Any hammerheads out there?
When it comes to bird guns, my ideal is a SXS, sidelock, open hammer shotgun in 16 or 20 gauge. I could go into more detail, but the point is I prefer open hammers. Anyone who shares my preference likely already knows how hard it is to find a reasonably priced, open hammer SXS that is chambered in, at a minimum, 2 3/4" and is proofed for smokeless.
This is why I was pumped when I discovered that Trade Ex had brought in some new hammer guns. I bought 2 of the new shotguns that I noticed on their site for the first time a couple of weeks ago.
One is a pretty run-of-the-mill Husqvarna, but it's a 16 gauge and in the best condition I've ever seen for these.
The other is a horse of a different color. It was listed as an unknown Italian make. I'm far from certain, but the research I've done so far indicates that it is probably made by one of the Gamba brothers. I need help finding a trade mark, if anyone has a reference for Italian marks. The maker's mark on this gun is an open book with a "B" on the left page and a "G" on the right. A lion is standing next to the book with his right fore paw up on the book. Under all of this, the text "S. Marco" appears. I've been told by those much more knowledgeable than I, that the "S.Marco" means that what appears above it is a trade mark. Anybody have any info?
This particular gun is in good condition, but both the metal and the wood are in desperate need of a re-finish. This will be one sweet piece by the time it's done. With hunting and all the rest, I haven't had time to take pictures and post. But, I'll get around to it sooner or later and start a new post when I can.
When it comes to shotguns, those in mint condition don't last long at Trade Ex. However, anyone looking to get into a new style of shotgun or anyone with an eye for worthy projects will find a wealth of reasonably priced pieces to choose from. If you want to try hammer guns, or SXS's, or U/O's, or whatever, you can't lose by spending a couple of hun on one of the guns at Trade Ex. If it turns out you don't like them or they don't fit you, you can easily sell them for what you paid. Be mindful of details such as chamber length, because there are lots of 2 1/2" chambered guns on the site. These are still fully viable, but you have to be willing to find and acquire (or reload) low pressure shells or even black powder. It's best if you know what you're doing with these.
Regardless, if price is a factor, you owe it to yourself to have a look at what they have in stock. If you happen to be a hammerhead too, what can I say - you snooze, you lose.
When it comes to bird guns, my ideal is a SXS, sidelock, open hammer shotgun in 16 or 20 gauge. I could go into more detail, but the point is I prefer open hammers. Anyone who shares my preference likely already knows how hard it is to find a reasonably priced, open hammer SXS that is chambered in, at a minimum, 2 3/4" and is proofed for smokeless.
This is why I was pumped when I discovered that Trade Ex had brought in some new hammer guns. I bought 2 of the new shotguns that I noticed on their site for the first time a couple of weeks ago.
One is a pretty run-of-the-mill Husqvarna, but it's a 16 gauge and in the best condition I've ever seen for these.
The other is a horse of a different color. It was listed as an unknown Italian make. I'm far from certain, but the research I've done so far indicates that it is probably made by one of the Gamba brothers. I need help finding a trade mark, if anyone has a reference for Italian marks. The maker's mark on this gun is an open book with a "B" on the left page and a "G" on the right. A lion is standing next to the book with his right fore paw up on the book. Under all of this, the text "S. Marco" appears. I've been told by those much more knowledgeable than I, that the "S.Marco" means that what appears above it is a trade mark. Anybody have any info?
This particular gun is in good condition, but both the metal and the wood are in desperate need of a re-finish. This will be one sweet piece by the time it's done. With hunting and all the rest, I haven't had time to take pictures and post. But, I'll get around to it sooner or later and start a new post when I can.
When it comes to shotguns, those in mint condition don't last long at Trade Ex. However, anyone looking to get into a new style of shotgun or anyone with an eye for worthy projects will find a wealth of reasonably priced pieces to choose from. If you want to try hammer guns, or SXS's, or U/O's, or whatever, you can't lose by spending a couple of hun on one of the guns at Trade Ex. If it turns out you don't like them or they don't fit you, you can easily sell them for what you paid. Be mindful of details such as chamber length, because there are lots of 2 1/2" chambered guns on the site. These are still fully viable, but you have to be willing to find and acquire (or reload) low pressure shells or even black powder. It's best if you know what you're doing with these.
Regardless, if price is a factor, you owe it to yourself to have a look at what they have in stock. If you happen to be a hammerhead too, what can I say - you snooze, you lose.
