I have read a few articles in the Shooting Sportsman magazine that talk about shotguns that are a matched pair. What exactly is the definition of "matched pair". Consecutive serial numbers? Built at the same time? Or is as simple as walking into the store and buying two of the same model gun. Just curious.
Matched Pair Question
- Thread starter VictoryXC
- Start date
Matched pairs are typically double guns, usually SxS built to a "Best" gun quality level, built at the same time and "matched" in dimensions, weight, balance and handling characteristics. Also they usually try to match the high grade wood and have a consistent theme to the engraving. They are most commonly English, usually of the "game gun" variety and designed for driven shooting with a gun loader. The purpose is that in the heat of the moment, as you are switching between guns with your loader, you aren't handicapped by having to "adjust" to a different gun.
There are guns built as a set, that are matched in some ways, say wood or engraving, but that are different in dimension or some other meaningful aspect that are meant to be used for different types of hunting, say one for pheasant (longer barrel, tighter chokes) and one for grouse (shorter barrels and more open). Those may be sets but they are not a "matched pair".
People (me for example) sometime will endeavor to make a composed match set by taking two guns and customizing them as much as is required to achieve the same effect. I'm slowly working on a pair of Remington 1894 BE guns with the aim of getting them fairly close. Just for fun. No good reason.
There are guns built as a set, that are matched in some ways, say wood or engraving, but that are different in dimension or some other meaningful aspect that are meant to be used for different types of hunting, say one for pheasant (longer barrel, tighter chokes) and one for grouse (shorter barrels and more open). Those may be sets but they are not a "matched pair".
People (me for example) sometime will endeavor to make a composed match set by taking two guns and customizing them as much as is required to achieve the same effect. I'm slowly working on a pair of Remington 1894 BE guns with the aim of getting them fairly close. Just for fun. No good reason.
Last edited:
I don't see the word "matched" in my post.
While they weren't built at the same time as a "matched pair" the second one was built to the same specs as the first one, based on the serial number that was provided to the manufacturer.
I don't see the word "matched" in my post.
While they weren't built at the same time as a "matched pair" the second one was built to the same specs as the first one, based on the serial number that was provided to the manufacturer.
A nice pair of guns to be sure, but the question presented was about "matched pairs."
Holland and Holland, London. Magnificent and absolutely unique matched pair of “1985 Sesquicentennial Royal de Luxe” double rifles in .470 NE embellished by master engraver Phil Coggan, ca.1985 - Price $450,000
©All photos Copyright Lewis Drake and Associates
Holland and Holland, London. Magnificent and absolutely unique matched pair of “1985 Sesquicentennial Royal de Luxe” double rifles in .470 NE embellished by master engraver Phil Coggan, ca.1985. Each rifle weighs in at 9 Lbs. 9 oz. Stock Dimensions: 14 3/8”x 1 ¼”x 2 ¼”x ¼” cast-off (the second rifle identical except LOP is 15”). 24” chopper-lump steel barrels with quarter rib. Rear sights have one standing leaf (50/100 yd) and one folding leaf (200 yds). Ramp front sights with folding twilight bead. Classic Holland, hand-detachable sidelock, actions with bushed firing pins, hidden third fastener, and ejectors are engraved in elegant bold scroll and stunning bulino game scenes depicting elephant and cape buffalo. You will notice that the locks are photographed with standard lock screws, however, each gun is accompanied with the typical Holland hand-detachable screws in a separate compartment within each case along with spare firing pins for each rifle. This magnificent pair of rifles was made to order for two brothers who, for whatever reason, never got a chance to use them and they both remain in pristine, unfired, original condition throughout. Absolutely unique!
This is a matched pair !!
©All photos Copyright Lewis Drake and Associates
Holland and Holland, London. Magnificent and absolutely unique matched pair of “1985 Sesquicentennial Royal de Luxe” double rifles in .470 NE embellished by master engraver Phil Coggan, ca.1985. Each rifle weighs in at 9 Lbs. 9 oz. Stock Dimensions: 14 3/8”x 1 ¼”x 2 ¼”x ¼” cast-off (the second rifle identical except LOP is 15”). 24” chopper-lump steel barrels with quarter rib. Rear sights have one standing leaf (50/100 yd) and one folding leaf (200 yds). Ramp front sights with folding twilight bead. Classic Holland, hand-detachable sidelock, actions with bushed firing pins, hidden third fastener, and ejectors are engraved in elegant bold scroll and stunning bulino game scenes depicting elephant and cape buffalo. You will notice that the locks are photographed with standard lock screws, however, each gun is accompanied with the typical Holland hand-detachable screws in a separate compartment within each case along with spare firing pins for each rifle. This magnificent pair of rifles was made to order for two brothers who, for whatever reason, never got a chance to use them and they both remain in pristine, unfired, original condition throughout. Absolutely unique!
This is a matched pair !!
The most recent article I was reading was in fact by a gentleman who was using his matched pair of Greeners in a driven shoot in Argentina. He had purchased them some 10 years earlier, but only shot them once previously to test them. He said he had always felt they deserved to be used as they were intended. They were 1 serial number apart.
Patrick, you might save the link below. While I don't see matched pairs in there, there is a good definition and often links to photos, for just about everything else.
http://www.hallowellco.com/abbrevia.htm#M
Read it, learn it. The test will be next Monday.
http://www.hallowellco.com/abbrevia.htm#M
Read it, learn it. The test will be next Monday.
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
Oh, it's there ... under the "P"
Haha, okay, I wasn't going to scroll through the whole damn thing. That is what Patrick is for.
Yes James, it is there. This does not bode well for how you will fair on Monday's test. Not well at all. LOL
I looked at it. I like my definition better. So there!
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Heck--just buy a couple of Cooey single shots. They are all matched pairs!!!
Not kidding about the test on Monday. Not an open book test either. Big Brother will be watching. i have taken control of the camera on your computer so don't even think about cheating.
Patrick, please remember, this is not an open book test. Any evidence of cheating will result in the suspension of your double gun privileges. Unlike the molly coddling of modern education, your entire year's grade will be based on this one exam. Pass is 70%. With any luck and assuming you studied (Audit? What audit?) you may graduate and move on to grade two.
1. In 20 words or less, describe Joseph Manton's impact on the sporting gun trade.
2. There is a certain class of shotguns known as "Best Guns". Please name country of origin, action type and 4 key features.
3. Describe a Cape Gun.
4. What are the three main factors that define recoil (not including gun fit)?
5. What are side plates and how are they used?
6. Usually attached to the name of a rifle, what does the acronym SRC stand for.
7. What is a vierling?
8. Another name for the action flats is?
9. Arcaded fences is a signature design of what London Best Gun maker?
10. Please name "the Big Five".
1. In 20 words or less, describe Joseph Manton's impact on the sporting gun trade.
2. There is a certain class of shotguns known as "Best Guns". Please name country of origin, action type and 4 key features.
3. Describe a Cape Gun.
4. What are the three main factors that define recoil (not including gun fit)?
5. What are side plates and how are they used?
6. Usually attached to the name of a rifle, what does the acronym SRC stand for.
7. What is a vierling?
8. Another name for the action flats is?
9. Arcaded fences is a signature design of what London Best Gun maker?
10. Please name "the Big Five".
Last edited:
