Which SxS for Clay Games

[catnthehatt]

I think the biggest advantage of a sidelock is that it is easier to work on the lockwork than the boxlock. You can easily remove the locks and clean/oil them occasionally and were a sear to wear or break, much easier to get at and replace or adjust.
Why not buy a secondhand vulcan grade Parker shotgun as a durable gun. Extremely well made and you could pick one up for under $1000 with a bit of luck ,in a gun show. Only criticism would be they and most US guns are heavier than British ones.

cheers mooncoon

X2!
or a Trojan.
Dad had an old L.C. Smith at one time, it seemed to be very durable.

Cat

 

[Longwalker]

Scar270,
I have a Merkel 147E 12g. DT 28" straight grip that I had restocked for trap / rising birds. It may be what you need. Like others have already mentioned, German guns are generally built very well but are stocked too low and too short for most North American tastes. I'm 6' tall and average build, and my customized Merkel fists well and patterns about 8" higher than point of aim. This gun is very robust compared to lighter British "game" guns. High volume shooting will not affect its triple lock up - double underlugs and top extension, with side clips. Merkels are also approved for steel shot. I just don't use this one any more since I fell in love with the 16 ga. I would sell mine for less than your maximum budget, if you're interested PM me.

 

[sammy]

BSA Duck gun

Ok I'm right now shooting stevens 311's. I can shoot quite well with them but the 12 gauge that sees most of the use just doesn't seem to hold up to the use, I've had to replace the top snap once and looks like I'm do for another one soon. There are a few other parts been replaced too. I love the gun but I'm looking for something that might hold up to the abuse better. I thought about a Gold Label, but I pretty much am stuck on double triggers.

So basically what SxS would I be looking at that would stand up to approx. 5000 birds a year. I know thats not alot of shooting for a real clay shooter, but it's about what I find time for with my other shooting and it still seems to be alot for many SxS's. Many field grade guns in general.

Price is always a concern, but don't let that limit your suggestions, if I thought I could buy a bombproof SxS I'd be willing to spend 3k plus, just might take saving for a while. My concern is if I drop the coin for a Merkel or something of the like will I get better reliability, or is shooting that much pretty much hard on any SxS? If so I'll stick with the 311's, at least I can fix them.

Thanks for the time to all who made it this far through my rambling.

I have a still tight BSA 12ga, duck gun, 30"barrels, 2 3/4" chambers, restocked, needs final finishing, if that might be what you're looking for.
Sammy