16ga.com ~ View topic

Member Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 989 Location: Las Vegas

I was bummed out several months ago after missing out on a Harkom 2 1/2" 12ga. game gun. By the time I had sold a couple of Citori's the gun had gone to auction. Sad

However, all's well that ends well! I found this nice little Needham 16ga. on Charlie's (Hill Rod & Gun) web site and my check arrived at his place of business today. I can't wait to take it for a spin!

Matt

http://www.hillrodandgun.com/picture.php?id=12405

Member Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 743

Matt, I saw that gun. Think you got a good one. Little information on Needham: he (and Hinton) patented the first practical ejector system, so that's a name with a little history behind it. However . . . I'm 99.9% certain the gun you're getting was built by Greener. It has the Greener crossbolt, which is one clue--but so do my Scott-made Army & Navy guns. But Greener bought out Needham in the late 1800's. Greener had touted his own "facile princeps" action as being superior to the standard Anson & Deeley. But by buying out Needham, he was able to make A&D action guns--with the Needham name rather than his own. So what you have there is a Greener-built gun with the Needham name. In fact, it looks a lot like a Greener 16 I once owned, made after Greener finally started making A&D's under his own name.

Joined: 03 Jul 2005 Posts: 370 Location: Amarillo, Texas

Great gun in great condition. I kept loooooooking at it. You probably saved me a bunch of money. I have two English boxlocks in 16 and they are delightful guns.

Best,

Mike

Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 46

I too looked talked to Charlie (nice guy) about that gun. I just didn't know enough about the maker and currently have my fingers in a lot of pies- the new Expedition showed up from the factory last week. Besides, I would have to bend the stock down to fit me!

Seems to be a really nice English gun at a reasonable price- tell us how you like it after you put a couple of boxes through it. I like to live vicariously through others. Very Happy

Any opinions about the Westley Richards 16 bore that Charlie has? That one piqued my interest also. I know that some guys really like sleeved barrels. The weight of that gun really appeals to me. I wish i could just find a nice 16 bore when I have the money and put it to rest!

That 5.75lb Westley Richards looks like a serious bird killer. If I had the cabbage, I would give that a serious look.

Member Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 989 Location: Las Vegas

The Needham arrived yesterday and it's as good or better than described! I believe Larry is correct to it acutally being a Greener as my Tate book confirms that Greener bought out the Needham business in 1874 and this gun is clearly sporting 1925 proof marks.

Matt[/img]