Is the SxS dead these days?

George P said:

Get the gun you've always wanted; the shells aren't that expensive and you can always reload them. Another option is to find a competent smith and see if the gun is capable of being opened to 2-3/4" ammo and just shoot low pressure ones

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I know several competent shotgun smiths; if I had the equipment, I could do it, but I'd probably ask Pat Laib to do it. The guy who's selling it also suggest that. For as little as I plan shooting it, I'll probably leave it as is.

DM~ said:

The Remington is a 12ga... The other two are both 16ga, one drilling 8x57jrs and the other, the hammer drilling it 9.3x72R...

I've shot a LOT of big game with the 8x57, from moose and bear on down

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and I generally shoot two or three white tails with it every fall too.

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DM

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I wore a jacket like the one in the top photo for a lot of years in various duck blinds, camps and deer stands. Nice post !

Nope, still kicking not very loud but surely still around.
Long time ago in another land my room walls had 7 SxS Le Francoise side by side exposed hammer with a magnificent dark blue, that were a beauty to clean and admire.

I thank you Doc M. for your firearms and your teaching that forged me later in life.

Boattale said:

I wore a jacket like the one in the top photo for a lot of years in various duck blinds, camps and deer stands. Nice post !

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Thanks Boattale, that jacket is home made, I use to make quite a bit of my own hunting clothing the way/size I wanted it...

DM

No....not Dead...

Just hanging around my bedroom door waiting patiently...

Quail hunters are pretty picky about what everyone in their group shoots, very stylish bunch in my experience. Plus they like the folks they shoot with to field a SxS 20 or 28 gauge. Most of the guys that put on wild quail hunts own enough land to raise wild quail in pine forests and thickets plus the dogs to go with.... I own a tree farm and have 3 covies of wild quail on the place. They are pretty special to listen to early in the morning, with their Bob - White call.

Armorer 101 said:

Quail hunters are pretty picky about what everyone in their group shoots, very stylish bunch in my experience. Plus they like the folks they shoot with to field a SxS 20 or 28 gauge. Most of the guys that put on wild quail hunts own enough land to raise wild quail in pine forests and thickets plus the dogs to go with.... I own a tree farm and have 3 covies of wild quail on the place. They are pretty special to listen to early in the morning, with their Bob - White call.

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I have been on a GA quail plantation hunt with folks using 16, 20, 28, and 410s- pumps, semi, O/U and SxS - everyone had a great time - no tweeds, tattersalls, ascots or wellies; a few wore brush pants, most wore jeans. Half were very wealthy (not me )

Would love to do it more often, but it is expensive.

George P said:

I have been on a GA quail plantation hunt with folks using 16, 20, 28, and 410s- pumps, semi, O/U and SxS - everyone had a great time - no tweeds, tattersalls, ascots or wellies; a few wore brush pants, most wore jeans. Half were very wealthy (not me ) Would love to do it more often, but it is expensive.

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Bless you George for the memories. Used to quail hunt myself. My friend had a nice pointer dog that finally died on us. Then so many subdivisions were/are being built upon our hunting territory. Then coyotes and turkeys were brought back. My friend and I got old. I ride out in the country now but seldom these days do I scare up a covy. The birds are just not around here much any more. Explanations say they are not surviving the coyotes and turkeys are being told, but I don't know that for sure. Still, my favorite type of hunting was a lot of fun, good camaraderie and good eating.

Milkmaster said:

Bless you George for the memories. Used to quail hunt myself. My friend had a nice pointer dog that finally died on us. Then so many subdivisions were/are being built upon our hunting territory. Then coyotes and turkeys were brought back. My friend and I got old. I ride out in the country now but seldom these days do I scare up a covy. The birds are just not around here much any more. Explanations say they are not surviving the coyotes and turkeys are being told, but I don't know that for sure. Still, my favorite type of hunting was a lot of fun, good camaraderie and good eating.

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Should you venture a little more South, from Albany, GA south to the Tallahassee area you will be in the "quail plantation belt'; A huge swath of one after another

For upland birds, I have two shotguns I use: a 12 gauge Browning Double-Auto, (2 3/4" chamber) with a 28" long, modified choke barrel that I bought new in 1961 and a 20 gauge Merkel Model 147 EL, (3" chamber) with 26 3/4" long barrels, choked IC and Modified and having double triggers, "English" style straight stock and "splinter" style fore-end, that I bought new in March of 2000.

The Double Auto is good for everything but especially when wild pheasants are in the offing and longer shots make having more lead a real advantage.. The Merkel double, weighing under six pounds, is a particular favorite when hunting in the heavy cover that grouse and woodcock favor.

Really Guys.....This thread is nothing without pictures.....

