“Buy the gun, not the name” – that’s a bit of wisdom firearm collectors toss around all the time. It’s good advice, too. There are lots of big-name shotguns out there in lousy condition. When you’re buying, it’s easy to be blinded by a famous name — like James Purdey & Sons — and overlook the problems a gun has.
It’s also easy to overlook great guns built by lesser known makers, especially if you haven’t developed an eye for quality. Because the shotgun shown here was built by an unknown Belgian maker, many people would pass by it without giving it a second look. But quality wise, it’s just a notch below a British best and probably better than the finest Spanish stuff. Price wise, it’s costs 1/3 to 1/4 of what you would pay for nice 20 gauge by Holland & Holland or Boss.
Here’s more about this double from the seller:
Belgian Best 20 gauge Sidelock Ejector SxS Shotgun: A spectacular 20ga sidelock ejector gun great engraving the gun was built in the late 50s on a Francotte action fit and finish as good as Holland or Purdey for a lot less 27 1/2 in barrels all the original blue articulated front trigger 14in LOP double trigger splinter checkered butt. Couldn’t replace for twice the price. Price: $12,500.
