1850s German SxS

[Jay Oliver]

I was shooting sporting clays today with a Parker and this 1850s German muzzleloader. It is a 15 gauge with 34” barrels that have been refinished by Breck Gorman. When I got the gun there wasn’t any finish left on the barrels, Breck turn them into functioning art.

I was reminded how much I enjoy these early guns. No need to worry about finding the right shells. You can’t help but slow down and enjoy the experience. They work too…I would say I shot it just was well as I shoot any cartridge gun.

I was shooting 3 1/4 drams of 2f Goex and 1oz. of shot(this is a great load in this gun). In certain hunting situations it would be just as easy to load bismuth as it is to load lead. I also think they represent a good value in the vintage gun market as they are just not in high demand.

I love the engraving on the trigger guard of this gun(which I have shared in the past). Nothing like loading your shotgun with your dog at your side.

It was nice to take a stroll in the past and shoot a gun our beloved Parkers were replacing. I would recommend trying if you have never shot one before…