JohnfromUK Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 17 minutes ago, London Best said: I have never seen a Spanish Beesley copy but they obviously do exist. I have an AyA Senior, pictured on page 5 of this very thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matone Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 Just now, button said: Great book! Yes,very well researched ,although sadly a little behind the times now with the demise of some of the main subjects.So much talent that must have been lost already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 4 minutes ago, button said: Great book! Thanks guys, I will try to source one. Bit of a bookworm for gun books really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 2 minutes ago, London Best said: Thanks guys, I will try to source one. Bit of a bookworm for gun books really. Available from Amazon I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 3 minutes ago, JohnfromUK said: Available from Amazon I think Thanks John, will have a look. Just been looking at your pics on page 5 (again). What a beautifully made gun. I share your feelings about the single trigger and also find that huge pistol grip so ‘wrong’. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJsDad Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 6 minutes ago, JohnfromUK said: Available from Amazon I think As others have noted, excellent book & currently up for grabs on Amazon for a fraction over £15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 (edited) 5 minutes ago, London Best said: Just been looking at your pics on page 5 (again) Sadly that is the way it is. I subsequently 'came across' a straight hand double trigger one in Yorkshire - which a friend in the USA eventually bought. My gun is interesting in that it is the only one ever made with a single trigger, and I think the only one with a pistol grip (just my luck!). Only about 40 Seniors have ever been made (and that includes some pairs, at least one set of 3 - and even one set of 6). All except one (a 16 bore) were 12 bores. I think all had 28" barrels - though mine has a second set (made later by AyA) of 30" 'pigeon rib' barrels in addition to it's original 28" ones. I prefer my No 1 to shoot (lighter and faster handling), though I do like the self opening action. Edited October 21, 2019 by JohnfromUK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 I have handled quite a few No. 1’s (as a loader) and most were fitted with Holland type self openers, but I think this is optional. My regular driven game gun is a Holland Royal Brevis self opener and I, too, love the self opening action. What a revelation to use on a busy partridge drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 Just now, London Best said: I have handled quite a few No. 1’s (as a loader) and most were fitted with Holland type self openers, but I think this is optional. My regular driven game gun is a Holland Royal Brevis self opener and I, too, love the self opening action. What a revelation to use on a busy partridge drive. Apart from the Senior, all AyA self openers (as far as I know) are on the Holland and Holland system. It was always an extra cost option on the lesser guns and I'm not sure if it is standard on the Imperial (the present 'top' model). It is also available on the Best Quality Boxlock. I have an Atkin 'spring opener' on the Beesley system. Many makers have sold one or two Beesley actioned guns, but only Purdey have made any quantity, (about 15,000+ I believe) and Atkins (I believe under 500). Many others (Dickson, Grant, Churchill, Peter Nelson, Watson Brothers, Peter Chapman, Hartman & Weiss, Hellis, Symes & Wright, Boswell, Brazier, Wm Evans, Rosson) have either made or retailed at least one Beesley actioned model. This list is almost certainly not be exhaustive and has been based on various sources, so may not even be correct, but the principle that many have 'tried' is my point. It is reputed to be very difficult to get 'just right'. Gough Thomas regarded the Atkin version highly as it has a slightly easier action, possibly due to slightly different ejectors to Purdey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 Yes, I remember G.T. Being very fond of his Atkin. I think he had it made in 1948? I have used them occasionally, lovely guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 11 minutes ago, London Best said: Yes, I remember G.T. Being very fond of his Atkin. I think he had it made in 1948? I have used them occasionally, lovely guns. This was the GT gun http://www.carlrussellandco.com/gough-thomas-shotgun/ There is more on the Beesley system here https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/magazine/purdey-atkin-sidelocks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zimtrout Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 (edited) I have a building fascination with side by sides. I was taught with one out in Zimbabwe, chasing Guinea fowl and francolin. Having bought a sixteen gauge William Ford and I am now Tempted to add a 12 to the collection. Why do i have an odd obsession that it must be English? I can't figure out why?? Edited October 21, 2019 by Zimtrout Spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 Just now, Zimtrout said: I can't figure out why?? English boxlocks, especially simple basic non ejector models are very low cost (as used guns), and well made, so represent fine value for money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panoma1 Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 1 minute ago, Zimtrout said: I have a building fascination with side by sides. I was taught with one out in Zimbabwe, chasing Guinea fowl and francolin. Having bought a sixteen gauge William Ford and I am now Tempted to add a 12 to the collection. Why do i have an odd obsession that it must be English? I can't figure out why?? It’s not odd!.....and William Ford made some very nice guns, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted October 21, 2019 Report Share Posted October 21, 2019 I have eight shotguns. Six are English guns. The two Spaniards are for ‘rough’ use. Nothing, but nothing, handles like an English gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan123shooting Posted October 28, 2019 Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 Just finished the reline for my Army &Navy BLE at last, nice to do something myself instead of others very happy with the results Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted October 28, 2019 Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 Nice job, well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted October 28, 2019 Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 Very nice nothing better than seeing a nice gun coming out of a motor case 😊 except using on a day 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan123shooting Posted October 28, 2019 Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 I know motor cases are not everybody’s cup of tea but I think they make an English gun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted October 28, 2019 Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 I love to see a sxs in a motor case I think they look smart and protects your gun in transit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sereremo Posted October 28, 2019 Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 Fantastic job.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan123shooting Posted October 28, 2019 Report Share Posted October 28, 2019 I’m using it this weekend a bit of rough shooting with a couple of buddies It’s first time since having it fitted, the case is the final piece of the puzzle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drayman1965 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 Hi all What size bismuth cartridges does everyone use for duck's ie 4s,5s Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 I have both 4’s and 5’s in Bismuth and can’t say I can tell any difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drayman1965 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 Cheers mate 👍 I've got both as well so I'll just see which one suits me best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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