SxS opinions

[Nevada Fitch]

I am new to the board and just finally bought my first Parker. But I have shot other people's Parker shotguns. I always wanted a nice Parker but I always had problems finding one in good shape that I could afford. I love shooting Parker shotguns, but I have shot L.C. Smiths a great deal more, because I was able to find them in good shape at prices I could afford.

Based on my experience with quite a few side by sides, I find that I can't really fault Dewey's opinions. It's no secret that the old British Bests were more finely engineered and have better locks on them in general. But for all of his bad mouthing of the L.C. Smith, and I can't say that he is wrong in his opinion, I have found the old Elsey, to be very reliable in general and despite the weak stocks on some guns, I have seen them hold up very well to a lot of heavy hunting loads.

I guess being a gunsmith he has seen too many basket cases regarding Smiths, and I am sure there are a lot of them, but after scouring the gunshows for the last 30yrs or so, always on the lookout for a decent side by side, I could afford, I have found a lot more Elseys in good working condition then I have Foxes, or Parkers, or even British Bests. But them I guess the key phase is "ones I could afford"

[todd allen]

Not looking to be too controversial, but my H&H Royal rests in the safe with a broken hammer spring, while
my VHE 12 is out killing quail.

[Spin Drift]

I have a turn of the century DH Titanic tube. It is a live Pigeon gun, no safety. The metal around the firing pin holes are according to Larry Del Grego caved in from super hot loads. Still goes bang every time I pull the trigger, regularly shoot 23/25 at skeet. Choked IM/IM. I'd like to see a Purdey take that pounding and still be in one piece 110 years later.

Spin