|
03-09-2020, 12:17 PM | #3 | ||||||
|
I have an HJ Hussey "Imperial" that in terms of fit, finish and quality, compares to pretty much all well known English makers. Often times these other makers were hired to make guns for the same families who bought guns from Purdey, Holland, Boss, etc, for "lesser" members of their families and that's especially true for boxlocks.
If you are interested in a British gun, you really do need to do research. As much as the market for American doubles is depressed, the market for English guns is even more so and so deals can be found. The biggest challenge in finding a British gun in the US is finding one that hasn't been shot to death or otherwise abused. |
||||||
The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Jay Gardner For Your Post: |
03-09-2020, 01:39 PM | #4 | ||||||
|
I have six or eight English guns, and all but one are hammer guns. I will say this, that compared to my American guns, the English guns are in general sturdier.
__________________
" I love the look Hobbs, my Vizsla, gives me after my second miss in a row." |
||||||
03-09-2020, 02:26 PM | #5 | ||||||
|
Garhart,
The A&D guns are pretty tough guns. When buying a British gun make sure the gun is still in proof. Guns out of proof take a big hit on price. If you are looking at Brit guns, The British Boxlock by Diggory Hadoke is a good book to pick up. Prices for lesser known makers should be a lot lower than well known makers. Ken |
||||||
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Ken Hill For Your Post: |
03-09-2020, 02:39 PM | #6 | ||||||
|
I'm sure John Campbell will chime in soon.
|
||||||
03-09-2020, 02:59 PM | #7 | ||||||
|
Mr. Stephenson:
I invite you to take the plunge and try an English gun! But please make sure it's in good shootable condition, so you won't be saddled with extra refurbishment expenses to take it afield. Many of the grand English guns have suffered a diet of stout American ammunition, and that puts a great strain on a gunstock that's 100 years old or so. Barrel wall thickness is another issue. This should be checked by a competent double gunsmith. Be circumspect of any wall thickness under .025 inches, although a bit thinner toward the muzzle might be okay. A reputable seller will be your best bet for all this. In fact, I've noticed that Mr. Peck has a nice "starter" sidelock for sale on our For Sale forum. It might be one to consider. But generally, a sound A&D box lock is going to be a first-timber's best bet. Good luck! |
||||||
The Following User Says Thank You to John Campbell For Your Post: |
03-09-2020, 09:23 PM | #8 | ||||||
|
Ken, please elaborate on "out of proof". From what I understand, in England, a shotgun is out of proof if the internal measurements vary more than .010" from the original dimensions stamped on the barrel flats, correct?
One of the top candidates I am considering is an english 16 ga., originally nitro proofed for 1 1/8 oz./ 900 bar with factory 2 3/4" chambers. |
||||||
03-10-2020, 12:12 AM | #9 | |||||||
|
Quote:
|
|||||||
03-10-2020, 10:02 AM | #10 | ||||||
|
Ken, it is a 16 ga., not a 12 ga.
|
||||||
|
|