Scottish Gun
 

A few months ago I convinced my wife to accompany me to Scottland for the purpose of attending the Open Championship. I've recently decided that I would explore the possibility of bringing home a souvenir in the form of a 20 or 28 gauge SxS. Preferably from the late 1800's through about 1930. Hammerless and 2 1/2 or 2 3/4 chambers. Considering the body of knowledge present in this group it seemed like the obvious place to start my search for information. As my lovely and talented wife will likely be present for the transaction, I'd like to be in the $10k and less range. BTW, I've already begaun to lay the ground work by suggesting we find something special for her on the trip in the same price range. :cool:

do your home work on the export/import process

In the process.

A round body 20 ga might just be what you're looking for.

If find a 20 gauge round body for $10k, please let us know. While in Scotland, look up Dicksons https://www.john-dickson.com/. Also, Graham Mackinlay in Glascow https://www.gmackinlay.com/. They can both help with the export/import process. The cost to export/import is probably about $800-$1000.

I hope you are driving and can take in the sites along with the distilleries.

Ken

A couple points which may be worth considering. I believe you could find Scottish or English guns in 12 which would approximate what our 20s feel like. Also remember, the small gauge sidelocks or round actions are not plentiful. Your quest is not impossible, just unlikely on vacation trip.

Prior to considering purchase and handling export/import yourself, you may want to talk to someone who does that for a living here in the US. I attempted the same once, I incurred some disappointment.
Best!

Thanks Dean. I've received similar advice from a friend. I do have a contact in Scottland that has been helping with details of our stay and I've asked him for his thoughts as well.

You sir, have the makings of a fine and successful collector! :whistle:





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If you get to the Isle of Skye, plan a meal at Three Chimneys. In the middle of nowhere, and expensive, but worth every pound

Frasers are very high quality scottish guns that you cannot go wrong with.

Thanks Brian. A friend mentioned that maker as well.

Keep in mind, gun shops are generally not open on Saturday and Sunday.

If possible, visit Crockart in Blairgowrie. Great little gun and fly rod shop, not to mention single malt.

It was within our lifetimes when American retailers were closed on Saturdays and Sundays as well but shareholders and BOD's put an end to that silly practice... all for the almighty dollar.





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Dan, you already have something incredibly valuable -- an understanding and supportive wife. I predict great things for your collecting.

Off topic but: In small town South Georgia, Sunday yes. After all you should be in church. Saturday however was when everyone came to town to shop. Actually the busiest work day of the week. Now days everyone is closed on Saturday and they sell beer on Sunday.

Mention Scottish guns and The Double Gun Journal, Volume Ten, Issue 1, page 141 to 145, comes to mind.

Bling, Bling:)

I do in fact Gary. I do however have a recurring nightmare that I die suddenly and she sells all of my guns for what I told her I paid for them. :-)

Thanks Dave. Those are instructions I can follow.

I have always been fond of Papes, myself. “The Purdey of the north.”

Ha! You and Gene Hill!:rotf::rotf:

I almost forgot , the shoot I attended last Saturday one of my friends had a McNaughton that had been sleeved by Dixon . Another friend had a McNaughton and another guy I just met had a Dixon unless I’m mistaken they were all Scottish guns .

My friend went to visit his daughter in England a few years ago and, while there, visited Purdey's, Holland & Holland's, and Dickson's. He said he found Purdey's and Dickson's warm and very hospitable. H & H not so much. I remember he found a good number of used guns for sale at Dickson's.

Good luck!

Sounds like you're talking about good old George.
My experience differs. Having a business in England, I spent about 8 weeks each year, and found plenty to entertain myself.
I became friendly with Billy Billimoria, at H&H and even after he retired got cards and letters after he went back to India. I spent more than a few hours in the basement 'museum' at Bruton Street, handling guns no one gets to see, and enjoying 'refreshments'.
Same was true at William Evans.
Purdey's tried being stuffy, but I laughed it off, and got on well after that.
At my insistence, we had many after hours sessions at the Anglesey Arms, just round the corner from my hotel ('round the corner was very relative, depending on whether you were going to, or returning from.)

Had a 4 hour tour of the H & H facility given by the plant manager. Fascinating. Got to handle a 20 gauge SxSxS 3 barrel gun. Felt much better than I thought it would

Wonderful story of a world gone by. Thanks for sharing.

That sounds like my experience there back in 1986. My friend Max who was showing me around London, not a gun person at all, but he was from the same sect in India as the gentleman in charge of the gun room at H & H so while they chatted I had the run of the place.

Dan, I saw that you were attending the Southern, yes? If so, the owner of John Dickson & Sons will be there and another firm that imports guns from the U.K. You may get some leads.

Thank you Sir.

British Sporting Arms, In Millbrook, NY, is a registered importer.

Thank you.

Buying a gun to import is the easy part. They’ll take your money and expect YOU to figure out how to get it state side. Just make sure whom you buy from, they are experienced in export, and are willing to apply for export permit. Before an export permit can be applied for, you first must have a import permit from ATF. An experienced importer is a must. And don’t forget, the exchange rate will make your $10,000.00 purchase roughly about $13,035.00 currently. If you’re fortunate to find what you’re looking for, don’t expect to get it state side quickly. It took me 6 months to get my last shipment in. Good luck!

Griffen & Howell has a robust US business importing and exporting firearms to/from the UK

Thank you for the great insight.