Sat down to buy a new shotgun today

[Stepmac]

Today I grabbed my computer tuned into Gunsinternational and clicked onto the shotguns site. I figure I've got $2K to spend without too much response from the boss. Might go to $3. First I looked at the Army Navy shotguns sight. I was really temped to order a WC Scott 12 for $1,800. A very nice 12 gauge, solid steel barrels, Skeet and extra full. Beautiful wood. I may still buy it. I am somehow drawn to buy guns like those owned by Ernest Hemingway. His favorite was an WC Scott gun not far from the one I want. But he also blew his brains out with his WC Scott which gives me a cold chill and drives me from owning such a gun. So I looked at Parkers....Now friends, Parkers are "spendy" as we say in Oregon. However I found an okay looking Trojan in 16 gauge. Not in the best of shape, but $2000 which is in my price range....but Trojans don't blow my shirt up...much anyway. I checked the Baker site and found several Bavarians (sp?). Not bad guns, and not too expensive. Those Bavarians are nice looking guns and I can get one in 16, which I like. So what would you buy? Also saw a beat up Fox Sterly for $650 in 16...not in the best condition, but I own a Fox Sterly and like them.

[WHO]

My suggestion is to pay $40 and become a PGCA member. You will then have access to the For Sale section on this forum where many nice guns at good prices have been, are, and will be listed.

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Wayne Owens

My suggestion is to pay $40 and become a PGCA member. You will then have access to the For Sale section on this forum where many nice guns at good prices have been, are, and will be listed.

I think I am a member. When I sign in my name comes up. I joined in 2011, I think. Sorry, my memory is shot. I used to be able to recall when and where and for how much I purchased each of my guns and I owned hundreds. Sold about half of them after I turned 78. Figured I'd give others a chance to love them as I had done for 50 years. I love being alive tho and am enjoying the Parker Pages and reading old copies of Double Gun.

[Phil Yearout]

Don’t turn up your nose at a Trojan, especially in 16ga. 2k seems a bit pricy however, especially in the condition you mention.

[Steiner]

You could own a beautiful D grade 12 gauge Parker in your price range or a great “shooter” V grade 12 gauge for $1,500 or less.

[24 grams]

Originally Posted by Dan Steingraber

You could own a beautiful D grade 12 gauge Parker in your price range or a great “shooter” V grade 12 gauge for $1,500 or less.

Good luck finding a D grade gun in good condition for $2,000.
I would rather have a high condition V, than a beat-up D.

[SXS OHIO]

Fox, Parker, L.C. Smith, Ithica. Set tight and keep looking and saving for what you really want. The fun is in the hunt! 12 gauge guns are going to be the best price point, but do you really want a 12? Do not forget to buy a gun that fits you and you can shoot well. If buying a 16 look for one that is 6lbs-4oz or a little less. Buying online, make sure the seller has a return policy just in case they missed mentioning a unexpectable flaw. Ask all the questions about the guns condition. Do the barrels ring, do they have any dents or dent repairs, are the bores bright. Is the gun tight on face and so on. Good luck with your hunt....(-: SXS ohio

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Kenny Graft

Fox, Parker, L.C. Smith, Ithica. Set tight and keep looking and saving for what you really want. The fun is in the hunt! 12 gauge guns are going to be the best price point, but do you really want a 12? Do not forget to buy a gun that fits you and you can shoot well. If buying a 16 look for one that is 6lbs-4oz or a little less. Buying online, make sure the seller has a return policy just in case they missed mentioning a unexpectable flaw. Ask all the questions about the guns condition. Do the barrels ring, do they have any dents or dent repairs, are the bores bright. Is the gun tight on face and so on. Good luck with your hunt....(-: SXS ohio

Thanks for you comments SXS. I ended up buying a W.S. Scott in 12 F&F. It is a hammer gun, damascus, 2.5 I'm sure. Looks like a nice gun in the pictures. I'll see what I get.

[Brush Buster]

One other suggestion ,you probably won't be looking at Damascus Barreled guns if you're new to buying Old Doubles but should one catch your eye with Damascus Barrels ask about the Bore Condition and the Minimal Barrel Wall Thickness as the early powders caused corrosion ,hence possible pitting ,this is especially important with the guns that are advertised with exceptionally clean Inside Bores ,which may have been honed and again make sure of the return policy to give you time to get the Wall Thickness Measured !

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Russ Jackson

One other suggestion ,you probably won't be looking at Damascus Barreled guns if you're new to buying Old Doubles but should one catch your eye with Damascus Barrels ask about the Bore Condition and the Minimal Barrel Wall Thickness as the early powders caused corrosion ,hence possible pitting ,this is especially important with the guns that are advertised with exceptionally clean Inside Bores ,which may have been honed and again make sure of the return policy to give you time to get the Wall Thickness Measured !

I am 80 and have been shooting and buying guns for a long time. I was a Marine when we thought the M-14 was cutting edge. I've been shooting antique shotguns for 50 years. I prefer damascus barrels. I appreciate your concerns. But really, as we, me, creep up to the end of our lives things change
.