Sat down to buy a new shotgun today

[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 !

Of course you are right, but I have purchased over the years demascus barrels and have shot them with confidence. Have they been honed? I don't know. I shoot old shotguns, might not be too smart, but that is what I do. I've got an old LC Smith O grade, a 1900 Remy and an ancient Astra Spanish double. Pretty gun. I've got two Parkers, a GH and an SC, neat guns, but my favorites to shoot are old Winny Model 12s in 16 and 12. The guns are worn silver, from the 20s. Hemingway would love them. I do too.

[tom tutwiler]

IMO the best deal on a 16 gauge out there right now is the Fox Sterlingworth. 28" barreled guns are everywhere and pretty darn cheap. Later Savage made guns will have a better chance of having more modern dimensions and also 2 3/4" chambers. Most of them will be under 6.5 pounds. They are pretty simple guns which is a good thing. PS. Finding ones with a good bit of case color and unturned screws will be a bit tougher, but they are certainly out there. 12 gauges are at give away prices, but the 16's handle much better in the woods imo.

[Bill Murphy]

A 12 gauge VH Parker or Fox Sterlingworth in high original condition would be my choice.

[Double Lab]

Keep looking. There are decent Parkers out there for under 2k. I also suggest to consider a Fox Sterlingworth or an A grade, and or a Lefever, or both.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Don't turn your nose up on a solid Trojan. They break birds and take game as well as a graded gun will. Personally, I like VH Parkers. Solid guns that shoot and shoot and shoot.... I have some higher grade guns only because they were at the right price. As WHO mentioned, join the PGCA and you'll have access to the "For Sale" forum where you are guaranteed to find some nice shotguns.

[BRDHNTR]

Of all my Parkers, my 20 ga Trojan is the favorite..

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Keep looking. There are decent Parkers out there for under 2k. I also suggest to consider a Fox Sterlingworth or an A grade, and or a Lefever, or both.

I've been messing with antique shotguns for 50+ years. I own a wonderful Sterly in 12 and a very nice, but low grade Lefever 12. I am drawn to old double guns. They sing. I also like 16 gauge. They seem to shoot as hard as do 12s and the guns are just enough lighter to make a difference. Least to me. Now this may make you guys cringe, but I just bought a 16 gauge Model 12 Winny, made in 1934. No finish, okay wood. It fits me.

[Garth Gustafson]

I love 16ga and both of my Parkers are 16s. But unless you load your own, just know we are dealing with a long term 16ga ammo shortage for our vintage 2-1/2" chambered guns. You'll be very disappointed when it comes time to buy shells. 12 ga and 20 ga shells are more available. Happy hunting!

[Andy]

I would take a 16 or 20 Trojan in 28” that fit me all day long. I felt the same about Trojans till I bought one in 16g. 12 tend to be heavy but don’t let the simplicity of a Trojan fool you. That’s their beauty. Handle a 16 Trojan before you judge one. It will still be going a century after you’re 6 feet on the wrong side of the flower bed!

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Andrew Sacco

I would take a 16 or 20 Trojan in 28” that fit me all day long. I felt the same about Trojans till I bought one in 16g. 12 tend to be heavy but don’t let the simplicity of a Trojan fool you. That’s their beauty. Handle a 16 Trojan before you judge one. It will still be going a century after you’re 6 feet on the wrong side of the flower bed!

Ah, yes. Most of my old friends and many squadron mates (I was a Marine fighter pilot) are gone. While I loved flying attack fighters and operating off of
carriers, the absolutely favorite times in my life were hunting bob white quail in western Kansas. I shot a Japanese O/U Browning. My uncle shot a Win Model 12 and we had a ball. There were half a dozen of us shooting. No dogs. Ah there is a blond who creeps into my memory.....