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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มี.ค. 2019
- This is a long awaited video on Side by Side Shotguns. These great guns can be wonderful to both use and collect including Colt, Remington, Parker, and Fox. There will be more detailed videos coming on Side by Side Shotguns . For now, enjoy this introduction! Lots more educational vids on the channel so please subscribe. Also, check out the links below:
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When my friend and I were 17 he and I both purchased side by side shotguns. I purchased a Savage Fox Model B. He purchased the Stevens Model 311. Both were chambered in 12 gauge with 28 inch barrels choked in modified and full. We harvested a lot of rabbits, squirrels, quail, and pheasants with those guns. We hunted ducks with them as well until steel shot was forced on us. Both guns were then semi-retired at that time. We are now 67 and still hunt together. Since bismuth shells are reasonably priced now we have pulled our doubles out of the safe and are using them again for ducks. Both guns could be called “blue collar” side by sides but they have been real work horses and well worth what we paid for them at the time. I take mine to the trap range and can still break 22 out of 25 with it outscoring some of the kids with their fancy trap guns.
I bought a Fox Sterling . I have a Barretta 626 and a great solid gun. My boy got hooked on both and was in trap competition in high school. The Fox unfortunately peeled the barrel . My Barretta was a 26 " and not a great fit . About the same time I had the instructor tell me to get away from a side by,so we bought a Barretta 32" field and trap,but my son went cold. About the same time I bought an LC Smith field grade in beautiful condition. The LC was a 100 year old gun and I was reluctant to peel another side by. We went to a gun smith and ex trap champ that fitted guns . We first gave him the Barretta . He put a Lazer in the barrel and told my son to swing it. He said " Bring this home and put it in the closet ". So what else do you have ❓ I said I have an LC and he said bring it in . He did the same with the LC and said " Perfect" ❗ now go and shoot it to my son. My son said it's just a sewing machine or typewriter 🙄 ❗ He went out and wasn't thrilled until he shot two perfect 25s. I was concerned about the LC and the gunsmith said " This is like new and built better than most new shotguns". My boy instantly became our top gun . The LC took every bit of it and held great. We still were told to get him into a trap gun ,but why when he out shot guns 10 times the price with full chokes❓ Then a champ walked up and said he doesn't have to powder them ,I recommend boring the chokes. My boy said "No" ❗ He loved powdering them . I agreed . I do wonder what his score would be if it was bored ,but never would I and I'm glad he didn't want to. 😎
As the old Cajun called it ; a "two shoot shoot gun". I love side x sides and o/u"s!
Mike Moore
I've heard a true Cajun from Lake Charles call it a "two hole shoot gun"
Very good video..I have a couple of side by side shotguns my favorite is a 1920 LC Smith Field Grade that was my Great Granddaddy’s....it was mainly used to hunt rabbits and such during the Great Depression when times were really hard..the old shotgun is still rock solid even now
Great shotgun - those LCs are so tough - glad you still have your Great Granddaddy's gun!
Does yours have a 2 3/4 chamber?
Good gun
Finding a solid SxS has been on my mind for years. For some reason I had L.C.Smith targeted but another rock solid quality double would do. I finally picked up a L.C.Smith at a collector estate auction for a very nice(low) price recently Feb 2021. Only reason I got it "low" was the number of other Smiths and this one is Field. Obviously carried a lot more than fired. Lot of blueing on the barrels and casehardening on reciever. Yes its very smooth and its just a precision instrument you can feel the quality just opening and closing it. I'm very happy!!!!
My papaws favorite shotgun was a LC Smith side by side 16ga
I love the old double guns and even some of the boxes the old shells came in were beautiful also such a different time .
I bought a Stevens 311H in 20 gauge in the early 80's, it is my favorite and still use it often. I love a side by side. I really thank you for your videos!
I have always been a BIG Fan of the Fox shotguns and am Quite fond of my Fox Savage 410!!! 🤠👍
They're a fantastic gun
As far as I'm concerned, you can't spend too much time with us, sharing your knowledge of SxSs. Especially, for me, AH Fox, Sterlingworth, and Spanish doubles in general. Thank you!
I love all doubles, side by sides, that is. My absolute favoites all have hammers- love my " blue collar" Stevens Tool and Arm model 235's!
There is a simple elegance to a classic side-by-side that the modern "clay-bashing-drain-pipes" will never have.
100% - perfect words.
I have a pair of 20ga double barrels, an Ithaca SxS that my dad gave me when I was about 12 and a Berretta O/U that I bought for my daughter over a decade ago when she was a toddler. Both of them are first rate pieces but I tend to like the O/U because of the more slender forearm grip.
Of the companies you mentioned, I've seen a number them in local pawnshops over the years but most of them were working-class farm guns and have plenty of "hard-earned" character, not always worth what their tags are asking.
Great video and I enjoyed seeing some of your SxS's. Take care!
Your nice overview of an overlooked area of firearms is appreciated. In Britain SxS shotguns are, from what I have been able to find out from a British gun shop, extremely overlooked there as well.
For myself I would like to eventually get a Remington Model 1882 shotgun and a Parker Hammergun. I just love the classic look of external hammers and double triggers, and those two just happened to be the ones that jumped out for me.
I primarily use an old family shotgun, a Stevens SxS from the 30's in 12 gauge, for clay pigeon shooting. She is well made, handles nicely, and is a lovely firearm. I know most people use pump, semi, or O/U shotguns these days to shoot clays, but there is just something about using a double that just can't be beat in my book.
Anyway, thank you for the video and have a nice day.
Another external hammer fan here as well. You can visibly confirm the gun's safety and keep the springs relaxed.
Here in the uk the under and over seems to be on the rise. However a good English boxlock ejector would still set you back a thousand dollars. Even a Birmingham boxlock would set you back three hundred. Oh not be funny sporting and civilian weapons will be made in one of the four ukk countries ie England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland. God bless America and your second amendment from the UK
Michael McIntosh's wife was a high school classmate of my wife. He wrote several great articles for The Missouri Conservationist Magazine about American shotguns. Once, I met him and enjoyed his take on great guns. You showed the Browning BSS which is my favorite field gun. When I was younger my enthusiasm for upland gunning knew no bounds and the only gun to shoot was a SXS. I kept wearing out the triggers and seers on Spanish double guns which, when corrected by a gunsmith, increases the trigger pull. A gunsmith told me to find a new home for the Spanish double and get a BSS. He was so right. Even though the BSS has a single trigger, I got used to it. After firing literally thousands of rounds thru the Browning, it never failed me once. The only problem I had with the gun was the fit of the stock: Too much drop at the comb. Some Duct Tape and two thick leather pieces raised the comb height so that I could find the target with both eyes. Fit of the stock on a shotgun is critical. Depth perception is off and one cannot mentally correct the parallax problem.
Love to see you go into more detail about the history of the sxs! Thanks again!!
Hi Bait - I hope to do that - just a matter of time : )
Some folks in England think you’re a crude fellow to come to the field with anything other than a side-by-side.
Or a tweed jacket. lol
@@219garry Then again, well, let's just say, some folks in England..... Lol.
I wonder what those gentleman would think about coming to the field with a spas 12 or benelli m3. 🤔
Single barrel or over under at the range, a proper side by side at the shoot. Denim trousers at the range, breeks at the shoot.
Larry Potterfield from Midway USA has some excellent videos on side by sides and various repairs. He also has a British gentleman who built side by sides in England on a few an excellent series of videos to watch.
I used those videos to repair my first sxs. Gonna take it in to a gunsmith and have them inspect it and see how well I did.
Yesterday, I found a 1936 AH Fox Sterlingworth in 12 guage for 200 bucks at a pawn shop. It was in INCREDIBLE condition. Checked it all over and it was perfect. Everyone at the place made fun of me for buying such a silly gun. The asked me if I was going to "Go hunting Wabbits" and laughed.
Folks today don't know much about firearms and are self proclaimed experts in nothing. I hope you all find idiots this weekend that don't know what they have :)
Outstanding finds are all over. Thanks USOG!
Mike, I love doubles. I learned to shoot on an old Fox 16-gauge double. I own twelve at present, but only two are O/U’s. I have Italian, German, Japanese and American doubles. I love them all! There are few things more thrilling than walking a covey of quail up while carrying a double. Thank you for a wonderful presentation and now I see that I need a couple more than I have……LOL
Love the side by sides.
Thank-you for this, a subject I enjoy. Please present more of these old shotguns, they are superb examples of a bygone era.
Will do Michael - thanks for the note.
When I was a kid I bought a worn 1894 Remington double with Damascus barrels for $15. There was the exact same gun in mint condition with light engraving for $35 but I couldn't afford it. I've mourned not getting it ever since.
I have a friend who is a Parker collector, and one who is a L.C.Smith collector. It has always amazed me how they each can collect any label of rifle,revolver,or pistol but when it comes to s×s shotguns they are brand loyal to a fault. In fact my LC friend is a 20 ga collector to a fault. Really a personal nitch inside gun collecting. Thanks for another good video.
Hi Stacy - those classic SXS shotguns - so easy to dive into that ocean of studying them and collecting them. The 20s can be magic wands and I well understand how absorbing they are. Fantastic.