Paul R Zartman said:

Really Guys.....This thread is nothing without pictures.....

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Most of my hunting and shooting days were before everyone walked around with a camera in their hand or pocket. That's why memories are so important! That and the ability to paint a picture with words.

This one is not my personal one, but it is its identical twin:

even down to the colors of the case coloring and wood tone

I guess I should have added this:

It's a S&W Elite Gold 20 bore; when discontinued, the line was picked up by Cabela's and is sold as the Dickinson. I believe it was in part due to the Dickson-designed trigger plate action.

My 12ga Baikal SxS gets plenty of use.
She's nowhere as purdy as those pictured, but she's rock solid.

This is my 1926 Lafevre Nitro Special in 20ga. Family heirloom, belonged to my great grandfather. I just took possession of it last year and although I do it rarely I really enjoy shooting it I do it very rarely. I’m the 4th generation with it and I plan to take it out once a year just to let it stretch it’s legs. Just as I did a month or two ago with this tasty little grey squirrel. One barrel is modified the other is full, great gun. I’d like to find another SxS I can shoot regularly.

Nice looking gun and good for you for shooting it. I'd be willing to bet your great grandfather would be happier knowing you were enjoying it rather than having it locked up in some gun vault.

Barbaroja said:

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This is my 1926 Lafevre Nitro Special in 20ga. Family heirloom, belonged to my great grandfather. I just took possession of it last year and although I do it rarely I really enjoy shooting it. I’m the 4th generation with it and I plan to take it out once a year just to let it stretch it’s legs. Just as I did a moth or two ago with this tasty little grey squirrel. One barrel is modified the other is full, great gun. I’d like to find another SxS I can shoot regularly.

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Find another one just like it then!
here's 99 Lefevers for sale:
https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/lefever-shotguns.c636_p1_o6.cfm

Cvans said:

Nice looking gun and good for you for shooting it. I'd be willing to bet your great grandfather would be happier knowing you were enjoying it rather than having it locked up in some gun vault.

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I’d like to think so, they were intended to be a working mans kinda gun. Relatively affordable in their day and this one has a few bumps and bruises but all honest wear and it locks up tight as a drum. I like to reload shotgun to get just what I want for hunting and it’s easy enough to figure out a low pressure load to shoot just to be a little nicer to the thing.

George P said:

Find another one just like it then!
here's 99 Lefevers for sale:
https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/lefever-shotguns.c636_p1_o6.cfm

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I’ve seen a few in pawn shops and online but I think if I get another SxS I’d get a bit more modern one that I can shoot steel from. I’ve already got my “ safe queen” SxS. That said if I found one for the right price I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it.


Edit: I’ve got myself excited about the old gun, time to go dig it out, shoulder it a few times , wipe it down and back into the deepest part of the safe.

Now days I mostly hunt birds and use either a 1910 or 1936 vintage 16 ga SxS. I have a bunch of other shotguns but the SxS are what I like for bird hunting and the 16's pattern beautifully. I have a couple of 28's that are a close second but they don't have soul.

We have a bunch of grandkids over shooting clays today. We are using the new Wheelybird thrower and loving it. Got out three 20 gauge shotguns one being the Stevens 311. Boy I like shooting that thing and seeing the clays turn to dust.
Their folks just made another trip to the gun store to pick up two more cases of shells and clays for an evening shoot. The 311 is going to get warmed up again. Another favorite is the Savage Stevens 67. They almost fight over it.
Surprising is how well the teenage girls are doing and the smiles on their faces when they connect with a clay is priceless. They have never shot shotguns before.

The SXS may have slowed a bit . The route cause may be hunters today want more available rounds. In the tube that is.

Cvans said:

We have a bunch of grandkids over shooting clays today. We are using the new Wheelybird thrower and loving it. Got out three 20 gauge shotguns one being the Stevens 311. Boy I like shooting that thing and seeing the clays turn to dust.
Their folks just made another trip to the gun store to pick up two more cases of shells and clays for an evening shoot. The 311 is going to get warmed up again. Another favorite is the Savage Stevens 67. They almost fight over it.
Surprising is how well the teenage girls are doing and the smiles on their faces when they connect with a clay is priceless. They have never shot shotguns before.

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Way to go grandpa!

Since I picked up a SS Birdshead Vaquero, I think she needs a Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme to keep her company. Hope to find one when the gun rush settles.

Close to a 1000 rounds went down range today and almost as many memories. My 20 year old Grandson was unbeatable with the 311 and wants me to find one for him. He doesn't know it yet but I already have one and he was shooting it today. Everyone wanted to try it but it worked perfect for him.

My Browning BSS and I go afield quite often. I also use it to shoot clays with a friend.