Got the Sodia...Why can't I sell it?!? (go to post 19)

Wrong Way

Wrong Way

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
198   0   0
Location
Ontario.....far enough N of T.O. that I (almost) c
I'm new to "classic" S.G's, and I've been offered this gun, and I like it! Problem is....he doesn't know what it's worth, and neither do I......:confused:

Can you give me a dollar value? (fair market)

Franz Sodia- Ferlach 12ga/70 side x side, Bohler-Stahl stamped on barrels.



SG1.jpg

SG5.jpg

SG4.jpg

SG3.jpg

SG2.jpg


Thanks very much!

Ryan
 
Last edited:
Franz Sodia is an old and very highly respected maker of shotguns, drillings and rifles. What you have there is called a "find". A similar example, sans game scene engraving but with colour case hardening and better wood recently sold for US$ 3,500. Assuming perfect mechanical condition (don't, check it out) in Canada today your example should fetch $2,500 and perhaps more. If in good shape (no broken springs, tight and on face, no barrel dents, no wood cracks) I wouldn't let this one get away.

Sharptail
 
That gun screams 'quality', a real beauty. 2-3/4" chambers, (70 mm) by the way. Any other markings to designate choke? Can you get a picture of the breech face? Do you know how to separate the barrels from the action?
 
It's very tough to put a value on a gun from pictures. This one looks very nice but without seeing it in person and having someone who knows the market it's a wild-assed guess at best. Condition is everything when setting a value.

Frank Sodia is best known for their drillings and are quality guns.

Here are a couple of links to similar guns to give you an idea of the ballpark.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976478652.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976725330.htm
 
Wrong Way said:
Does anyone else concur/argue with the valuation posted above?

Thanks guys. I just want to be in a position that if I purchase it and hate it (I will be shooting it) and need to go to a O/U, that I can get my $ back out of it.

Ryan
Click to expand...
I wouldn't argue with Sharptail's assessment BUT would pay very close attention to the conditions he put on that valuation. Condition counts and from what we can see in the pictures this one looks good but only a hands-on examination can tell.

I'm hesitant to quote a figure because every time I've done it here before I've always felt I've been wrong.:redface:

Would I pay $2,500 for that gun? Perhaps. The gun isn't quite to my taste on a couple of fronts (pistol grip, sling swivels). It would have to provide something that I didn't already have in the guns I own now.

Would I expect it to sell for $2,500 if put on a table at a gunshow? Most definitely.

Whether you'd get your money out of it depends on a variety of factors. While there is increased interest in sxs shooting it's still not as broad a market as over/unders. You would get your price eventually but possibly not immediately.

I know it's a mealy-mouthed answer to your question but when it comes to older double guns I find it preferable to hedge my bets. ;)
 
Strangely enough, I never reply to the 'value finder postings' but always quietly slap $2500 price tag on them, and that's what majority goes with.
 
Nice sxs......good find. Personally, I could do without the sling swivels but that shouldn't be a deterent if the gun fits you well and shoots where you point.
 
Wrong_Way, congratulations, although I do hope you turned off the emotion button long enough to give the gun a thorough examination. If it's in good shape, what's not to like? Bohler barrel steel is among the best in the industry, the gun is of comparable quality to a Merkel model 47, the engraving is very nice, etc. etc. etc.

The only thing you may not like is how you shoot it initially, and that is "fixable". SxS shotguns are perhaps more sensitive to correct gun fit than other designs. Time spent at the patterning board will show you where the gun is shooting, and adjustments to the pad and / or the comb will get the gun shooting where you look. Spending time perfecting a smooth, consistent shouldering technique pays off in spades. Some exercises with the double triggers (if you are not already accustomed) will help as well.

The gun is likely to be tightly choked. Experimenting with different loads will show you which will give the widest and narrowest patterns. If you decide you need to open the chokes up, have a real pro do it, and do not install choke tubes whatever you do - it will affect the value of the gun. I am sure you are aware, but never shoot steel shot through this gun.

When the gun fits you and you have the patterns you want, you will have a bird harvesting machine that will last you a lifetime. A new gun of this quality is very expensive, skilled labour costing what it does these days. If you ever have to take a screwdriver to this gun (I am looking at the untimed screw on the bottom) take the time to hollow grind one to an exact fit. If you do not, you will damage the screw slot, and your ham - handed work will be forever engraved for all to see. Believe me on this one.

I think you have gone the "right way" with this gun. I predict that it will spoil you for other guns. Once you are used to the precision and fit of the Sodia, it will be hard to look at lesser guns in the same light. Take the time to get used to the gun, learn from it and take care of it. The gun will pay you back with many years of pleasure.

p.s. On the action flats (water table) there should be a number followed by a period followed by two digits, eg. 123.75 . The last two digits are the year of production, in the case of my example 1975. The first number is the proof house number, so my example would be the 123rd gun proofed in 1975. Find the number on your gun, and you will know how old it is.

Welcome to the addiction.

Sharptail
 
I picked it up today! The only damage I could find after a very thourough inspection was the following: Black spacer for the recoil pad is cracked, front sling swivel has a break, and that untimed screw..not perfect.. Apart from some handling marlks in the wood the gun is very nice. The action is tight, the bores are shiny, and it really doesn't look like it has been fired much. The number is 893.54

Thanks very much for the help on this. I'm gonna give it a shot (pardon the pun) and decide if it's for me. If it's not, I'm sure I can find a buyer.....and I have a nice O/U I've been eyeing up.
 
Last edited:
Wrong Way said:
I havent tried to "adjust it" yet...what I meant is that someone else used an "improper implement" and messed up the screw very slightly.

I'll give it a go......
Click to expand...
Just make sure you read Sharptail's most recent post again. Buggered screws are one of the first clues that someone has been at the gun who didn't know what he was doing.

It's a very nice gun and the problems you described are all easily fixable.

Let us know how it works out for you.
 
Wrong Way said:
So I have to ressurect this thread.....why the heck can't I sell this gun? Is there something I don't know? I have the thing posted way below market....and yet I still have it.

Any tips from the experts?

Thanks!

Ryan
Click to expand...
What are you asking for it? I'll bet if it had an English stock it would be sold.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom