WB
Boy the market has changed. Shotguns, rifles too.
Tuesday, October 01, 2019, 12:07

The shotgun market has really changed. There are a few guys who think they need the latest inertia recoil boomer to shoot ducks and anything under $1500 is crap. But honestly a $300 synthetic stocked pump will do anything a fancy one will. The non-toxic shot laws have also helped make a big slump in fine old shotguns. Where and for how much will you find 16 ga. steel or tungsten loads? But the silver lining is prices are showing some values if you search well.

I like working man guns of the 1950's. Winchesters of that era were very well made and a mechanical delight. M12's, 50's, 24 doubles etc. I guess prices have stopped rising and everything else has gone on perhaps. I usually keep a M12 around and really like them. Basically they are an exernal-hammerless 1897. The latter I never liked as the hammer is slippery and an accident waiting to happen in our less responsible society of today. The M50 semi-auto is a real gem, provided you don't try to "tune" the springs. It is oddly butt heavy and kicks pretty good with the short recoil operation with false chamber. The M24 double looks more sleek than a Savage/Stevens and all business. It's a bit hefty and DO NOT EVER try to take one apart.

I also noted the old Franchi long recoil guns (an Italian Browning if you will) are still high priced in 28 and 20 ga. but the 12, only a fraction of the cost of the smaller bores. It's because after every shot with a Franchi 12 you find your dentures in your lap! LOL. There are other old bucket list guns too. From my war torn 1975 Marlin Catalog is the familiar picture one of two shotguns they offered back then (the other was the bolt action M55) the Deluxe M120 Magnum 12. I've always wanted one. All steel and walnut it is a relic of a bygone era now some 40+ yrs. ago, a whole generation. They too are very affordable. Anyone ever have one? But who really wants to lug around a 9 lb. shotgun around these days?

Thank goodness it does not cost much to window shop!