Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
I get asked a messa questions off the BB. Here's some that may interest you....
Edited to preserve anonymity....
What's the take on Spanish Shotguns?
I'm no expert on them and have only owned one, a trap O/U that had seen better days.
Spanish guns run the gamut. The very best are as good as guns made anywhere. Spanish guns in the last 20 yards run pretty good, older ones oft have soft metal that means sears and such wear fast.
Spanish companies come and go. Most are based in and around Eibar in the Basque region of the Pyrenees. Oft families have been involved in gunmaking for generations.
Newer bespoke shotguns are terrific. A friend has a AYA made to his specs that equals British Best. Still, my best advice for buying Spanish is to go slowly and carefully.
Why don't you like Autoloaders?
I don't dislike autos, I'll probably get around to owning a few once Son graduates. I just prefer the reliability and simplicity of pumps. I DO like the gas guns' reduction of kick.
A gas gun is 12 or 20 gauge makes a fine starter gun for new shooters. A LT 20 1100 can be a gift from The Shotgun Dieties for someone worried about kick.
Why do you frown on accessories on shotguns?
I don't. I severely frown on trying to substitute gadgetry for expertise. Instead of getting a spring loaded stock, for example, one would do better by working on fit and form.
If the pile of shells fired by you in the last year would reach past your knees if all were together, mount anything you want on Ol' Trusty Rusty. I shan't snivel a whit.
But if you spent more of gadgetry than ammo this last twelvemonth, your priorities may need re-evaluation.
The best thing to see on a shotguns is wear marks.....
Edited to preserve anonymity....
What's the take on Spanish Shotguns?
I'm no expert on them and have only owned one, a trap O/U that had seen better days.
Spanish guns run the gamut. The very best are as good as guns made anywhere. Spanish guns in the last 20 yards run pretty good, older ones oft have soft metal that means sears and such wear fast.
Spanish companies come and go. Most are based in and around Eibar in the Basque region of the Pyrenees. Oft families have been involved in gunmaking for generations.
Newer bespoke shotguns are terrific. A friend has a AYA made to his specs that equals British Best. Still, my best advice for buying Spanish is to go slowly and carefully.
Why don't you like Autoloaders?
I don't dislike autos, I'll probably get around to owning a few once Son graduates. I just prefer the reliability and simplicity of pumps. I DO like the gas guns' reduction of kick.
A gas gun is 12 or 20 gauge makes a fine starter gun for new shooters. A LT 20 1100 can be a gift from The Shotgun Dieties for someone worried about kick.
Why do you frown on accessories on shotguns?
I don't. I severely frown on trying to substitute gadgetry for expertise. Instead of getting a spring loaded stock, for example, one would do better by working on fit and form.
If the pile of shells fired by you in the last year would reach past your knees if all were together, mount anything you want on Ol' Trusty Rusty. I shan't snivel a whit.
But if you spent more of gadgetry than ammo this last twelvemonth, your priorities may need re-evaluation.
The best thing to see on a shotguns is wear marks.....
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