I haven't any idea at all on what the value would be. I suspect it wouldn't be too much but to me it has Family value. My Grandparents lived on the US/Canadian border (Huntingdon/Sumas) and my uncle would walk the railroad tracks after school for pheasants. This was in the 1930's when pheasants were abundant.
Lets see them single shots
- Thread starter brybenn
- Start date
I haven't any idea at all on what the value would be. I suspect it wouldn't be too much but to me it has Family value. My Grandparents lived on the US/Canadian border (Huntingdon/Sumas) and my uncle would walk the railroad tracks after school for pheasants. This was in the 1930's when pheasants were abundant.
Brybenn I think you would need to first source a vintage Jones underlever english gun for a donor action, perhaps one with some rust pitting that could be polished out, maybe a ruined stock. One of these in small bore would be very hard to find but they exist, I had one, a 20 with a very nice 30" damascus barrel, sold it a couple of years ago. With a suitable basis like this we have the talent in this country to make this a reality. Cheap? Nope. Worthwhile? Definitely! I really like this idea.
If an English single with Jones action in lesser condition were to turn up, it could be rebarrelled and refurbished. The original barrel could be cut off to create a monoblock, and a modern barrel sleeved in. This could be a cost effective way of getting a classic, stylish sporting gun. Keep your eyes open for the gun, but also for a take-off barrel.
Tiriaq, i agree, this would be the way to go. A gun with a junk barrel would be a great affordable place to start. Jones type bottom lever actions are very strong, seldom show significant wear and are comparatively common. If this was my dream project I would keep my eye open for an old gun for the starter and grab it when I find it, it may be years before another one comes along. If in project condition it should be hundreds, not thousands of dollars. Of course as with almost all custom projects, the value will be to the original client, it is near impossible to recoup the expense by selling the gun. Just like a custom car.
Im fully aware of the financial loss of custom work. Ive come to realize id like to leave my daughter with nicer things instead of just a large collection. Ive slowly been downsizing and upgrading since shes been born. Hope shes into firearms. If not well ill go out without the regret of hunting with an ugly gun
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Is the barrel thick enough on the older 12g single shots to thread for chokes, I see ones on the EE now and again that have already been cut shorter 18.5”-20” that are cheap enough. Would consider picking on up if I can get it threaded for chokes, open cyl is kind of pointless for my shotgun uses.
I dislike longer barrels for the most part but wouldn’t cut down one that was in nice original configuration. The Cooey’s, Cil’s and older Remington single shots are what I like, wood furniture and blued steel is so much nicer than a new short barreled Turkish gun with a plastic stock.
I dislike longer barrels for the most part but wouldn’t cut down one that was in nice original configuration. The Cooey’s, Cil’s and older Remington single shots are what I like, wood furniture and blued steel is so much nicer than a new short barreled Turkish gun with a plastic stock.
- Location
- West coast of Vancouver Island
Here's another picture of the gun that got brybenn interested in developing a modern build version:
A modern as in centerfire cartridge version of this gun in a sub gauge is my idea of the perfect bunny and northern ontario grouse gun. An anson and deely forend release would be a plus to as id be afraid to misplace the forend key. All in a small compact carry case. Slim smooth simple and elegant plaform for case colors and finely figured wood. Would be hard to carry any other scattergun while hunting small game
Good idea for a thread Byron.
I have a J & W Tolley 12 gauge single barrel game gun. Weighs in at 5 pounds even and has 29" barrels with an open choke. Excellent , light weight ruffed grouse gun.
I really, really, really like that.
Yes sir, that Tolley is sweet and obviously well cared for and little used. This was a popular configuration for higher grade singles, these guns with the same shaping of the fence and identical engraving pattern can be found with many different maker's names including some of the most prestigious London houses. This is an outstanding example, wish it was mine!
Outstanding gentlemen! The single-shot I bring to the table is far less remarkable; a Brazilian CBC in .410, but it was signifcant to me for two reasons: Firstly, as the first break-action I ever owned it was the gateway drug that got me hooked on doubleguns; Secondly, it was the gun I carried all through the life of my first beagle, seen here with the last rabbit of the many that she brought to me over her 12 years.
I used to have one of those, still kicking myself for selling it. Never missed an animal with it, great gun.