Thank you for putting this video up.
My privilege : )
Greetings from England. I really love the USA made Side by Side Shotguns, such nice looking and well built firearms.
Hello Matt! Always glad to hear from the Realm. The USA SXSs have always surprised me - unexpectedly fine shotguns and of so many different makes and models. I was just looking at a Super Fox - it sweeps one away to Chesapeake Bay waterfowling, slashing rain and wind, canvasbacks passing as gray shadows...all the good stuff.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I did have the pleasure off shooting a A H Fox 12 bore sbs shotgun. That belonged to a former RAF WW2 Airmen. I would like too own a Genuine USA made Winchester Browning or other USA manufacturer shotgun.
Cool video, I recently inherited a 1899 Parker brothers VH 16 in Good shape, and a 1922 lefever nitro special 12ga, left to me by my grandfather, which I am quite excited about, already being a gun collector. Thanks for the video!
Hello VH - those are both very fine shotguns - as you know. Nice that your grandfather left them for you! I'm glad the video was okay - I was quite sick at the time; but made it through anyway. All the best and stay healthy. : )
That remington 🤤I just don't know what it is about it, but I am going to find one! What a beauty!
Truly - just a stunning shotgun - hope you get one - they are still around.
Jack O'Connor also wrote about side by side shotguns. It is exceptionally interesting and fascinating, including single selective triggers.
I'll look up his writings. Thanks
Hi Usog. Long time watcher first time commenter from NSW Australia.
Your opening sequence really inspired me to be able to shoot with my eyes open without flinching.
Had my Boito reuna 12gauge for just over a month and I have finally achieved that goal!
You inspired me without knowing and I’m just passing on my thanks.
Love your videoes. Can’t get enough of my side by side!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad I was helpful - means a lot to me. Good shooting with your Boito - fine shotgun from Argentina. I wish you all the best.
Hello Sir,
Wonderful video!
When I was a youth my Dad arranged that all of us 3 boys would have our first gun around age 15.
Mine was a bit different, I had to sign an agreement to purchase my Uncle's 1921 L.C. Smith 12 guage field grade double barrel shotgun. The agreement stated I could never sell it and for $40 it was mine.
I grew up a bowhunter and rarely shot my gun. When my Dad passed and I became curator of his and my fore-fathers working mans gun. I say working mans guns because they were used to put meat on the table. From my great-great Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Grandfather and father's guns, they were all mostly Winchester's and all in 95% condition or above. The core group was 10 long guns and 4 hand guns.
I took my families guns to my now close friend and gunsmith Mr. Redmond and he educated me on the guns in the collection and my love for history branched me out into furthering my education and collection which all started with the fact my Dad had given away one gun and only one gun to my nephew, a single shot .410. This one act started me on an adventure of a lifetime.
I sought to replace the hole in the family collection and discovered Gun Broker and local gun stores, John Moses Browning, our Winchester Roots and Hertiage and wonderful people like yourself online that provided me many valuable insights into my families guns and collecting some of the great treasures of America.
My core collection is based on Winchesters and John Moses Browning. I have different loose categories, lever actions, 16 gauges, 22's, famous named guns which all seem to be Winchester's like the Model 70, "The Rifleman's Rifle" or the Model 52, "King of the 22's, Model 42,
"America s Sweetheart" and many more.
But for me my double barrel L.C. Smith holds a special spot, my first gun and now since I have added so many others, it is extra special.
Along with the L.C. Smith, there is my Great Great Grandfathers 1873 Winchester Side by Side Coach Gun, A Winchester Model 24 that I can shoot and probably the most rare of double barrels, a Winchester Model 21 Field Grade production year 1930.with a production number that is the lowest I can find.at 99% condition. I was advised never to shoot this gun, hence my Model 24 that I can shoot.
The L C. Smith still locks up as all L.C. Smith's do, tight. I still shoot it at the range along with the Model 24, but the other two, The Model 21 and the 1873 are true treasures sadly never to be shot but just admired and loved.
Thank you again for taking me Dow memory lane and all the wonderful videos you provide to educate and share with your video family.
Be safe,
Rick Mansberger
Hi Rick - thanks for sharing your interesting personal journey with guns, so far. I like the buy and never sell agreement : ) I should sign more of those with myself. I'm glad my channel is useful and interesting. While the world may think of guns in other ways, the reality is that the millions of collectors and hunters around the world are hardly heard from or known. I like to think of gun people as keepers of the faith, un-distracted by the latest craze or media focus, steadfastly preserving the values and principles that go us to where we are - which overall - is a pretty amazing place in history. Thank you for taking the time to write. I like the guns you've collected and the focus of your collection is golden - those great minds that define much of the gun world. If the minds of the people are free - the greatest thoughts, inventions and new ways naturally emerge. Or so I believe. God Bless, Mike
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns
Thank you Mike, by the way my Dad's name was Mike. 😊
The current world situation that is
anti-gun anything is quite a concern. I cannot see me ever handing over my families guns. I dont know why Australian's ever bowed to that pressure. May we all learn from their mistakes.
