No love for the 12ga

[Wild Skies]

IMHO, the selling prices of the everyday run-of-the-mill 12-ga. DHE Repros have been suppressed from the get go (c. late eighties/early nineties) when the retail list price was ~$3370. Compare that $3370 to the then market price of about $2000 for a 12-ga. Parker Bros. DHE in very nice condition, one could foresee the plight of the 12-ga. Repro. Couple this with the market trending toward longer barrels than what was available with the Repros, one can understand why 12-ga. Repros were going to be a tough sell then and continuing on through this day.

Having said the above, the Sporting Clays Classic and Steel Shot Special Parker Reproductions have been more immune to the price malady by getting a little more respect because of their rarity and the desirable features that they possess.

[MD*GSP]

I have to admit that as a general rule, I've spent yrs dismissing 12ga's as I've walked up and down aisles at gun shows while scanning for 20/16/28

As most know, the shows have become 80% carnival and 20% enthusiast. I make my rounds quickly and don't stop unless something captures my attention or, to shoot the breeze with friendly fellows that seem to have similar interests or interesting collections. I seek out the items tucked underneath the table and try to avoid the shysters. Lever guns stop me, Winchester 63's stop me (still haven't found one), Colts stop me, double guns stop me and a particular fella and his gal with a table full of gun sights stops me. Books too. (Bill - I avoid the jewelry girl) I think I really need to make it to one of the sxs shoots some time.

[C.O.B.]

I'm no fan of the 12 either but do shoot a couple on the clays course. With light loads 7/8oz of #8 they are comfortable even in a fairly light English hammer gun that I have.

This fall will be my first time hunting with a 12 in probably 40 years. I was smitten by an 6lb "Light Game Gun" from a British firm. I bought a case of RST 2 inch paper 3/4oz loads for grouse and woodcock. We will see how it shapes up but I'll still be using the small bores for most of my hunting.

[Bill Murphy]

The rarity of 12 gauge Repros, especially double trigger 28" guns, will insure their importance in future collector interest. Double trigger 28" open choke guns will be the cream of the crop. The best of the best were the BHE two barrel sets or 28" one barrel guns. How many were there?

[Terry Hobson]

The biggest reason I purchased the SSS was that I was told at the time it was the only way to get a 28" open choked 12 gauge-----soooo glad I did.
It is straight stock, splinter forend, and double triggers.

[Wild Skies]

Originally Posted by Terry Hobson

The biggest reason I purchased the SSS was that I was told at the time it was the only way to get a 28" open choked 12 gauge-----soooo glad I did.
It is straight stock, splinter forend, and double triggers.

Terry, we know you had one of the only 30" Repro barrel sets in existence added to your SSS. What is that set choked and do you use them much?

[Terry Hobson]

WS: The 30" set are M/F. Have hardly ever used them, maybe 50 rounds. I did shoot a dozen or so pheasants in South Dakota a couple Decembers ago with them.

I do shoot skeet with the SSS often and have been meaning to try trap with the 30" tubes. I have never shot more than 2 or 3 rounds of trap in my lifetime but I keep walking past the trap line at the gun club and telling myself I should bring the 30's and give it a try.

[Wild Skies]

How about posting some pics of your SSS set in the "Let's see some wood!" thread Terry? Please include pics of not only the wood, but also of the complete gun in its case -- which is as unique as the gun itself.

[Terry Hobson]

After much struggling with my IPAD, Mac Book Air, and resizing photos. Here is my first attempt at attaching photos.

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[MD*GSP]

That's a 28/30" barrel set, with matching case!? ..that's got to be rare - good find Terry.

(btw - on Mac, just open any photo using Preview - through the tools dialogue, select Adjust Size.., it will show you the new file size as you make adjustments)