Sat down to buy a new shotgun today

[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.

[Stepmac]

I bought a WC Scott 12 demascus with hammers, F & F from the Guns International site. Chambers are probably short. I'll shoot RST, but I've shot regular 2 3/4 inch shells in demascus before just as Sherman Bell said I could. Still I feel more comfortable shooting RST. I'll try it at trap first. I have no idea how tight the chokes are. The gun was made in 1885 when chokes were new. Anyway I'll see. Nice looking gun. Pretty wood and clear demascus pattern.

[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.

[BRDHNTR]

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

[todd allen]

I have a sweet little 20 ga Trojan with 28" untouched barrels.
It's a sweet little quail gun. Carries like a cue stick.

[24 grams]

I just got my 20 ga O-frame Trojan back from the Gunsmith, after having the barrels rust blued, the chokes changed, and the chambers lengthened, and it shoots like an absolute dream. I think it is going to be my favorite gun. I love that little gun, and I don’t care a wit that it doesn’t have that cartoon character engraving that would make it a lot more valuable.

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by allen newell

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

A 20 gauge Trojan would be wonderful! I have my dad's little 20 gauge Knickerbocher. It's marked "New York Gun Company" I think. (I'm not looking at it as I write.) Gun was made in the early 20th Century. It is the only gun my dad ever owned. I never saw him miss a single shot with the little gun. It feels like a little Trojan.