Side by Sides of the World Y2K- CARDER

Description

228 pages, about 11″ x 8″, glossy soft cover in full color. New re-print. Printed on high-quality 20# 97 bright acid-free paper. Fully Illustrated.

Summary

INTRODUCTION:

This is the third "catalog" type book by this author, listing names and makers found on side-by-side shotguns. The book contains more than 1,600 different names and, wherever possible, a bit of their history, quality, desirability or value. The information found here may help the readers to gain more knowledge about their side-by-side shotguns. There have been more ingenious designs implemented in the making of side-by-side shotguns than any other single firearm. In fact, there have been more people and more hours applied to the advancement of these guns than any other single type of firearm.

Johannes Samuel Pauly built the first practical cartridge gun in 1812. His gun was the foundation for modern self-contained cartridges. Since then, self-contained cartridges have advanced from weird-looking paper devices with pin-fire or center-fire igniting mechanisms to what we find at the shooting supply store today.

Basically side by side shotguns are all pretty much the same, with the main differences being the design of the actions. They all have two barrels attached horizontally I a shoulder stock, and a mechanism for loading and discharging the cartridges. Even though many, many changes have been incorporated in side-by-side shotguns since Pauly's invention, the only difference is the physical appearance. The very early guns reflect the ornateness of the Renaissance era, while today's guns exhibit the smooth lines of a fine racehorse.

When perusing this book the reader will note many designs from years long passed are still being used by modern gun makers. One example is guns with outside hammers are still being built by South American and European gun makers.

Arms makers today are continuing to produce most types of side-by-side shotgun mechanisms in varying qualities. Most of the best doubles are being built in Britain & Europe, however, there are a few classic gun makers in the United States, including the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, makers of A. H. Fox side by sides and Ithaca Classic Doubles, makers of the New Ithaca Double. As it is elsewhere in the world, there are a number of custom gun makers in the U.S.A. that are building some very high-quality side-by-side shotguns.

A bit of modern American history reveals that in 1989, Savage was the last American mass producer of moderate-priced doubles. In 1990, Remington re-introduced the Parker Bros. shotgun with essentially no changes from the originals. They were manufactured only upon request from a purchaser. These are very high-quality shotguns. From 1964 to about 1980, Winchester Repeating Arms Company contracted with the Japanese arms maker, Kodensha, to produce their side-by-side shotguns. In the 1980's, Winchester built a few side-by-side shotguns in their custom shop.

High quality or Best Guns, as they are known by the British, are as meticulously fitted as any fine watch or clock. The artistry and skillfulness of their fabrication is absolutely unquestionable. Currently made side-by-side shotguns may fall in the price range of less than $1 ,000 to over $100,000.

From Germany, Guggi custom-built side by sides feature precious metals and gems and may command prices exceeding $100,000. The fine old English gun-making establishment of Holland & Holland still produces doubles at prices of $50,000 to $60,000. Since World War II, a renaissance has taken place in Italy, where some of the world's finest and highest quality shotguns are being created.

A first rate side by side may be had in the price range of $5,000 to $15,000. Moreover, there are many good, serviceable side by sides, both new and used, that can be found more moderately priced. Some manufacturers are offering very durable side by sides for around $1,000-$2,500.

Since the late 1940's, a number of companies have built two quality doubles selling for considerably less than one would expect to pay. In most cases, these may or may not prove to be serviceable because of the possibility of inferior quality materials or craftsmanship. One should be aware of these inexpensive doubles, as most often, parts and services are quite difficult to find.

As you continue through this book, you will find names of gunmakers, manufacturers and trade names of those who distributed side by sides under their own company or brand names. Wherever possible, a brief history is included with each name. The graphics shown have been obtained from photographs, books, brochures, old catalogs et cetera. Likewise, the information has been collected from gun shows, gun shops, advertisements (both new and old), word of mouth and the courtesy of many collectors.