16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 14 Location: South Carolina

I have been bouncing this idea around in my mind for some time now. I thought I would toss it out here for some discussion.

I like Grulla shotguns. I have owned a few 12 gauge guns and have been very pleased with the 209H series and the performance that level of gun provides. Simply placing an order would be fine and I have full confidence in what would arrive.

However, I also have a soft spot for the classic American SxS. I have been thinking of finding an A grade Fox or a small framed Parker in 16ga and, if the barreled action passes muster (before buying), having it restocked to custom dimensions with a grade of walnut commensurate with the grade of gun. Of course I would never dream of doing this with a gun in good original condition, only something that is mechanically sound but not pristine.

I am not really interested in a full restoration, but simply creating a 16ga. shotgun that fits me well and would handle the rigors of upland hunting and the abuses to which any shotgun destined for that use might be subjected.

All opinions gladly accepted and appreciated.

JHJ

Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 171 Location: western PA

i think it is a matter of your personal likes. why not collect a few? i personaly have 2 ruger red lables (wish they would make a 16) 3 l.c. smiths(1-12 gauge, 2- 16gauges) and 1 unnamed 24 gauge ss from europe, a stevens double,a browning 10 gauge, and 2 parkers (1- 12 gauge and 1- 16 gauge). they all have their place for me. i just hate to get rid of any gun. of course this is may be contingent on the misses, if there is one. with the last one( the parker vh 16 gauge) my wife allmost had a anxiety attack. but i took her out for her favorite dinner and all is well.
Ben

why not a 16 ga Grulla? You are already both familiar and happy with them. I'd stick with a gun that works for me. Of course on the other hand, I own several different makes and gauges. However, I hunt with my 16 ga Citori most of the time. Its the one I have confidence in.

John-I like your idea of shooting an American Classic. While the Parker would be easier to trade in the future--you can get better buys on something in less demand, such as a graded Ithaca or Fox.

Aah, the quest for perfection. My problem always has been - beer budget and champagne taste. Oh well, as long as the beer is cold.

JHJ, I was kicking around the same ideas when I was on my quest for a 16 ga. Would it be an older classic or a modern gun. I liked the idea of a nice Sterlingworth which required more conservative loadings. In the end, I decided to go with a lightweight modern gun that wouldn't have any restrictions with ammo. I picked up a nice clean used Merkel 1620 and am extremely pleased with my choice.

Good luck in your search - Hc

Guest

Ditto on the Merkel...light, quick and the quality is exceptional.

Photo didn't come thru--from Cabella's. Scalloped receiver, etc

Dakota Arms Superlight Grade III 16 Gauge

Price:
$9999.99

Reference Number:
565585

Retail Location:
Rogers, MN

Phone Number:
(763) 493-8625

Email:
roggl@cabelas.com

Dakota Arms Superlight Grade III 16 Gauge
Dakota Arms Superlight Grade III 16 Gauge. Beautiful Dakota Arms double shotgun complete with fitted hardcase. Single select trigger with tang safety. Straight grip walnut stock fitted with plastic shotgun buttplate. Extensive engraving on the case colored receiver. 27 3/4" barrels with raised matte rib. Fixed choke barrel constriction 006/ 014 - This is Skeet/Light. & MOD 2 3/4" chamber. In fine condition, used little and carefully maintained.

Got the Merk 1620,which I love. Also a Simson which (from the era mine was made) is a 47E copy(came out of the same factory) and a sauer as well as a guild hammer in 16, but my favorite project is a Lc 16 that I'm having done over. Just about anything that you like, you'll like. But a bit of advice, any fox that the rev offers you would be a huge bargain, as I've been told his are never shot. Seems he's to busy chasing kat/dog all over the gated golf course retierment compounds he frequents

On the morning jog, came upon a 14 bird covey of Gambel's quail strolling in the local school playground. I think Dirk had a chance to get a good nose full of bird scent! 2 family units I've been watching apparently have come together for the fall. Don't know if the birds do a 'fall shuffle' out here like the Bobs in the midwest.
So how're air rats back on the east coast for eatin'? Laughing

Good , after sitting in a nice merinate

Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 14 Location: South Carolina

You have owned most everything else. I thought the Dakota name helped with the concept of a 'new American classic'. Guess a Spanish gun with a native American name doesn't really qualify as an American Classic in 16 gauge. Sorry.

Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Posts: 14 Location: South Carolina

Member Joined: 01 Feb 2006 Posts: 450 Location: Indiana

I have a parker trojan 16, LC Smith 16 Beretta16 JC higgins 16 Love to shoot all, However as far as feel the LC Smith Feather weight has the modern dimensions, When the gun comes up the feel seems so right. I also like the parker and do shoot it well but the drop on the stock just don't come up right. I have restocked the Beretta which has 30' barrels which I don't think I hurt the value their since the stock was broke into when I bought it.
Insteaed of doing away with the stock of any of those american made sxs find one of those LC' Smith FWS and see what you think.
Check out the LC Smith Soiecty.com.