06 October 2012, 21:32
Bill/OregonBuying a used double online
I am feeling sorely tempted by some of the used 12- and 16-gauge doubles from Germany, Belgium and Sweden that I see on the Net. I'm talking Merkels, Simsons, Sauers, Husqvarnas and others.
I have had a couple of the Husqvarna underlevers, and they are a lot of fun, but I think I'd like to try a more conventional German double, perhaps from someone like Blackbern.
Who has had good luck buying a double they have never shouldered?
I know I need to pay attention to length of pull and drop at comb and heel. Anything else to look for? I am about 5'10, 170, moderately high cheekbone.
06 October 2012, 21:57
KebcoMost Euro guns will have pretty std modern dimensions for drop. 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 or very close to it.
For me the LOP is the most critical, I shoot best with a 15" or a little more. Finding a older gun with that LOP is a challenge.
I started buying the recoil pads at the link below for my own use but now carry them on a regular basis.
http://www.kebcollc.com/cart/s...6&action=show_detailThe big advantage is there extremely light weight, many pads weight 3x as much and can really effect the balance. Balance of a SXS or O/U field gun is important. A gun that is butt heavy will never be able to swing well.
07 October 2012, 04:36
Bill/OregonThanks Ken. Agree that a heavy pad like an old Pachmayr can foul up the balance of a double. I think in an upland gun, anything from 14 3/8 to 14 3/4 would work for me, based on measuring some guns at hand. Think I can handle 2 1/2 at the heel, although 2 1/4 might be perfect for me. Will give a shout to Carl.
I was concerned because I once briefly owned a Belgian Janssen et Fils 12-gauge double made in the 50s or early 60s, and the knife-edged, upward-jutting comb wanted to do surgical thin sections on my face every time I shot it.
07 October 2012, 04:58
KebcoYou need to look at RST shells.
http://www.rstshells.com/Only shells I use for upland hunting, a 1oz load of 5's kill pheasants dead and almost no recoil.
Use 2 1/2" 12 and 16ga and 2 3/4" 12ga.
The best thing you can do for your shooting is "just say no" to cheap promo shells. They are cheap for a reason and generally kick like crazy.
09 October 2012, 04:23
465H&HBill,
One thing to check on for old doubels is barrel wall thickness. Many have been abused and had pitted bores. They were then honed out reducing barrel wall thickness. Personally, I wouldn't mess with any with barrel wall thicknesses less than .028".
465H&H