The clip below is probably the best explanation of what law abiding gun owners are facing as the anti-gun factionsare doing everything possible to eliminate the 2nd Amendment.
Although the NRA is not perfect, they are currently the leading organization that has some political clout to stand for our gun rights. Every Amendment is of the utmost importance, lose one and others are in peril.
Thank you again for you videos and information Mike.
And if any readers have not heard Mr. Robinson video, please do so and act accordingly, support the NRA.
Watch "Mark Robinson at Greensboro NC City Council on Gun Show" on TH-cam
th-cam.com/video/bBEUlJZg5CY/w-d-xo.html
Thank you and be safe,
Rick Mansberger
Outstanding. The side x sides are still alive in GA on Plantation Parkway. Great quail guns.
Very informative video. Courtesy of this channel just came to know that my grandfathers 12 gauge J&W Tolley (Birmingham & London) shotgun which i have has a Swamped Rib - 28 inch barrel. Mike is always full of nice surprises
Thanks Asim - I hope all is well - in particular your close one. Your friend, Mike
Yes! Interesting! The more I watch your show the more convinced I am that for not much more than the price of a utilitarian, run of the mill rifle, by opting for the next rung up I could enjoy the art and superlative experience of a makes-me-smile-just-thinking-about-it firearm.
That's true Lou : )
I have a collection of Stevens 311’s that I just really like. Simple and bullet proof. I hunt with these and just love them, I also have a La Feverer s xs. All wonderful shotguns.
Great shotgun to collect - as the new models come out the Stevens gets better and better. I have only one - but what a fine SXS.
I recently bought a Steven's Double barrel in 16 ga. What year did Steven's start producing the 311?
@@jerrylittle8922 Jerry I do believe the 311 was introduced in 1947. There should be a letter stamped into a circle under your barrel on what is known as the bench. The bench is the flat part where the barrels rest when the breach is closed. Look up date codes for the Stevens 311. The letter will correspond to the year of manufacture. Hope this helped you. By the way there are also series numbers stamped on the side of the receiver Usually A , E to indicate changes, styles etc.
Thank you.
The sxs is definatly a niech market thanks to the o/u but recently the prices on Parker Bro and Foxes in Canada had started to climb. Thanks for showing some sxs love.
You're welcome Gerald!
These are the working family farm gun that many were hardware store brands because that what your family ancestors could afford and justify with family budget. Despite lusting after the nicer brand names models. Collecting local branded single and double barrel shotguns from the family run hardware stores ; from your local area is an area where you can get a great collectible gun, while not having to pay higher end collector prices. As few see the value that the history of their ownership holds through out their age of half a century to century since they hit the shelf when new.
I always enjoy your videos - Thanks!
I love side by side shotguns
I was recently at my favorite pawn shop to look for a Stevens Model 311 project gun. The owner told me that he rarely sees them as people just pass them down within their families.
Yes Joe - They're lasting values in this world of hollowness.
I’m 26 years old and I saved up for the Remington 1900 always wanted an old side by side shotgun
Great purchase. You'll like that gun.
I love side by side... You have a beautiful collection.. I have an old Winchester side by side model 24 ... I know it's not for a lot of people's taste ... But everyone is different... Great video thanks
As I tiptoe in the waters of gun collecting I’m quickly learning that neural gun shops and bait and tackle stores the ones that seem almost too big for the small communities are in and pawn shops seem to be hotbed of collector bargains. All hunting rifles I would I find the most beautiful but there’s an old Ithaca police issue pump shotgun which is known for its ability to slam fire which I think is pretty interesting
The old sxs shotguns have such beauty to them. They just don't make them like they used to. Modern sxs shotguns are pretty, but they lack that je ne sais quois.
I hunt grouse and pheasants & all upland birds with my 1921 LC Smith featherweight field model 20 gauge. It’s a rare straight stock version. But I absolutely love Ithaca NID’s , AH Fox & Parker’s too. I have a fetish for American doubles from the turn of the century to about 1940. I’m looking for a 16 or 20 gauge NID right now.
Thank you for an awesome video sir!
The shotguns (fusils) are a world apart some a piece of arts .....I 'be seen English,French and Italian worth the price of a pick up truck, but some old ones can be found cheap ..... and very interesting .... the most beautiful shotguns are the side by side ... very interesting thank you.
