Sleepers that may be found in used racks?

baddarryl · January 13, 2015, 10:31 AM

All the time I see racks full of single shot and double barrel shotguns. Some are pricey, but many are quite reasonable. What are some sleepers out there that are good shotguns, but may be not as well known and could still be had at a decent price?

Would love to have a cool SXS and maybe a single shot 410. What brings this up is I locally found a Sears 101.1610 which i think is actually a Savage for $400. Funny how the sears guns are undervalued, but were mostly made by top manufacturers.

eastbank · January 13, 2015, 01:06 PM

yes it is savage made and they are going for more 400.00 as a matter of fact i would have been on it like a bird on an a early june bug. eastbank.

SARuger · January 13, 2015, 02:36 PM

I'm a 20ga fanatic. I pick up some nice single barrel guns all the time. I will admit that im partial to the Pardner SB1 though. I own 3 now. I never pay more than $80 for them though. A lot of bang for the buck

Blindstitch · January 13, 2015, 09:37 PM

Just a heads up on the 410. They are nice but $15 a box of shells vs $5-7 for 20 or 12 gauge is more affordable.

And yes I have a 410 although I wish I had bought a 20 instead.

Ok so my input on the topic would probably be to look at store guns like the sears guns that don't have actual gun makers names on them. There are lots of Coast to Coast (mossberg 500) shotguns floating around.

Doyle · January 13, 2015, 10:11 PM

The Savage SxS and their off-branded versions were all variants of the 311. While it was functional, it was made to be cheap. They were designed to be the kind of shotgun that has a few boxes of shells a year run through it - not hundreds of shells every weekend at the range. I.E., not bad but just know what you are getting.

One sleeper SxS that you can find with the Sears label was made by Hunter Arms. You'll have to look up the model numbers to see which ones they were but Hunter was the descendent of the company that made LC Smiths.

Doyle · January 13, 2015, 11:34 PM

Here is a Sears branded LC Smith Hunter for you - just happened to spot it tonight.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=463000507

eastbank · January 14, 2015, 06:54 AM

the .410 sears savage 311 may be made inexpensive, but for a light carry rabbit gun out to 25-30 yards it will work. i bought a charles daley 500 in 12ga with double trigger, 30" barrels 2 3/4 chambers for 200.00. i think it was a super buy as it was made by miroku in japan and looks and is made just like my browning bss 20ga. i realy like the double under lug lock up, my browning o/u,s have been shot thousands of times at trap and other clays games with out any problems over the years. eastbank.

Virginian · January 14, 2015, 08:16 AM

A J.C. Higgins version of the 311 made me into a duck hunter many moons ago. A Remington Model 1100 turned it into a much more productive activity, but that was more me and the guns than just the guns. Those old guns made have been made inexpensively, but they were still well made.

hartcreek · January 14, 2015, 08:31 AM

I picked up my Marlin Model 19 up off such a rack. I checked it out thoroughly according to the steps so I could be sure that the bolt would not come off into my shoulder and it is fine with old style low power loads and I have no qualms about using it for turkey season. Used it last year along with my 150 year old damamcus barreled 16 gage that I also oicke up froma wall hanger rack.

I hunted black poeder season last year with a Jukar pistol in .45 cal that i picke up for $20 from a wall hanger rack. It just needed a few minutes work on the sear.

I picked up .44 Navy that was built by CVA for $100 because it needed work on the wedge and the retaining screw was missing. Yes it was built by CVA it is that old not just imported.

The LGS has a Winchester 12 gage sitting in the rack righ now that I am surprised no one has picked up as they made great trench guns for WWI. The local C store has the same shotgun in a rack with a $1500 price tag on it eventhough some joker put an adjustable Win choke on it.

baddarryl · January 14, 2015, 09:23 AM

Quote:

I checked it out thoroughly according to the steps

Which guide is that as I really know nothing about them?

Doyle · January 14, 2015, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Which guide is that as I really know nothing about them?

I don't have it handy but I've seen a list of things that you would normally look for when examining a SxS or O/U. I remember the position of the unlocking lever being one item (needs to be right of center because it moves to the left as it wears).

jaguarxk120 · January 14, 2015, 12:16 PM

On a SxS remove the fore arm or front iron and wiggle the barrels, look for a space between the barrels and the action face.

If you see light between the action face and barrels or if they wiggle when the action is closed, give it back.

Dreaming100Straight · January 14, 2015, 08:16 PM

Get a gun that takes screw in chokes.

Doyle · January 14, 2015, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Get a gun that takes screw in chokes.

Far less necessary on a double barrel than on a single barrel. Plus, if you really need to shoot at various distances for different types of game then it's much more fun just to have a 2nd (or third) shotgun.

Which is why I'm keeping my eyes open for a 30" O/U choked full and full just in case I ever decide to shoot doubles trap.

