You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Side by Side
- Thread starter Turk
- Start date
The Repros aren't being made anymore, and have assumed some collector's status. Their asking prices make that SKB look like a bargain.
There's plenty of classic doubles out there,LC Smith,Ithaca, Parker, and my personal favorite, Fox, all made great guns.Unfortunately, everyone knows it now and prices are horrendous.
Buying a SXS is a path full of traps and pitfalls. Just because it's a double doesn't mean it's good. Lots of junk was either made here or imported, and lots of stuff that was not all that good or safe new is now close to a century old.
Still occasionally one can run acoss a decent deal on a Continental or English boxlock. I've seen French guns of definite quality go for less than $1000, and some for less than $500. One I owned for a while handled like a best gun and came in at 6 lbs, 5 oz. IIRC, it was sold to me for $300, and I made some profit when I sold it.
Skip the Belgian stuff, most of it here is junk. People wanting good shotguns in the 19th Century went for the classic US makers or a Brit gun.
HTH...
There's plenty of classic doubles out there,LC Smith,Ithaca, Parker, and my personal favorite, Fox, all made great guns.Unfortunately, everyone knows it now and prices are horrendous.
Buying a SXS is a path full of traps and pitfalls. Just because it's a double doesn't mean it's good. Lots of junk was either made here or imported, and lots of stuff that was not all that good or safe new is now close to a century old.
Still occasionally one can run acoss a decent deal on a Continental or English boxlock. I've seen French guns of definite quality go for less than $1000, and some for less than $500. One I owned for a while handled like a best gun and came in at 6 lbs, 5 oz. IIRC, it was sold to me for $300, and I made some profit when I sold it.
Skip the Belgian stuff, most of it here is junk. People wanting good shotguns in the 19th Century went for the classic US makers or a Brit gun.
HTH...
try Jaqua' s or www.griffinhowe.com or the links at www.shootingsportsman.com Gun List often has SXS in it. Good luck.
SXS
Look at the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Aug.,2001 issue for the cover story on affordable SxS shotguns.
I just saw the Baikal Russian shotguns at a retail store for the first time Saturday and was so favorably impressed that I bought the IZH 27 O/U on sale for $359. The wood was walnut and seemed to fit as well as others costing 3-4X as much. The floor model was quite stiff to open and close but happily my NIB shotgun was better.
The SxS was selling for $299. Check the European American Armory website. They have hammer forged barrels which are chrome lined, selective ejectors and a buttpad which seem to look as good as anybodys.
Not the heirloom quality of an English SxS but they are a big bang for the buck. They are made by the same arsenal that makes the AK and Makarov pistol so you can bet that they shoot.
Look at the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Aug.,2001 issue for the cover story on affordable SxS shotguns.
I just saw the Baikal Russian shotguns at a retail store for the first time Saturday and was so favorably impressed that I bought the IZH 27 O/U on sale for $359. The wood was walnut and seemed to fit as well as others costing 3-4X as much. The floor model was quite stiff to open and close but happily my NIB shotgun was better.
The SxS was selling for $299. Check the European American Armory website. They have hammer forged barrels which are chrome lined, selective ejectors and a buttpad which seem to look as good as anybodys.
Not the heirloom quality of an English SxS but they are a big bang for the buck. They are made by the same arsenal that makes the AK and Makarov pistol so you can bet that they shoot.
booker noe
New member
What Brooks said!I bought a Baikal o/u 12 gauge 4 months ago and love it.Have run 3 case's through it with no problems,patterns nice,was a great deal for someone with very limited funds.(me)
Matt
Matt
rugerfreak
New member
I bought a Baikal SxS about 2 weeks ago---still haven't found the time to go shoot it yet----but so far, it's much more gun than the $299 price would indicate.
Nevada Fitch
New member
The best side X side I have owned so far is a Winchester Model 23. these guns usually go for around 1100 to 1200 dollars used. but don't be afraid to offer less I got mine at a gunshow for around 950 if I remember right.
The old L. C. Smiths are good sound guns normaly. Even heavely used ones are still pretty tight when they lock up.
However, I would get a Winchester mod. 23 if you can find one. I have given mine a trial by fire and it has never failed me. The only thing I don't like about it is it has a single selective trigger and I prefer double triggers but other than that it has been the absolutly best shotgun I have ever owned.
The old L. C. Smiths are good sound guns normaly. Even heavely used ones are still pretty tight when they lock up.
However, I would get a Winchester mod. 23 if you can find one. I have given mine a trial by fire and it has never failed me. The only thing I don't like about it is it has a single selective trigger and I prefer double triggers but other than that it has been the absolutly best shotgun I have ever owned.
Guys,
Thanks for the information. It looks like if I want a quality side by side I’ll have to pay the $1500.00 plus. The article in AR was informative. I’ve looked at a couple of SKB’s they’re nice but have a single trigger and I like a double trigger.
My plans now are to restore (bluing and restock) my grandfathers LC Smith 12 Ga. that is the shotgun I was raise with. I’m sure it won’t hurt the price because in the early 70’s my brother restored it (screwed it up). The LC Smith will be great for rabbit and pheasant but I’d like to have a new one chambered for 3” shells.
You all have a good day and thanks again.
Turk
Thanks for the information. It looks like if I want a quality side by side I’ll have to pay the $1500.00 plus. The article in AR was informative. I’ve looked at a couple of SKB’s they’re nice but have a single trigger and I like a double trigger.
My plans now are to restore (bluing and restock) my grandfathers LC Smith 12 Ga. that is the shotgun I was raise with. I’m sure it won’t hurt the price because in the early 70’s my brother restored it (screwed it up). The LC Smith will be great for rabbit and pheasant but I’d like to have a new one chambered for 3” shells.
You all have a good day and thanks again.
Turk
there are a plethora of used Fox, and Savage/fox copies... (the 310C) out there... look around...
I have a pair of 310's... and love them...one in 20, and 1 in 12...
there is also the inexpensive, but solidly built Stoeger import...
they are a bit lacking in fit and finish, but go for under 300 NEW... and function is FLAWLESS...
I have a pair of 310's... and love them...one in 20, and 1 in 12...
there is also the inexpensive, but solidly built Stoeger import...
they are a bit lacking in fit and finish, but go for under 300 NEW... and function is FLAWLESS...