Hopefully some one who is looking for a double rifle that won't break the bank will look under gunsamerica, new today, double rifles quickly. that way I won't do anything stupid.

quote:

Originally posted by els:
Hopefully some one who is looking for a double rifle that won't break the bank will look under gunsamerica, new today, double rifles quickly. that way I won't do anything stupid.

I give up, which one are you referring too?

Has to be the Watson, even with the cut off barrels.

I'm not sure which one it is, but I know I shouldn't have started looking.

A couple or three 9.3x74's. Chapuis, Merkel, and a Rizzini O/U. All less than $6K, I think. Anybody handled one of the Rizzini's? Same folks who made the shotgun for SIG? I liked the shotguns.

Steve

That sawed off Watson is nice, but . . . it's sawed off.

It looks like a buy. But the seller is a dealer in fine guns including doubles and he is no fool. So it is priced that way for a reason. Probably for a reason other than the short barrels.

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
It looks like a buy. But the seller is a dealer in fine guns including doubles and he is no fool. So it is priced that way for a reason. Probably for a reason other than the short barrels.

Like 500Grs, I'm more worried about the other things not mentioned, than the short barrels! This rifle was most likely shortened because it was fired with an obstruction on the muzzle end of the barrels. If so, the resulting pressure spike could have done damage that is not evident to the naked eye!

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
It looks like a buy. But the seller is a dealer in fine guns including doubles and he is no fool. So it is priced that way for a reason. Probably for a reason other than the short barrels.

Agree and I think he would discuss other conditions he knew about frankly if called. I imagine he would also be willing to allow a third party inspection at the buyer's costs.

I wonder, if he is a reputable dealer, if he would disclose why the barrels were cut and why it is priced the way it is.

I don't think most dealers want to go into that level of detail on the net. First, they are salesmen and don't want to put negatives out in an environment they can't control. That's not unethical, just a fact of life. If there is something bad to discuss, it should be done in conversation and followed up in writing if requested. The price reflects the fact that the gun has been altered. I bet there are some other condition issues as well. Maybe minor maybe not.

The fact the he stated the barrels are cut is all the red flag an intelligent buyer needs to know to ask more questions and get a third party inspection.

Second, the story about why the barrels were cut may be long lost depending on who and why. The fact that is is re-regulated may just be verbal from the previous owner and proved through shooting, not documentation.

I remember a post a while back on the African forum where one of the posters said he had his double shortened and re-regulated just to make it carry easier. It isn't always a result of damage.

I don't know this dealer, the one or two times he had something I wanted I missed them by a day or few hours but he has a reasonable reputation among the folks I know that have bought from him.

quote:

skl1: I'm not sure which one it is, but I know I shouldn't have started looking.

Me too, this thread cost me money, I bought the HVA Mauser: HVA

quote:

Me too, this thread cost me money, I bought the HVA Mauser that had just shown up: HVA

Good swoop on that HVA.
LD

I like Husqvarnas too.

Steve

15 and counting

Not to highjack this thread, but maybe you guys know something about the HVA? I liked it cause it looks like good raw material for a traditional express-type Mauser. Beech stock sucks but action appears to be a commercial FN, isn't drilled anywhere including the side, has a traditional military-type safety, hopefully has a C-ring.

Forrest, there is a thread in gunsmithing about them:

HVA

First of all, folks call everything Husqvarna sold an HVA so that's confusing. The first true HVA action was the 1640. It was preceded by the 46 Series (96/38 action) and the 146/246 series (FN contract actions).

Jim Wisner chipped in and filled in some of the details. It depends on which "HVA" you have. The one I am familiar with is an improved '96 with a lot of FN cosmetics, or the Model 1640. If yours has a left lug much larger than the right and no third lug you have the "Improved Mauser action" which is an improved '96/38 (the 1640). It has the ejector cut below the left lug, not through it and small ring.

If you have a Husqvarna 146, that is a true FN contracted to Husqvarna and is identical to their early production commercial '98s. Round knob, no flat on the bottom but the nice bolt handle and commercial shroud. The Huskies changed as FN did. Some early ones have flag safeties but the side safety was available as an option.

Hope that helps. If its a '96 and that disappoints you I can help

fla3006

Regarding the HVA - Husqvarna - If you want the best information available about Husqvarna rifles and models, go to: http://www.gunboards.com then to "Swedish Rifles" and then to "Civilian and Sporting". Leave a post for SBHVA. He is the most knowledgable Husqvarna person in the US. "Leespeed" is also very knowledgeable. And "Pettson" lives in Sweeden and has all the books. And he responds to the forum in perfect English.

You might also want to take a look at http://www.pettsons.net which has a very good history of Husqvarna and some terrific pictures of the different models.

Glad that you bought the HVA. And if it is mechanically sound, you got a good buy. I have several of the 1900 series and a couple of the 1640s. They are fantastic rifles.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas.

Looking in my copy of "Gun Traders Guide" page 245, it appears to be a model 1950 Hi-Power (a derivative of the European 640?), made from 1946-1951, introduced in USA in 1948, FN 98 action, round bolt knob, large ring, military-style safety, beech low-comb stock.

A derivative of the 640 series. My bad. The export models were called the 1000, 1100 and such. The 1640 was an in-house action, not FN and not a 98 but the FN actions spanned the 146 series and the 640 series. The 146 series lasted from mid-late thirties until the beginning of WWII and the 640 series picked up after FN resumed production of commercial actions to the mid fifties.

Gosh I guess that I'm showing my lack of knowlege, and believe me my lack of knowlege is immense, but I was looking and the rodda 400 3" and the 500/ nitro 500/450. I like hammer Rifles and these are both in great cals. I preticularly like the 400 3". great general purpose cal IMHO

Forrest, I gave that rifle you bought a look also. thats a good deal.

I have a 26 inch bbled 450/400 3 1/4" double.
It handles and balances perfect.
However I must say a 21" bbled 450/400 Double
"Guide Gun" does intregue me.
Might be just the thing for brown bear in the alders, or pigs in the brush.