The buzz at the club...

dilly

CGN frequent flyer
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SW Ontario
It was so nice to finally get back to the club yesterday for a couple rounds of skeet. I finally got a chance to try out the Ithaca SxS I re stocked for my daughter. I lengthened the chambers to 2 3/4" and was pleased with the way it felt. I also got to run a few through a Simson O/U I aquired just before the last "lockdown". It had a issue with a sticky ejector and was piercing primers before when I test shot it, but it would appear I have that fixed too. Good day.

By far, the nicest thing was to see the guys and hear what everyone was up to. Most of the talk was about a bunch of guns that landed at Tradeex. I hope this isn't breaking any rules discussing a vendor. I have no affiliation to them, but thought it was worth mentioning. Everyone was excited abouth the new "Shotguns-British Makers" section under products on their site. A few of the guys had already ordered guns from them and were excitedly waiting for them to arrive. Lots of lively discussions about Army/Navy, Cogswell, Jeffrey, Jones, and Hellis. When I got home, I checked it out and WOW! lots of cool options with lots of price points.

I know occasionally there are people asking where to get a vintage SxS. Tradeex may be worth a look FYI...
 
I routinely check them out. Always been leary of buying one from them. Ive never had a real bad experience with tradeex and ive bought numerous guns from them. The thought that these are surplus guns that were traded in is what puts me off. A good deal could turn into a money pit fast. As with any used gun of course. About 60% of the guns ive bought from there had undisclosed defects. On a gun worth only a few hundred its expected. To drop a few grand id want to handle it first
 
I routinely check them out. Always been leary of buying one from them. Ive never had a real bad experience with tradeex and ive bought numerous guns from them. The thought that these are surplus guns that were traded in is what puts me off. A good deal could turn into a money pit fast. As with any used gun of course. About 60% of the guns ive bought from there had undisclosed defects. On a gun worth only a few hundred its expected. To drop a few grand id want to handle it first

You talk about guns like they’re cars, there really isn’t that much danger for money when buying used guns
 
I bought a Heym combo gun from them that had a drifting crosshair in the scope. They took it back, no hassle, full refund. I got my drilling from them and it’s a home-run, so I guess it can go both ways.

I was just blown away at the 3 pages of various British SxS shotguns from so many different makers. Many with cases. I thought the selection was great for Canada.
 
Agreed, Dilly. The selection is terrific for a Canadian retailer. It would be interesting to know how they came to be at T.E.C. If recent imports from the UK then legally they need to be in proof - isn't that the case?
 
Agreed, Dilly. The selection is terrific for a Canadian retailer. It would be interesting to know how they came to be at T.E.C. If recent imports from the UK then legally they need to be in proof - isn't that the case?

No idea. I thought it may have something to do with a lead shot ban coming?
 
John, we know that to sell a gun in GB it must be in proof. Not sure if that applies to exports of used guns.

I know someone who got a very fair deal on a Lindner Charles Daly Featherweight from Tradeex shortly after they first added the “English” gun section. I think they really mean “expensive” lol. Chris Dawe and I spent a week or so debating whether one of us should pull the trigger on it when someone else I know bought it. After handling the gun, I’ve been kicking myself. At the same time, I look at some of those guns in the high end section and wonder where they came up with the valuations.

I think like with the more traditional tradeex shotgun section, there are stars and dogs and it’s hard to discern which are which. I take comfort in their return policy.
 
How does one even get into trap or skeet shooting? Tbh I don't even know the difference. No idea what the rules or reqs are beyond just shooting at flying things.
 
They must be in proof as marked or with a proof exemption as an antique to be sold in UK or EU. Not required for guns exported to countries like Canada or US that have no proof laws. Exportation is a viable method to move out of proof guns that are not a suitable candidate for reproof for one reason or another. Bear in mind, the current proof calls for two (not one like previously) proof loads through each barrel and these are now 2 3/4" proof loads, even in guns with 2 1/2" chambers. Many older guns can't pass this more stringent test. You pays your dime and takes your chances. Of the earlier lot of 60-70 guns that were sourced from a dealer in Saskatchewan many sold but most were worn, tired and primped to sell. I'm personally familiar with most of this lot.
 
They must be in proof as marked or with a proof exemption as an antique to be sold in UK or EU. Not required for guns exported to countries like Canada or US that have no proof laws. Exportation is a viable method to move out of proof guns that are not a suitable candidate for reproof for one reason or another. Bear in mind, the current proof calls for two (not one like previously) proof loads through each barrel and these are now 2 3/4" proof loads, even in guns with 2 1/2" chambers. Many older guns can't pass this more stringent test. You pays your dime and takes your chances. Of the earlier lot of 60-70 guns that were sourced from a dealer in Saskatchewan many sold but most were worn, tired and primped to sell. I'm personally familiar with most of this lot.

Was that a former dealer in Leader?
 
I got really excited about trying to buy a gun from a london auction and found out thru various sources that alot of those great deals are because the guns can not legally be sold in various countrys but can be exported and dont need a declaration of its proof to be exported. Plus not being able to inspect it leads to plenty of issues or at least can

Im not knocking tradeex in anyway and i love to have options for british guns here but im just a lil leary. Do they have a certified gun smith check them over and measure the bores? Whats the cost to fix an out of time or broken ejector on an old purdy or army and navy side lock? Who even works on these old brits?
Once my home renos and central air gets fixed if they ever show up to look it i may take the risk and buy one. Theres a couple that have held my attention

Buying an old worn out british gun that could need stock work can certainly be a money trap. Custom hand fitted parts and skilled labour is not cheap here
 
Be aware that the market for indifferent British boxlocks or guns with issues has collapsed in England,
They are bringing next to nothing in the major auction houses.
Shooters in Britain and the EU are running scared of the total lead shot ban being implemented.
For the moment, really high grade guns have not yet caught the chill. I'm not sure that will hold up in the long term.
 
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