Thread: Old doubles (SxS) shotguns anyone?

Anyone else have a love for old double guns...specifically shotguns? I was introduced to shooting old double guns by a very good friend and accomplished gunsmith many years ago. I enjoy a day afield shooting pheasant, quail or partridge using a pre-war double hammer gun, a depression era double, or any old double. Something about the sight line down a SxS and the swing of a double that just works for me.

I have to admit I do get a certain sense of satisfaction showing up to a sporting clay invitational charity shoot with a depression era double gun that originally cost $10 and matching others with $300 tweed shooting jackets and $15000 English doubles. Don't get me wrong, i LOVE the high $$, beautiful doubles form the best European makers, I just can't afford to own them. I don't buy doubles or shotguns to hang on the wall, they get used in the field and on the range. So many of the best double guns are true works of art, functional works of art but there is something satisfying to me about taking the ugly duckling of a double (perhaps a Sears and Roebuck 20g double from the 30s or 40s) and dusting clay birds or coming home with a full game bag from the field.

Natty

I've shot SXS doubles for 55 years. love them. I've owned stevens, fox, fulton, browning and now a CZ. Now I've owned over and under, pumps and autos but the SXS doubles are also my favorite. When I was younger it all about the 12's. now that I'm not so young it's the 20 that has my heart.

Originally Posted by rhensley

I've shot SXS doubles for 55 years. love them. I've owned stevens, fox, fulton, browning and now a CZ. Now I've owned over and under, pumps and autos but the SXS doubles are also my favorite. When I was younger it all about the 12's. now that I'm not so young it's the 20 that has my heart.

Agreed re: 20s. One thing about those old doubles are the forcing cones are usually very short and they have a sharp recoil. Not necessarily a heavy recoil but a sharp, quick jolt. The double I have that gets the most field use is an old Ithaca built Western Long Range 20 that my gunsmith buddy lengthened the forcing cones and opened up the chokes to IM and IC. I hit like a demon with the sweet little double.

I have always wanted one. Made my primary a Ruger all-weather 12 GA a LONG time ago.
In retrospect, I wish I had gone 20 GA, but I did play it smart getting the 26" barrels.
Fun gun, have to source light, fast loads for best results.
Perhaps the 12 GA was a wise choice!

Only shotgun I ever kept is a 12 ga Browning BSS sidelock and even though it hasn't had a workout in years I can't bear to part with it. There is something about a SXS with splinter fore end, English straight grip stock, double triggers and 26" mod and IC barrels. It has everything I needed and nothing more wrapped in an elegant package.

Bob

Love my Ithaca 20ga SxS. Lots of doves and quail have met the skillet thanks to that gun.

Originally Posted by Natty

Agreed re: 20s. One thing about those old doubles are the forcing cones are usually very short and they have a sharp recoil. Not necessarily a heavy recoil but a sharp, quick jolt. The double I have that gets the most field use is an old Ithaca built Western Long Range 20 that my gunsmith buddy lengthened the forcing cones and opened up the chokes to IM and IC. I hit like a demon with the sweet little double.

Mine also have been altered. I have a friend that's also a gunsmith. He did lengthened the forcing cones and modified the chokes. He also re-fitted the stock. When he fitted the stock that helped on the recoil a lot. It makes a difference when the gun fits. Improved modified and modified are the chokes on the browning and the CZ has screw in chokes. I like the browning best but there is a lot to be said about the CZ. A fine gun for the price.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have always wanted one. Made my primary a Ruger all-weather 12 GA a LONG time ago.
In retrospect, I wish I had gone 20 GA, but I did play it smart getting the 26" barrels.
Fun gun, have to source light, fast loads for best results.
Perhaps the 12 GA was a wise choice!

I did like the 12 GA but the re-coil was a bit harsh on me. I wish I had kept the browing 12 and just hand loaded for it.

I once had a SxS 12 Spanish make, cannot recollect the maker but it was a real looker. I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it but it I still regret the day I let it go.
A 20 is on my short list now.

Originally Posted by BobH

Only shotgun I ever kept is a 12 ga Browning BSS sidelock and even though it hasn't had a workout in years I can't bear to part with it. There is something about a SXS with splinter fore end, English straight grip stock, double triggers and 26" mod and IC barrels. It has everything I needed and nothing more wrapped in an elegant package.
Bob

Love English style straight grip and splinter fore end. That is a beauty of a shootin' iron you have.