Greetings chuckwellington,
Khomas Highland Hunting and Fishing Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.
Bird hunting and utility grade shotguns, yes.
All mine are SxS except one 12 bore Model 12 Winchester slide action.
It is an early model, (1930’s) ? with solid rib, “corn cob” forend, Polychoke, etc.
I had that weird Polychoke (Dial-a-Duck) eye sore gimmick thingy removed and a large white (porcelain) front bead installed.
Now the barrel is 25” and true cylinder.
(My favorite choke is no choke).
My 16 gauge is a vintage ( not sure how to determine the year of manufacture) Russian hammer gun, very plain grade.
It has a tinted birch stock.
However it fits me perfectly, as though made for me and it is a super fun pheasant getter.
“Swings like a 20, hits like a 12” as they say (whoever “they” are).
My best grade shotgun is a late 1950’s - early 1960’s Betetta Model 409 in 20 bore, with 2 sets of barrels.
It was a gift from my wife.
(What she’s doing with me for 31 years and counting remains a mystery).
I have hunted pheasant and quail on fellow AH member —> Gizmo’s “Rockin-G-Ranch”, in Texas with this snappy little gun.
It is my most reached for, “go to” and general purpose shotgun, a real peach.
My 28 gauge is a plain (very plain) Spanish Zabala Hermanos.
Definitely not a fancy looking shotgun but again, it fits me as if made for me.
My .410 is a very early Savage-Stevens Model 311, with walnut stock.
I had formerly owned 311’s in 16 and 12 bore as well but, only the .410 remains now.
Seems a real shame that high velocity, #4 lead birdshot ammunition is not widely available in 28 gauge and 16 gauge.
#4’s are my preference for wild pheseant, as they always seem noticeably more “impact resistant” than pen raised ones.
Speaking of real ***shames, you mentioned a vintage Browning Auto-5.
That is the only auto loading shotgun that I am drawn toward.
They fit me like a glove.
Many years ago, I had owned those, all in 12 bore, with various barrel configurations.
It is a ***crying shame that design was never made in a petit frame for the .410 and 28 gauge chamberings.
Well anyway, glad you joined.
Best Regards,
Velo Dog.