The Last Of The English Side By Sides

[leslie hetrick]

i have owned and shot most of the american lower prices doubles and liked them for what they were. about 30 years ago i got a good deal on a 20 ga BSS sporter browning double barrel and after thousands of shells, both factory and reloads. i sold it to a good friend who had used it over the years and liked it, as i found a 20 ga merkle 47E in mint condition with factory leather take down case at public auction for a very good price(only two other bidders against me), i have only fired it 52 times so far and it,s stiff to open yet. its not english made but close, only acrossed the channel.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

i have owned and shot most of the american lower prices doubles and liked them for what they were. about 30 years ago i got a good deal on a 20 ga BSS sporter browning double barrel and after thousands of shells, both factory and reloads. i sold it to a good friend who had used it over the years and liked it, as i found a 20 ga merkle 47E in mint condition with factory leather take down case at public auction for a very good price(only two other bidders against me), i have only fired it 52 times so far and it,s stiff to open yet. its not english made but close, only acrossed the channel.

Out of all the American made side by sides, my dream gun is a Winchester Model 21 Heavy Duck Magnum chambered in 12 gauge 3” Magnum with 32” fully choked barrels and a single selective trigger. Those things are built like tanks !

 

[Charlie64]

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@Hunter-Habib What a wonderful write up of the old Webley & Scott 700. A simple and solid Birmingham gun. I purchased a matched pair some years back from East Grinstead Guns (since ceased trading) in a well worn oak and leather case. Wonderful handling guns and a joy to shoot, although I do not shoot them as much as I should due to a choice of other shotguns in the safe. Thank you for taking the time to write this up when you did and I am glad I stumbled across it this morning.

Ps. I plan to go out after pigeon and crows Thursday morning, maybe I will give the No. 1 gun an outing!

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