External hammer sxs question
- Thread starter LE303
- Start date
Can you explain a bit more what kind of information you are looking for?
- You are looking for suggestions for used hammer SxS shotguns?
- You are looking for an idea about price point?
There aren't too many hammer SxS on the market for 3" shells .... but the Huglu is one of the staples ...
https://store.prophetriver.com/sxs-hammer/
Or the Pedersoli ....
https://marstar.ca/product/pedersoli-wyatt-earp-coach-gun/
The CZ Hammer Classic is an economical Hammer double that is steel approved but the Pedersoli LaBohenienne is a better made shotgun , however it is more expensive than the CZ
I sold my CZ and kept the Pedersoli
Cat
Last edited:
If you are looking for a strong hammer double, proofed to more modern standards, without breaking the bank - look for an Italian hammer double.
A number of Italian makers produced hammer doubles into the 60s and 70s. You can often find one for a very reasonable price.
Beretta and Bernardelli hammer doubles tend to go for higher prices, than the lesser known makers like Armi san Marco.
Every 12 gauge example that I have handled was chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells.
I have had a Bernardelli Brescia hammer double for 50 years, and also have an Armi san Marco double, which I bought about 10 years ago. The Armi san Marco is not quite as graceful as the Bernardelli, but its a perfectly serviceable hammer double for a small price.
A number of Italian makers produced hammer doubles into the 60s and 70s. You can often find one for a very reasonable price.
Beretta and Bernardelli hammer doubles tend to go for higher prices, than the lesser known makers like Armi san Marco.
Every 12 gauge example that I have handled was chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells.
I have had a Bernardelli Brescia hammer double for 50 years, and also have an Armi san Marco double, which I bought about 10 years ago. The Armi san Marco is not quite as graceful as the Bernardelli, but its a perfectly serviceable hammer double for a small price.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
If you want an old SxS that is close to 3" you probably need to look at 10 gauge. But as already asked, why 3" , particularly in a vintage gun?
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
Sounds like you'd like deer hunting with a muzzleloader.
I have kicked around that idea too , and I,m not deadest on 3 inch . And Thanks to all for advice . The replies give me some directions to look into
My sxs percussion has bad barrels and is decoration piece only so I gotta look for something else
Open hammer side by sides with British straight grip, splinter forend, and double triggers seem to fit me best (as do hammerless side locks). I also like the ability to check the status of the hammers without looking down at the gun. Double barrels and double triggers have the obvious advantage of instant choke selection.
Open hammer sxs's I have owned and since sold:
Abbot and Company. 12 ga. 2 1/2"
Armi San Marcos, 12 ga. 2 3/4"
Sanford and Laxton Practical Gun and Tool Makers, 16 ga., underlever 2 1/2"
Open hammer sxs's I still own:
Saxton, 20 ga. 2 1/2"
Husqvarna, 16 ga. 2 1/2"
Daudson, 12 ga. 2 3/4 - 3"
TOZ/Baikal 12 ga. 2 3/4"
TOZ/Baikal 16 ga. 2 3/4"
TOZ/Baikal 20 ga. 2 3/4"
Another Saxton would be almost impossible to find.
The Husqvarna is a favorite of mine because of the round action receiver. However, it is POW grip and accepts only up to 2 1/2" shells (not a limitation in my mind, but a showstopper for some folks).
The Daudson is virtually new and not half the gun the others are.
The Baikals are much better than one would expect. The 3 gauges are on properly scaled frames; they are reasonably well balanced; they lock up like vaults; they are well regulated and built strong without being as clunky as later Baikal models. On the negative side, they are all POW grips and birch stocks. This model was made in the late 1950's.
As you can see, there's only one in the lot that accepts 3" shells (and it's not one that I would recommend). None of these hammer guns are intended for steel shot. There are slugs, buckshot, and bird shot readily available in 2 3/4". The Huglu HRZ and the Pedersoli La Bohemienne are about the only 2 commonly available open hammer guns with screw-in chokes and 3" chambers.
Open hammer sxs's I have owned and since sold:
Abbot and Company. 12 ga. 2 1/2"
Armi San Marcos, 12 ga. 2 3/4"
Sanford and Laxton Practical Gun and Tool Makers, 16 ga., underlever 2 1/2"
Open hammer sxs's I still own:
Saxton, 20 ga. 2 1/2"
Husqvarna, 16 ga. 2 1/2"
Daudson, 12 ga. 2 3/4 - 3"
TOZ/Baikal 12 ga. 2 3/4"
TOZ/Baikal 16 ga. 2 3/4"
TOZ/Baikal 20 ga. 2 3/4"
Another Saxton would be almost impossible to find.
The Husqvarna is a favorite of mine because of the round action receiver. However, it is POW grip and accepts only up to 2 1/2" shells (not a limitation in my mind, but a showstopper for some folks).
The Daudson is virtually new and not half the gun the others are.
The Baikals are much better than one would expect. The 3 gauges are on properly scaled frames; they are reasonably well balanced; they lock up like vaults; they are well regulated and built strong without being as clunky as later Baikal models. On the negative side, they are all POW grips and birch stocks. This model was made in the late 1950's.
As you can see, there's only one in the lot that accepts 3" shells (and it's not one that I would recommend). None of these hammer guns are intended for steel shot. There are slugs, buckshot, and bird shot readily available in 2 3/4". The Huglu HRZ and the Pedersoli La Bohemienne are about the only 2 commonly available open hammer guns with screw-in chokes and 3" chambers.
Last edited:
I have a V Bernadelli Italia and love it , they are a quality gun
That's a gorgeous hammer gun , I stupidly passed on one some time ago , regretted it ever since .
I got lucky on that one it came up for sale just after Christmas in 2018 the seller was asking $900 for it and there were no takers probably do to that everyone was broke after Christmas.When I bought it buddy said there was only a couple of boxes of ammo put thru it and from the condition I believe it.He said he traded a 22 for it and that after he got it thought it was too pretty to drag through the woods
Here s a pic of the action
Here s a pic of the action
