BSS Sidelock and others

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Beaver Skin

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A year ago I picked up a BSS Sidelock in 20 that is just perfect. I'm toying with the idea of searching out her big brother. Does anyone know the location of a BSS Sidelock in 12 gauge with 28" barrels? I'm not posting on the EE forum just yet as this is a bit of a "tire kick"

Alternatively, are there other quality sidelocks out there for a reasonable price?
 
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Beaver Skin said:
A year ago I picked up a BSS Sidelock in 20 that is just perfect. I'm toying with the idea of searching out her big brother. Does anyone know the location of a BSS Sidelock in 12 gauge with 28" barrels? I'm not posting on the EE forum just yet as this is a bit of a "tire kick"

Alternatively, are there other quality sidelocks out there for a reasonable price?
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I'm drooling. And if I find a BSS sidelock at a reasonable price, do you really think I'd tell you? :D
 
Grouse Man said:
I'm drooling. And if I find a BSS sidelock at a reasonable price, do you really think I'd tell you? :D
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Grouse Man I am disappointed in you. If I found a BSS sidelock at a reasonable price I would definitely tell you and Beaver Skin.

I would tell you to make you both envious at the price I paid for it.;)

FWIW, I've seen one BSS sidelock 12 and the owner isn't prepared to part with it (I asked). He has a couple of fine guns including an English sxs but the BSS is his favourite.

Other options in a reasonably-priced sidelock would be a Spanish gun from a decent maker such as Garbi, Arrieta, Grulla, AyA or Arrizabalaga. Just be careful though, not all Spanish sidelocks are alike.
 
A quality used sidelock equating to a reasonable price (these days) would be kinda hard......no offence intended :) Perhaps the couple of links below (folks over at Stateside seem to have access to all the nice ones :) ) could assist in your quest. Please note that the URLs have been somewhat distorted to comply with Forum rules. Regards,

w w w collectorsfirearms.com/index.html

w w w ivorybeads.com/site/RunScript.asp?Page=1&ap=asp_counter.asp&p=ASP\~PgDefault.asp
 
I think anyone who likes (and understands the value of) sidelocks should spend some time examining the BRNO ZP 49 ... I think someone was selling one on the site recently....the stock typically needs to be refinished because they tend to use a poor finish ... but usually the wood itself is great. The actions are excellent.
 
I had a 12 ga BSS years back and to tell you the truth I hated it. I found it heavy and very slow to point, got rid of it. Just for interest sakes what are they going for now?
 
Win/64 said:
I had a 12 ga BSS years back and to tell you the truth I hated it. I found it heavy and very slow to point, got rid of it. Just for interest sakes what are they going for now?
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Was it one of the sidelocks?:confused:
 
It definately wasn't the sidelock. The boxlock was proofed with a 3" chamber and had a pistol grip and beavertail forearm. Really a duck gun and not ment to compete with the light upland guns that the sidelocks were. I still shoot a bss boxlock 12 for ducks.
 
Agree on Brownings being somewhat heavy......the top one look like one nice gun with reasonable weight.....actually both are :)

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/conte...g/624534_brnbssdlok_owa.jsp?hierarchyId=10472

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/conte.../631010_sidelockbss_lav.jsp?hierarchyId=10472

Beaver Skin said:
The problem with the one on Cabelas is that it's one of the grade 2 guns and by the time you get it to Canada, you pay twice what its worth up here!!!
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True......on on hand I am envious that we don't have access to the varierty that's available there and simultaneously take comfort at the thought that I would also have been broke, always :)
 
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Win/64 said:
I had a 12 ga BSS years back and to tell you the truth I hated it. I found it heavy and very slow to point, got rid of it. Just for interest sakes what are they going for now?
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Believe the BSS boxlock weigh around 8lbs.....yikes, if one is thinking Upland!

There is a nice looking one on sale in the EE for $950.....pricing almost in sync with the Gun Book of values from what I noticed. Could make a good waterfowl piece despite the 28" bbl.
 
I have a 12 ga BSS boxlock w/ 26" bbls and while I have not put it on a scale, yup they are a tad on the heavy side for walking all day thru the woods looking for Ruffs. Then again, the weight does keep it from being a nasty recoiler and I do hit em very well with it.
Ah, but I would certaily love to have a BSS sidelock in 20 ga, but the reality of finding one at any reasonable (to me) price is pretty well as likely as winning 649 !
So if at some time I can find a Winchester pidgen grade model 23 or 101 in 20 ga w/ english stock, I'd sell or swap the 12 ga BSS.
 
Total agreement on the Brno ZP49. I have two and love them. If you want a true sidelock I don't think there's anything that can touch them for even 2 or 3 times the price.

Also, IIRC the Rossi Overland SxS coachgun, believe it or not, was a true sidelock. Nicely done, but not in the same classy league as the Brno.

John
 
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