by Konor3inch; 11/21/20 05:40 AM. Reason: Addition
