I like the old shotgun's, and Im looking for a double that I can shoot steel shot through and not damage the barrels. What do you guys suggest?

Criteria

12 gauge
3" chambers
Third bite
Ejectors
Double triggers
somewhat classic lines

And it has to be steel shot compatible.

Hevi-shot is now making a load compatiable with older shotguns so that if your gun will handle modern loads with lead shot it will also handle this new Hevi-shot loading.....Hevi-shot isn't cheap but it's a lot less money than buying another high-quaity vintage shotgun.

Beretta 471 or Ruger (not sure on the Ruger with steel).
C.G.B.

The Fabarms Classic Lion would work:
double triggers, choke tubes for steel, 3" chambers, ejectors.

Heavier gun (7lbs or so) for a sxs, good for clays and waterfowl. Not the most graceful, but built like a tank!

I've had one for about three years now and enjoy it a great deal. Used to be reasonable from Cabelas: $1,400 or so, came with a life time warrenty from H&K back when they had the Fabarms deal.

I understand there is a Grade I and a Grade II, the latter having false sideplates to allow a little engraving and a classic appearance. There is one for sale:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/908397245/Guns/Shotguns/Faba...sic_Lion_II_12ga.htm

One thing about the Fabarms guns: I got one a couple of years ago and the nice "figure" in the wood was actually part of the finish.

quote:

Originally posted by maxbear:
I like the old shotgun's, and Im looking for a double that I can shoot steel shot through and not damage the barrels. What do you guys suggest?

Criteria

12 gauge
3" chambers
Third bite
Ejectors
Double triggers
somewhat classic lines

And it has to be steel shot compatible.

The CZ Bobwhite (made in Turkey by Huglu) would be a double that fits most of your criteria. It uses screw-in choke tubes, has double triggers, and a classic English stock. It is also relatively inexpensive, thus I would be less concerned about running non-lead shot through it. I own the single-trigger version (Ringneck) in 28 gauge and am quite pleased with it after using it for three dove seasons.

Second what Andy said. The "wood" on the Fabarms has a cheesey "grain finish". But I still like the gun for what it is: a hard using, SxS.

CSMC RBL - 12

Best SXCS for the money there is currently in production.

That, or a Browning BSS -Absolutely bomb-proof.

Forget the 3rd fastener, BTW - I have in excess of 100 fine doubles and have owned twice that in my lifetime. Have never seen where the 3rd bite makes any difference.

Also, if your budget would permit, I'd seriously consider one of the Parker Reproductions "Steel shot Specials" - probably the best ever value in SXS guns!

JW

Look at the LC Smith's, they are on the Marlin website.

Just thought I would check in.

Well hell, I've been looking at a few shotguns here latley. Can't see anything yet that trips my trigger.

I looked at the RBL shotgun . That thing is ugly IMHO.

Marlin L.C. Smith , well should I just say Marlin. I think I'm gonna pass on this one as well.

AYA and Arrieta, They were interesting but ...I'm still looking.

Merkel sidelocks , Interesting as well. Need to look these over somewhere.

S.I.A.C.E., Garbi, Arizabalaga,..Still need to look at these.

Would also like to look at the Browning BSS Sl, and the Parker Repro. Wish I could find either one of these with 28 " or longer barrels.

A couple months back I completed my SxS search after examining many including your list. What fit me best physically and mentally was a 28" straight grip Beretta Silverhawk with choke tubes in 12 gauge. Everything else had at least the problem of too much drop for me.