tomtom Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 Hi all, I am looking for a bit of advice, if I may I recently got my SGC through and am thus looking to purchase my first **** gun. Everywhere I go to ask for advice I am told 'you'll be wanting an over under' but the problem is I don't think I do, I have only just got my cert but I have shot regularly rough shooting on rabbit/pigeon/rook control on land belonging to someone I know for the last few years, really getting in to it in the last year or so and have been shooting most weekends and free days. So while I am by no means highly experience I like to think I know a little, I have shot very nice Beretta O/U and a AYA S/S and I think I shoot better with the side by side. There is also traditional aspect of shooting a S/S which lots of people attribute to snobbery but heck - life's to short to worry about that. So (getting to the point) I have been doing a bit of research as I said, my budget certainly doesn't stretch to something from one of the London Gunsmiths (far from it!) and even the few S/S offered by brands like Beretta/Browning are expensive in terms relative to their O/Us. I would like to keep it sub £1k if possible less so I have been looking second hand, I know that second hand guns vary greatly between individuals and have their own problems associated. Ideally I would like it to be from a Britian or Europe (Italy or Spain). I have come across guns from Webly & Scott, BSA, MGC, can anyone tell me a little about these brands? I hear that BSA are now made aboard should I steer clear? I would also be interested to hear if there are any brands/guns that I haven't considered that I should, I would like something a bit smarter than most of the second hand AYA's seem to be. So what would YOU do with the money, given my criteria (Which I am aware are asking a lot!)? Thanks in advance anyone who takes the time to reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatingisbest Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 You cant really go wrong with a AYA. I wouldnt buy any s/s new as they will deprieciate in value so quickly and arnt as well made as older guns. Why specifically english? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george123456789 Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 I wouldnt mind too much about focusing on British made guns if i were you. I own an AYA No.2 sidelock and would recommend it completely! You can pick these up in good nick for about the £800 mark and you wont regret it believe me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MK38 Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 What a lovely prediciment you have..so many guns to choose from. Unless you intend doing alot of clay shooting( in which case i'd recomend an O/U ) i go for a good SxS... Nothing feels as good as a SxS on your arm as you walk round your shoot Have a look around for a side lock, some nice Spanish ones available ... look on Guntrader and others for Ugartechea, AYA, Laurona and Sable etc... some good prices for good reliable guns. I was advised years ago by a gunsmith to buy the best s/h Boxlock you could afford ..... but he also said if i prefered the look/ handling, any decent Spanish Side lock would be a just as good in the long run.... Have a look and handle a few, at the end of the day the choice has to be yours.....but for the type of shooting you have i think a SxS would be ideal. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2shots Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 Have a look at the new zabala berri lux sporting York Guns my mate just received his 28 inch 3 inch multi choke steel proofed and its mint paid £530 but waited 6 weeks for it it was worth the wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatingisbest Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 I would definately go for a boxlock not a sidelock though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodeer Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 Webley and Scott 700 series but wont get a minter for less than £1400. AYA #2 very good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomtom Posted April 4, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 Thanks for all of the advice guys, it is quite a predicament I think it will be something Spanish, they seem to be the best in the price range, I honestly cant explain why I want something English, but the closer to home the better, I am fine with something European but I think it a bit of a shame I can't find something from round about to fit the bill... ah well, so long as it shoots straight! Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 I'd go for an AYA or an old English boxlock ejector. I'd consider a gun that has been sleeved, as you effectively buy a vintage gun with brand-new barrels. Guntrader is heaving with English boxlocks, as are the racks of most smiths local to me. I would pay particular attention to barrel wall thickness, chamber length (don't get caught out by 2" chambers on an old boxlock), oil damage to the head of the stock and shoddy work done to tighten the action. If someone knowledgeable can accompany you, you may find a real bargain at a local firearms auction (or even a major auction like Holt's, in London). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Burpster Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Thanks for all of the advice guys, it is quite a predicament I think it will be something Spanish, they seem to be the best in the price range, I honestly cant explain why I want something English, but the closer to home the better, I am fine with something European but I think it a bit of a shame I can't find something from round about to fit the bill... ah well, so long as it shoots straight! My opinion FWIW is hang on and keep looking and wait for a Beretta 626. When they do show up you can get them for less than your £1k limit and it will out last you and take any punishment you can give it. Very capable and sweet handling SxS and the only one (or its newer cousins) that I would consider owning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayman Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Ugartechea are a spanish firm making nice S/S boxlocks and sidelocks. For a £1k you can get a box lock new, and for that you may even get a sidelock second hand. The S/Ls are very finely balanced guns, but for the sweetest handling, consider a 20g rather than a 12g. Clayman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 If you have an AYA and a Beretta why bother buying another gun as far as im concerned you got good guns as long as they fit right and you like them you have all you need Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomtom Posted April 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 The AYA and the Berretta aren't mine, that belong to a friend who I shoot with. Anyway.. Its my first gun and I think I was being to pickie, I can always get rid of it if I don't like it.. I decided a Spanish gun was perfectly acceptable and much more suited to my price bracket, so today bought I Laurona side lock it kinda of 'spoke to me in the shop' its in very nice nick and at a touch under £400 I have a feeling my second gun might not be too long in coming. Thanks for the advice everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MK38 Posted April 8, 2008 Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 (edited) Well done on getting the Laurona sidelock i'm sure you'll be happy with it.... funny how they speak to you isn't it ...... i'm sure more guns will follow ! Dave Edited April 8, 2008 by MK38 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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