Bake · January 14, 2015, 09:44 PM

O/U. Full & Full, pretty tight, for 16 yard doubles...

Doyle · January 14, 2015, 09:50 PM

Quote:

O/U. Full & Full, pretty tight, for 16 yard doubles...

Not if you cheat and let them get out there a ways.

I'm old and slow and need all the help I can get.

Bake · January 14, 2015, 10:14 PM

I try to "Spot Shoot" the first one, and chase the second one. Works well if the wind isn't blowing...

Bake · January 14, 2015, 10:29 PM

Ever since I turned 70, my scores while shooting the BT99 w/ fixed full choke, the Winchester Model 12 also with a fixed full choke are better than the scores I shoot with the O/U using IM/Mod. at the 16 yard singles.

Dreaming100Straight · January 14, 2015, 10:30 PM

I am in the old and slow group. I don't shoot double trap, but find that I shoot 16 yard better with improved modified or even full. I picked up the game of skeet a few months ago and keep it simple as possible. I go with skeet and skeet.

hartcreek · January 14, 2015, 11:01 PM

A Marlin Model 19 is a pump that uses a bolt that engages on the side. When higher pressure 12 gage loads were introduced many of the bolts of these Marlins discharged violently into the shooters face.

There are steps to check out these old shot guns to make sure that they are still safe to shoot with low pressure loads. I found them at a Marlin site and anyone that is looking to purchase such an oldie can find them.

Screw in chokes are not needed for a lot of hunting.

Dreaming100Straight · January 15, 2015, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Screw in chokes are not needed for a lot of hunting.

They are if you want to be able to use the same gun for more critters.

hartcreek · January 15, 2015, 05:00 AM

No they are not you just reload for each species you hunt by using different shot and wads.

SARuger · January 15, 2015, 05:24 AM

I just had screw in chokes added to an older 870 20g and a single shot. It isn't that expensive.

For instance; I picked up a Pardner 20ga SB1 for $80 and had the barrel fitted for screw in chokes for $55 and shipping. So for around $150(less the cost of the chokes) I have a very versatile little gun. The chokes are $30 each

Virginian · January 15, 2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

No they are not you just reload for each species you hunt by using different shot and wads.

Sorry, but you cannot achieve near the variation that I can with choke tubes. The wad isn't made that will throw an extra full pattern out of an Imp. Cyl. choke.

Doyle · January 15, 2015, 01:02 PM

Quote:

I just had screw in chokes added to an older 870 20g and a single shot. It isn't that expensive.

You are missing the fact that this thread is about older "sleeper" guns, particularly SxSs. The problem with almost all of those old SxSs is they they don't have enough barrel thickness to thread properly.

That's why you need to buy multiple guns.

January 13, 2015, 10:31 AM	#1
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	Sleepers that may be found in used racks? All the time I see racks full of single shot and double barrel shotguns. Some are pricey, but many are quite reasonable. What are some sleepers out there that are good shotguns, but may be not as well known and could still be had at a decent price? Would love to have a cool SXS and maybe a single shot 410. What brings this up is I locally found a Sears 101.1610 which i think is actually a Savage for $400. Funny how the sears guns are undervalued, but were mostly made by top manufacturers. Last edited by baddarryl; January 13, 2015 at 10:46 AM.

January 14, 2015, 08:16 AM	#8
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	A J.C. Higgins version of the 311 made me into a duck hunter many moons ago. A Remington Model 1100 turned it into a much more productive activity, but that was more me and the guns than just the guns. Those old guns made have been made inexpensively, but they were still well made. __________________ What could have happened... did.

January 14, 2015, 09:44 PM	#15
Bake Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Posts: 482	O/U. Full & Full, pretty tight, for 16 yard doubles... __________________ 1. The pattern board is your friend, use the Dam thing!!! 2. The maximum range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually measured in miles, and means nothing. 2a. The effective range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually (the ability of the shooter) measured in yards, and means everything.

January 14, 2015, 10:14 PM	#17
Bake Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Posts: 482	I try to "Spot Shoot" the first one, and chase the second one. Works well if the wind isn't blowing... __________________ 1. The pattern board is your friend, use the Dam thing!!! 2. The maximum range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually measured in miles, and means nothing. 2a. The effective range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually (the ability of the shooter) measured in yards, and means everything.

January 14, 2015, 10:29 PM	#18
Bake Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Posts: 482	Ever since I turned 70, my scores while shooting the BT99 w/ fixed full choke, the Winchester Model 12 also with a fixed full choke are better than the scores I shoot with the O/U using IM/Mod. at the 16 yard singles. __________________ 1. The pattern board is your friend, use the Dam thing!!! 2. The maximum range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually measured in miles, and means nothing. 2a. The effective range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually (the ability of the shooter) measured in yards, and means everything. Last edited by Bake; January 15, 2015 at 01:37 AM.