The French are greatly under-appreciated. Most of the great advances in shotguns actually came from France.
I prefer old classic shotgun or any other gun over some of the new ones
I love the old side x side shot guns. I always wonder who's owned them and what kind of hunting stories is behind them.
Great video Sir, thank you.
Thank you for a wealth of information. The double barrel side by side craze came and went, however a great time to collect at fair prices!
Hi David - you're right; and some of the prices these days are amazing. I just picked up a couple more.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns This week I just picked up a 1953 Winchester Model 24. Looks almost brand new. Amazing!!! Thank you for inspiring me to pick one up!
I started out shotgunning in the ‘60’s with a Winchester 97 that must of had a million rounds fired through it. It was loose and horrible, no fore end, etc. I picked a Stevens double in 16 gauge in the early ‘70’s, and what a revelation! Quick to the shoulder and deadly on ducks and pheasants. I have been a big fan of 16’s and doubles, ever since.
I hear you - people don't pay much attention to doubles these days; yet to me - a SXS double in the field or marsh is as good as it gets. 2 shots is plenty and the limits are not as they used to be anyway - the hunting day and time is what I'm after in the field - not so much limiting out in a couple hours. But that's just me. Thanks for the note.
Hunt with a side by side and you will love it !
Hello. Very nice collection. Pure beauty.
Being left handed a double gun is very fast if need be, i love my 16 gauge fox for ruffed grouse. She is light and points great, i had to raise the comb on the old girl, but she is smooth.
I have never owned a S/S but I love the looks of them.
Omg getting the collectors in would make a cool video
I'll try - so many ideas : )
Love the Winchester sign in the background
I love aaaalllll my side-by-sides. Every one. My Stoeger is a work horse. Good for Clays, trap or field. Bought her used and already put 200+ rounds through with NO ISSUES AT ALL. Great gun. Her name is now Mildred. She will be mine forever.
Mildred - now that's a fine name. And I know what you mean - those SXS shotguns just never stop or lose their charm.
whoops , just found your video on that subject, thanks
I looked at a Parker repro made in Japan. It was in 28 gauge. I have to say it was extremely well made.
This is the best channel on youtube. The sincerity and honesty of the broadcaster is evident and uncompromised by any organization or monetary influence.
Thank you Steve. The very best to you.
Your collection and knowledge of finely made firearms is unmatched.
For years I thought Parker side by sides were made in England because of their reputation. I ve seen a couple in my life prob copies. Glad to learn there were guns made in the US that riviled English made firearms. I know Fox and LC Smith were reputed to be finely made also. Thanks for sharing the info.
Thank you Samuel; I am grateful for your kind words. I thought Parkers were English as well - amazing. American made SXSs are some of the best firearms of all time - as you know. I still believe the best hunts I've had were in marshes and uplands with SXS shotguns. There is something in them - the spirit of the hunt I think. God Bless.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I came across this and watched enjoying the finely made shotguns. I sent E mail hoping to get some informative info in return. His channel is Greggory
greggory@dogsanddoubles.com.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I sent an E mail to Greg that s not been answered. I know there can be many reasons for his delay in answering. I included it to you knowing like myself you have a love for fine firearms. Gregs You Tube video was promoting an upcoming auction for shotguns and I thought this may interest you but cause his not E mailing me. I asked him if he could quote me a few prices on average that Parker side by sides sell for. I worried he may have misunderstood my reasoning for wanting to know. Can you give me some prices Parkers sell on average and I d like to know how often they are offered. I doubt I could ever afford one and have no need to buy. I am interested in them I guess because I use to hear of them thru magazine articles. I have seen two neither for sale and they weren t in possession of the owner rather someone doing work on them. Also I have just had and interest in fine firearms. They to me are I guess what art collectors see in those.
I also would like to know more on English made firearms but only am asking about Parkers and save others for another time.
Thanks .
This video was posted three years ago and I just found it. Still very enjoyable. I'm not a double gun collector as most of the really desirable high quality ones are out of my price range, but I love hunting with side by sides. Generally lighter, quicker, better balanced and shorter overall than semi-autos or pumps of the same barrel length and gauge. I got my first one, a Stevens 311 when I was a freshman in high school, 54 years ago now. It was one of the first ones. 30" modified and full choke barrels with the solid raised rib. It had nice bluing and case hardened receiver. No checkering on some kind of dark finished wood. Not a light weight gun, but when you're fifteen years old you don't notice it as much. At first. I shot a lot of Iowa pheasants and ducks with that gun. I don't remember what I paid for it, but when I began to notice the weight a couple of years later I sold it to a class mate for $60.00. BTW in those days a lot of us, especially country boys, carried our shotguns or rifles to school in the trunks of our cars so that we could get right to hunting after school.
