A friend of mine hates Purdeys. Even though he’s as much of a double dork as I am, he just can’t stand how people fall all over themselves for any shotgun with P-U-R-D-E-Y on the lockplate.
I get what he’s saying. I’ve seen guys foam at the mouth for tired, shot out SxSs by this maker and then dismiss a lesser known, top-quality doubles in much better condition.
But that’s the power of a name. And to be fair, Purdeys are fabulous shotguns (if they’re in nice, original condition). When you own one, you’re getting top quality, plus all the fame and mystique that comes with owning a true, best-quality, London-made SxS.
If you’re in the market for Purdey today, this is one worth considering. It looks very original, and the price is pretty reasonable.
James Purdey and Sons Side-By-Side 12 Gauge: Featured here is a rare Heavy Field Gun built by James Purdey and Sons in 1928 (serial number 23486, barrel assembly numbers 57810 and 57811). This gun features Frederick Beesley’s famous self-opening (or “self-operating”) action. This gun was originally built with 3 inch chambers. It has Purdey’s interpretation of the Greener patent single inertia trigger (combined with Purdey’s 1911 single trigger patent). As with most all of Purdey’s Heavy Field Gun, this gun has 30 inch barrels, side clips, and Purdey’s patent third fastener (or “third bite”). Barrel wall thickness measures .030 inch six inches back from the muzzles for both barrels. Price: $23,999.99
Manufacturer: 1928
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Chambers: Factory 3 Inch
Metal Condition: Very Good 90%
Wood Condition: Very Good 85%
Bore Condition: Very Good
Barrels: 30 Inch .0285 / .030 BWT at 9 Inch from muzzle
Triggers: Single
Stock: Walnut
Stock Dimensions:
14 Inch LOP, 1 1/2 Inch DAC, 2 1/8 Inch DAH, 1/8 Inch Cast Off
Butt Pad: Wood Checker
Weight: 7 Lbs 9.7 Oz
Sights: Bead
Chokes: -.009/ -.021
