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New to SxS Shotguns

BoyWonderBoyWonder Member Posts: 63 ✭✭
edited April 2002 in Ask the Experts
I'd like to get a side by side shotgun, but I can't spend more than about $1000. Are any of the less expensive ones decently well made (i.e. Huglu, American Arms, etc)? I certainly value function over form, a nice engraving won't save a flawed gun. I'd like to hear good or bad experiences from anyone who has had a lower priced SxS...
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Comments

  • punchiepunchie Member Posts: 2,792 ✭
    edited November -1
    Is a NIB gun one of your priorities? There are quite a few very good quality used doubles on the market well under your $1000 price range. No you won't get a pristine L.C. Smith, Parker or Winchester 21 for that price but for quality American guns when true craftsman (not just parts assemblers) made them your choices are almost limitless.

    AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY
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  • BoyWonderBoyWonder Member Posts: 63 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good point, I agree that a used one would probably be a better gun for the money...
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  • BUCK/91/92BUCK/91/92 Member Posts: 35 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    BoyWonder, I have an older SxS made by Hercules for Montgomery Ward in 12ga.. If interested please call- 518-587-7885
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  • nordnord Member Posts: 6,106 ✭
    edited November -1
    No! No! No! There is no such thing as a gun made by Hercules. It's only a trade name for products. The real manufacturer was Stevens or somesuch.

    Now for the important part... Go to a gunshow with cash in pocket. Look for a quality used double (Parker, Fox, Lefever, Smith, or Ithaca). Swing them and pick one that fits. Watch for cracked wrists on the Elcee's as that's their delicate point. Make sure you're getting fluid steel tubes. Check to make sure the chambers are relieved for modern ammo.

    My personal choice will always be the Elcee. No matter the delicate wrist, these guns just seem to fit. You'll discover the same, though it might be one of the others that fit you best.

    Good field doubles will go from about $500.00 +/-. Unlike a new gun, they'll keep their value if you buy them right.

    nord
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  • old single shotsold single shots Member Posts: 3,594
    edited November -1
    Hercules sxs shotguns were made by Iver Johnson from 1918 to 1943.
    I agree,you should be able to find an excellant quality used double for under 1000 dollars.
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  • PiadeaPiadea Member Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    How about a nice SKB? email bcrawford47@netscape.net
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  • loan sharkloan shark Member Posts: 130 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Look on the web for a Beretta Silverhawk that was discontinued in 1967. I have one that I paid under $900 for that everytime I take it out everyone wants to see it. Much better quality than the one they sell now and much nicer. Still don't know how I paid so little for such a nice shotgun. Was made before interchangable chokes but Briley's took care of that problem. Everybody thinks it's a $3,000 shotgun and I love mine.
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  • nelchrisnelchris Member Posts: 557 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE BUT A NEW A.A TURKEY 3 1/2 CHAMBER ,CHOKE TUBES GREAT SHOOTER FROM QUAIL TO GEESE ALL FOR AROUND 500
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  • BoyWonderBoyWonder Member Posts: 63 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks to all for the advice. I'm going to hit the San Diego gunshow this weekend and see if I can put it to good use...
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  • martzkj@msn.commartzkj@msn.com Member Posts: 582 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Didn't know CA would let you own a gun that held more than one shot.
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