I used the $60 for the down payment on a 1967 Beretta Silver Hawk Featherlight 12 gauge 26" improved cylinder and modified. I still have that gun. Through the years it has been my go to gun for pheasants, quail and Hungarian Partridge. I also jump shot ducks off of ponds with it before the days of steel shot requirements.
Next in line after we moved to Kansas came an O grade L.C
Smith built in 1908. A plain gun with no checkering and little collector value as it was probably cut off to 26" to install thin wall choke tubes, skeet 1 and skeet 2. It's a great pheasant and quail gun. Still locks up tighter than a bank vault.
As my age and interest in lighter weight shotguns progressed I came across an A&A Matador III 20 gauge 3" magnum that I could not pass up. Also 26" improved cylinder and modified about 3/4 pound lighter than the Silver Hawk. It didn't replace the Beretta but I used it depending on what type of cover and terrain I was hunting in. 3" 1&1/4oz 7.5 shot out of the IC barrel and 6 shot from the modified barrel is deadly on pheasants. If a covey of quail was busted up I switched to light loads and let my German Shorthaired Pointers do their thing.
I acquired my last side by side about 10 years ago. I went backwards as to the weight thing. It was an early Savage Fox Model B 12 gauge 28" modified and full choke barrels. I believe it is one that was put together from A.H. Fox left over parts when they they were taken over by Savage. It has hand cut checkering on very nice dark wood finished stock and forearm, beautiful case hardened receiver with the Fox Logo on the bottom of the receiver. Much nicer than in the later years when they cheapened them up with light wood and pressed checkering. I've only used it one time on a dove hunt. I just wanted a model B because it's still an American classic.
Now days my hunting is very limited because of bad back, bad knees and bad legs. The dogs are all gone and I just don't care about bird hunting without them. I do enjoy sitting in the hedge rows on my farm and pass shooting doves and geese or prairie chickens when they come into my fields to feed. I started collecting Remington Model 11's, 11-48's and 1100's. Lighter recoil and fine for sitting down to hunt with. My dad had a 11-48 16 gauge back in the early 1960's. Mind you I never said I didn't know how to use them. I just never had much use for one.😄 If you youngsters haven't tried a side by side you should. There are plenty used not so fancy models available for less money than any of the Benelli, Beretta, Franchi or even Remington 1100's and Wingmasters. Both the Italians and Spaniards make really nice guns. Even if you never heard of them, if they're made in Brescia Italy of Eibar Spain they're probably going to be really nice. Stay away from the junk made in South America for Walmart, especially Boitos. There were plenty of simple but good enough side by sides made by American manufacturers for Sears and Montgomery Wards in the 1950's and 60's that are still plenty serviceable if they have been taken care. Get one and learn how to make your shots count instead of blasting away with that auto loader. Happy hunting boys and girls!
Great post Dave - I'm with you : doubles are a dream for hunting; I never felt disadvantaged in the field with a SXS or O/U. I prefer mechanical ingle triggers or double triggers - and I'll be filming a series on doubles over the coming months. Thanks again for a personal account of your hunting experiences and I'm glad you can wait along those hedge rows - great shooting. Maybe consider another dog - IMHO. All the best to you.
The old doubles are great! Merkel, Simpson Suhl, AYA, Winston, etc.. please make more videos on SxS.
Thanks for a great video
Thank you Willaim - all the best to you.
Thank you, very interesting approach to shotgun.
Thank you for watching Henry!
In a world full of plastic and blunt line, old shotguns show us the traditional art of metallurgic firearms.
The nice thing about Ithaca NID’s and Winchester model 21’s is they have the strongest actions d all the different American makers and can handle all modern factory ammunition without worries. Most of the others need light, low pressure loads
I know what you mean by knowing what you are looking at , I own a Baikal 16 gauge hammer Double shotgun that I purchased new in 1963 and have since put thousands of rounds through it and it still locks up tight. I was also sat in a country pub one day admiring an old gun mounted over the fireplace when I noticed that it was an Air Rifle and to add to that it was one made by W W Greener ! The pub landlord was not aware of its value. I was given a few drinks when he sold it at auction.
Wow George - I didn't get to bid on the Greener : ) : )
You're so right - the things can be right in front of us....but if we don't know.... Thanks for writing.
I started duck hunting with an old Stevens my grandpa gave me. It was damaged so I retired it for a benelli supernova, but I've been trying for years to decide on a modern but affordable SxS.
