Tradeex sxs shotguns

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vic130

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Hi CGN!

I'm looking for a sub 175$ 12 gauge side by side hammer shotgun. I know this is a fairly low budget, but I plan restoring it and maybe buying a shotshell reloading press.

First of all, is it a big deal reloading 2 1/2 using 2 3/4 cutdown shells and smokeless? Would just adding a 1/4 chim under the shell when star crimping do it alright?

Should I stick to Husqvarna or Belgian shotguns are good aswell? Is the top lever stronger than the underlever?

Vic130
 
Mec reloaders can do a passable star crimp on 2-1/2" shells with a 1/4" shim, not sure about most other brands. Ponsness-Warren definitely can't crimp short shells. I roll crimp my 2-1/2" shells, you can buy a roll crimper to use in a drill press. Will Bilozir usually has them in stock along with over shot cards.
 
I bought one of Tradex's Husqvarna hammer guns. For the price, you can't beat it. I was hunting with it yesterday, in fact. Mine's a 16 ga. I like it because it's in amazing shape for it's age, it's a hammer gun, it's a round action, you can open the action with the hammers cocked, it's light as a 20 and it hits like a 12.

You're already well-aware that these are 2 1/2" chambered. Anyone not planning to reload should use commercial low-pressure 2 1/2 shells, such as Gamebore.

The Belgians make good quality guns these days. But, in the era of these hammer guns, they made some high quality guns and LOADS of junk for the international market. The rule remains true: Judge each gun individually.

However, it's likely that the Huskies beat all other hammer guns at Tradex in value.
 
Thank you all!
I've settled on a Belgian Meteor instead. It looks like in good shape with a nice blue wear (yes, yes, I like these with a grey looking blue !) The wood is pale and would be really good with an oil finish! Also it is 2 3/4.

When I'll buy a reloading press, I think I will buy a Husqvarna!



Vic130
 
Don't mean to hijack...But why don't I ever see 20 gauge shotguns on tradeex??? All 12's, besides a few 16's....I'd really like to see some nice little 20 gauge doubles pop up from time to time..Is there a reason why they don't??
 
popularity

I think you will find that Trade Ex imports a lot of it's merchandise from Europe, and it seems most of it is from Switzerland, Sweden and possibly other Countries.

While the 12 guage and the 20 guage are very popular in North America, the 16 Guage is a very common calibre in Europe, and has been for many years. The 12 guage is popular almost anywhere in the World.

Trade Ex has excellent service, and these imported firearms seem to be inspected by them, and described accurately. In fact, it would seem that you almost get a better condition firearm than you expect for the price. This also allows us GunNutz to buy some quality firearms for a very reasonable price.
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Since I've already gotten the Lee dippers, I was wondering if I really needed to crimp shotshells. My point is that I don't need a press to decap and recap. Just a hammer and a punch! Would using a overshot wad with some white glue do it alright? It seems to be a good alternative!

Straightshooter,
a husky in 16 ga can interest me, but I'm scared of the scarcity of the 16ga hulls and wads. Is your 16ga built on a 12ga? or on a real 16ga frame?
 
vic130 said:
Straightshooter,
a husky in 16 ga can interest me, but I'm scared of the scarcity of the 16ga hulls and wads. Is your 16ga built on a 12ga? or on a real 16ga frame?
Click to expand...

It's built on a 16 ga frame.

With regard to the shells and reloading supplies, try calling or writing to Wil Bilozir (contact info at bilozir.net). He can confirm what is available. If you put the word out on this board, you might find someone who'd be willing to set aside some hulls for you.

I'd offer you some myself, but shipping from here would be prohibitive.:eek:
 
Your Lee Loader can be set to crimp the 16 ga 2 1/2". Lee confirmed it can be done. MEC makes a adaptor shim for their 600 Jr presses, too.
Also, Ellwood Epps usually carry the 2 1/2" (16 and 12 ga) and shipping from Ont. to Qc is not that bad.
 
making 2 1/2" shells form 2 3/4" shells is not an issue, and there is also the brass case opotion as well.
I load for 12, 16, 20 and 28 in 2 1/2' shells both in brass and paper, and use a MEC, Lee hand tool , and several other simple hand tools. I roll crimp and fold crimp.

It all depends on how much effort you want to put into it, if no effort, then simply buy game bore shells ( and send me the empties!!:D
Cat
 
I keep reading that the underlever Husqvarnas are Nitro-proofed. Is that true? I will get the 12 ga since I can easily get some hulls about anywhere (from my 870!!). Also, I might be doing some waterfowl!
 
Hello everyone!
I've just received my Husqvarna! The metal is a bit rough but the wood is neat! The two hammer screws are not original but that's a minor detail. I found the chamber a bit too long for a 2 1/2 12 gauge so I tried to insert an unfired 3" shell and it fitted nicely. Does that mean that it's a 2 3/4 instead of a 2 1/2?

Vic130
 
vic130 said:
Hello everyone!
I've just received my Husqvarna! The metal is a bit rough but the wood is neat! The two hammer screws are not original but that's a minor detail. I found the chamber a bit too long for a 2 1/2 12 gauge so I tried to insert an unfired 3" shell and it fitted nicely. Does that mean that it's a 2 3/4 instead of a 2 1/2?

Vic130
Click to expand...

Be careful:

ammo_shotshell_lengths.gif
 
vic130 said:
Hello everyone!
I've just received my Husqvarna! The metal is a bit rough but the wood is neat! The two hammer screws are not original but that's a minor detail. I found the chamber a bit too long for a 2 1/2 12 gauge so I tried to insert an unfired 3" shell and it fitted nicely. Does that mean that it's a 2 3/4 instead of a 2 1/2?

Vic130
Click to expand...

Easy way to measure. Take a dowel rod and wrap tape around it if necessary so it is about the same size as the chamber. Insert it until it stops at the forcing cone. Mark and measure. It should tell you if it is 2 3/4". You can also use something like an old strip of credit card cut to the width of you chamber. Otherwise, you could get a gunsmith to measure it.
 
Just picked up my second sxs from tradeex. Gorosabel 12 gauge, 2 3/4, 28", full/imp cyl, double triggers, extractor, Bores are mint, has about 95% case colors remaining-very nice, action is very tight, as new. Barrel bluing is about 95% with a few minor nicks that I've touched up. straight english stock with splinter forend, checkered. Stock finish was flaking and walnut kinda dry. I gave a light sanding, couple coats of tung oil, couple coats of tung oil finish, buff to a satin with 0000 steel wool, smooth over and presto..Very nice light upland gun. For $200, I can't complain.
 
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