January 13, 2015, 01:06 PM	#2
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	yes it is savage made and they are going for more 400.00 as a matter of fact i would have been on it like a bird on an a early june bug. eastbank.

January 13, 2015, 02:36 PM	#3
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	I'm a 20ga fanatic. I pick up some nice single barrel guns all the time. I will admit that im partial to the Pardner SB1 though. I own 3 now. I never pay more than $80 for them though. A lot of bang for the buck

January 13, 2015, 09:37 PM	#4
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,693	Just a heads up on the 410. They are nice but $15 a box of shells vs $5-7 for 20 or 12 gauge is more affordable. And yes I have a 410 although I wish I had bought a 20 instead. Ok so my input on the topic would probably be to look at store guns like the sears guns that don't have actual gun makers names on them. There are lots of Coast to Coast (mossberg 500) shotguns floating around.

January 13, 2015, 10:11 PM	#5
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	The Savage SxS and their off-branded versions were all variants of the 311. While it was functional, it was made to be cheap. They were designed to be the kind of shotgun that has a few boxes of shells a year run through it - not hundreds of shells every weekend at the range. I.E., not bad but just know what you are getting. One sleeper SxS that you can find with the Sears label was made by Hunter Arms. You'll have to look up the model numbers to see which ones they were but Hunter was the descendent of the company that made LC Smiths.

January 13, 2015, 11:34 PM	#6
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	Here is a Sears branded LC Smith Hunter for you - just happened to spot it tonight. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=463000507

January 14, 2015, 06:54 AM	#7
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	the .410 sears savage 311 may be made inexpensive, but for a light carry rabbit gun out to 25-30 yards it will work. i bought a charles daley 500 in 12ga with double trigger, 30" barrels 2 3/4 chambers for 200.00. i think it was a super buy as it was made by miroku in japan and looks and is made just like my browning bss 20ga. i realy like the double under lug lock up, my browning o/u,s have been shot thousands of times at trap and other clays games with out any problems over the years. eastbank.

January 14, 2015, 08:31 AM	#9
hartcreek Junior member Join Date: April 22, 2014 Location: Washington Posts: 1,549	I picked up my Marlin Model 19 up off such a rack. I checked it out thoroughly according to the steps so I could be sure that the bolt would not come off into my shoulder and it is fine with old style low power loads and I have no qualms about using it for turkey season. Used it last year along with my 150 year old damamcus barreled 16 gage that I also oicke up froma wall hanger rack. I hunted black poeder season last year with a Jukar pistol in .45 cal that i picke up for $20 from a wall hanger rack. It just needed a few minutes work on the sear. I picked up .44 Navy that was built by CVA for $100 because it needed work on the wedge and the retaining screw was missing. Yes it was built by CVA it is that old not just imported. The LGS has a Winchester 12 gage sitting in the rack righ now that I am surprised no one has picked up as they made great trench guns for WWI. The local C store has the same shotgun in a rack with a $1500 price tag on it eventhough some joker put an adjustable Win choke on it.

January 14, 2015, 12:16 PM	#12
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	On a SxS remove the fore arm or front iron and wiggle the barrels, look for a space between the barrels and the action face. If you see light between the action face and barrels or if they wiggle when the action is closed, give it back.

January 14, 2015, 08:16 PM	#13
Dreaming100Straight Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2013 Posts: 1,235	Get a gun that takes screw in chokes.

January 14, 2015, 10:30 PM	#19
Dreaming100Straight Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2013 Posts: 1,235	I am in the old and slow group. I don't shoot double trap, but find that I shoot 16 yard better with improved modified or even full. I picked up the game of skeet a few months ago and keep it simple as possible. I go with skeet and skeet.

January 14, 2015, 11:01 PM	#20
hartcreek Junior member Join Date: April 22, 2014 Location: Washington Posts: 1,549	A Marlin Model 19 is a pump that uses a bolt that engages on the side. When higher pressure 12 gage loads were introduced many of the bolts of these Marlins discharged violently into the shooters face. There are steps to check out these old shot guns to make sure that they are still safe to shoot with low pressure loads. I found them at a Marlin site and anyone that is looking to purchase such an oldie can find them. Screw in chokes are not needed for a lot of hunting.

January 15, 2015, 05:00 AM	#22
hartcreek Junior member Join Date: April 22, 2014 Location: Washington Posts: 1,549	No they are not you just reload for each species you hunt by using different shot and wads.

January 15, 2015, 05:24 AM	#23
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	I just had screw in chokes added to an older 870 20g and a single shot. It isn't that expensive. For instance; I picked up a Pardner 20ga SB1 for $80 and had the barrel fitted for screw in chokes for $55 and shipping. So for around $150(less the cost of the chokes) I have a very versatile little gun. The chokes are $30 each