Well I learned something today, abs that was that Bakers were US guns.My dad had an old Baker SxS. As a kid I was fascinated with it. When breaking it, a locking rod would out the side, and engraved on the end was a big UnionJack. From that I assumed Bakers were British.
Different Baker, yours is by a British Baker, not affiliated with American baker
Always quite enjoy your videos. I love double trigger sxs. Grew up with AH Fox and WC Smith. I've tried to like single trigger guns but its just not as easy for me. Over under guns, meh. I guess that they don't generally fit me as well. I've shot a couple that were fine. I'm not a "great" shotgunner and I am definitely benefitted by longer barrels.
Something about SXS shotguns... and I like the double triggers as well - I guess I mentioned that.
Good video thanks
Just bought a Steven's model 311 at a gun show paid 600 20 gauge few scars clean shot good
It wouldn’t be a Western without a double barrel shotgun in the movie.
I have an LC Smith 20 gauge from 1924 on layaway right now from the gun store. I'm almost 40. Saying in the beginning that some may find a side by side boring, I would say has never had to fire a single shot shotgun before. I never had a side by side, but I appreciate the double capacity and felt a double trigger would help me more instinctively know which barrel I am going to be shooting from.
The model 8bas your intro made me drop a loke
Thanks DR
The American SxSs seem to be more utilitarian and based on durability, to me at least. They never seem to wear out or it takes a lot of abuse to wear them out.
I agree - most of them are tough and unstoppable. American.
Congrats on reaching10,000 subscribers
Thanks Jim!
I see SxS Doubles as an art form.
I am not a collector, but I own an LC Smith Featherweight Field Grade with US Army proof markings. They were used to train WW2 bomber gunners. The gun is a 12ga with F/Mod barrels. I have hunted in the field many times with it and there's just "something" about the aesthetic of fielding a SxS shotgun.
I agree Nathan - SXS shotguns are in a special class; your LC is quite a valuable item BTW - but you likely know that already. Have a great and safe hunting season.
Savage did make some of the old style Foxes in Utica NY. You like still buy the sterlingworth and the AE grades etc. It wasn’t until later that the cheap model B savage foxes were made.
I love side by sides alot of them are like a piece of artwork
Bummer. My old Remington double was to old to make the list. Thanks for the vid.
I am the third generation owner of a Lefever .410 shotgun. According to the serial number is was manufactured in 1926.
I would like to see you do a video on a description of lock types on SXS's. I am subscribing in the hope you do.
Great message regarding what I regard as gun art. I am currently skewed heavily toward the O/U's, but have a real appreciation for the SxS. The latter tend to be easier on the wallet...
I have hunted a lot with a double shot gun. I like them.
Should you ever make a o/u video be sure to take a look at the Baikal MU models. They are hand made and remain the top of russian craftsmanship. I have one, MU5 cal. 20, and it is the best gun I have ever had. I have used it on many occasions, it shoots everything and it has never failed. Beautiful guns.
I agree - I have a TOZ which is the O/U I use most often - just a wonderful and tough shotgun. Thanks for the reminder.
Great video. .I use an old American made side X side.
Classic way to hunt. Nothing quite the same.
"Old" is a relative term. Please be certain...absolutely certain...that it is safe to use.
i have an ah fox ser # 1000 its being restocked right now can,t wait
I love your videos sir!
Can you do a video sometime about the best semi auto 22's?
Maybe Have guns like the Ruger 10/22, Remington 552 Speedmaster and some other classic guns?
You had videos about bolt action and lever action 22's but I can't recall a "best semi auto 22" video.
Thank you for making videos sir, I always enjoy your videos on classic firearms
Will do SURVIVOR - thanks for the suggestion - and I'm glad you're here and like the channel.
Great video! Sadly the Baikal Guns have become rare here in the EU since the import ban on all Russian guns.
I'd be very interested if you could do a video on double rifles too, since im planning to buy one for a long time. Atm my choice would be a Heym 88 in 9,3x74R or .375HH for red deer and boar mainly. I also find those British pre-war double rifles quite fascinating too. Of course the matter of pricing has to be discussed too if one intends to use a gun for working purposes.
Greetings - have a nice day.
Thank you! I would buy the Heym or Krieghoff - I'll try to find these and make a video. I owned a few, as well as the British doubles. I like the newer German doubles - springs are young and if dangerous game is possible - better to have the best. I Heym 88 is .375 is unstoppable. All the best to you. PS I'm trying to find a 500/416 - no luck yet.
excellent video! thanks! May I ask your opinion of the Baikal SXS shotguns please? I have one in mint condition and was wondering is it usable , thanks
I have a Bauman 20ga sxs and it’s my go to bird gun. I’ve used semi automatics, pumps, o/u, and even single shots but I love my Baikal.
thank you much!
@@Zc33zc33
Why do you think it might not be usable?
I saw a 10 gauge double hammer Baikal at a gun show in Ft Wayne IN in the early 1980's for around $200. Could kick myself for not buying it at the time, but I was a high school kid at the time with a part time job making $2.35/ hr, so $200 was a lot of money!
you have nice guns
Thank you!
Let's talk here because the weather is better.
It is curious that no one brought American side-by-side shotguns to Argentina. Rifles, yes. I saw several brands but I purchased a Winchester 70. I love that rifle.
The shotguns were Spanish, Italian and Belgian. I saw two Holland and Holland but they were asking $30,000 for each one.
Many years ago I saw a Winchester and a self-loading Browning that were very heavy; then the Berettas arrived; I bought an A 301 and a few years later an A 303 which were the best for hunting ducks and doves.
Anyway it would have been wonderful to try an American side by side...
Hello my friend; so many trade agreements and disagreements - I'm not sure if there were restrictions on import or export with Argentina - or both. Anyway, US made SXSs were and are pretty good (I'm not sure there is a current SXS in mass production) as you know; and the same goes for the Spanish, Italian etc... shotguns that were available in Argentina - although there was spotty heat treatment in some countries. These days Italy seems to king of the shotguns; - at least semis - although many would argue that. I run into more Benelli and Beretta shotguns in the swamps than anything else - but that could be a local market phenomena. It's always a bit of a mystery as to how to import guns - I hope you can find a Fox or L.C Smith; Parkers are nice - you probably know most of them. I started with a double from Brazil; then switched to repeaters along with the crowd and then went back to SXS and O/U years ago. Repeaters shorten the hunting day and I like staying out as long as I can. Actually, some days I hunt with my SXS and collect one or two birds even if there are thousands. My bag limit is in the wind and being out there; but I'm probably an odd bird. All the best to you. Good health and god shooting.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns
Thanks. You are very kind.
well glad i found this channel. ok about 30 years ago I had a double barrel shot gun 20Ga. 20 in. double barrel side by side, side by side triggers. and the hammers where like old revolutionary hammers. im trying to find out what the brand is, and just find one. I loved that thing.. and it broke in middle to load ...thanks,, God Bless.. keep up the great info/channel.. cant seem to find anyone that knows. Robert
Regarding the top lever, when it is in the 6 o'clock position the locking block is near the end of its life, however it does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe. The reason such old guns remain tight in lockup after so many years is due to the self adjusting lockup method that compensates for wear, it's simple yet ingenious. As the locking block wears it will engage deeper into the bite from the spring tension it is under. The same spring the top lever must overcome in order for you to open the action also is pushing the locking block deeper into the barrel bite as it wears over time.
The original Fox shotguns were very nice indeed. When Savage bought the company and they became Savage Fox it became the start of a downward spiral into cheaper made shotguns. It took many years but eventually the guns were ruined until what you had left was the Savage model 311. Which was not a bad economy side by side shotgun. But even that was cut to the bone to save money for a failing business at that time. And now the 311 is a hardwood, plastic and poor quality steel with so many corners cut that the gun doesn't last more than a few hundred rounds before becoming loose, if not worse. These shotguns went from multi generational to only lasting a few hundred rounds. It's sad. But in order to build a good pivot barrel shotgun a lot of time and labor are involved and this cannot be done cheaply. You get what you pay for.
If it is knowledge on pivot barrel shotguns you want Joseph Manton wrote the book so to speak, if you actually want a book on the subject their is only one man who not only did the work but wrote the actual book on the subject. And that is W.W Greener, and his book The Shotgun and It's Development. This is the most comprehensive book on the subject ever written. It may be a bit dated, but everything contained in it is just as valid today as the day it was written.
Fantastic, informative post - thank you - and I'll find the book - if it isn't on my shelf already. All the best and stay healthy.
We used to see Remington-Peters ammo advertised. Could you do a video about the different companies that existed in the late 19th and into the 20th century.
I have a western arms 20ga made in Ithaca NY has long range gun stamped on the barrels best I could find out about it is that it was made in 1936 it has what looks like English Setters engraved on each side it has pretty wood and it's tight I love shooting rabbits and squirrels with it I also have a 12ga side by side with 30" barrels very nice checkering made by Essex Gun Works barrels fit tight on it as well
Back in the 1990s my father give me his model 21 Winchester unfortunately it got stolen from my house ,I could never save enough to buy other one maybe some day .
Hi Joe - now that is a loss! I hope you get another soon - such fine shotguns.
I have 2 side by sides 1 was my grampus and the other one I got it some time a go I like the older guns I have 20 or so
Great guns - nice collection!