How would you go about buying a British shotgun?

[orpington]

This is a very preliminary question. Definitely on my bucket list, and someday I’ll make it happen?

First, anyone ever done it? Such as a Purdey? Or perhaps Holland & Holland?

I’m mostly interested in non restored/non refurbished, even though this is okay with regards to these. Definitely vintage, so original ownership/new from a British maker is not a concern.

It seems like these are my options:

Second hand from Purdey or Holland & Holland, or other similar premier maker. Seems to be the most expensive way.

From a secondary dealer in the UK and import to the US. Less costly, usually decent selection.

At auction in the US. Don’t have to import, might be less than a secondary UK dealer, might be more. More limited selection.

Secondary dealer in the US. Don’t have to import, probably less selection and more costly (???) than a UK secondary dealer.

Thoughts?

 

[.45Coltguy]

Not knowing your location, you could look up Pacific Sporting Arms in either Azusa, Ca., or in Michigan Ask to talk to their GM. In Ca., its Jordon Hirsch, not sure in Mich. They should get you to the right path.
Edit: Its Matt Topor in Michigan.

 

[PapaG]

Have deep pockets. Check the ads in Sporting Classics and other “posh” magazines.

 

[orpington]

Have deep pockets. Check the ads in Sporting Classics and other “posh” magazines.

Well, it’s going to cost something, but I did a search last evening and secondary dealers are actually affordable, or so it seems. I was under the impression that one might cost high 5 or low 6 figures, but some are available in the less than £20,000 to slightly over £30,000 range. That’s attainable if one saves for a few or several years with this goal in mind.

Some really early ones are less but aren’t as versatile for modern shooting.

 

[kudu]

Jaquas in Ohio usually has some coming in and going out at different times. I have seen both H&H shotguns there and Purdey's on my infrequent trips there, about 3 hours one way for me. Go every year or two.

 

[MacAR]

Poke here: https://www.vintagedoubles.com/

He has a bunch of good English guns, at what I would call expensive but not extravagant pricing.

Mac

 

[jfurlong]

This is a very preliminary question. Definitely on my bucket list, and someday I’ll make it happen?

First, anyone ever done it? Such as a Purdey? Or perhaps Holland & Holland?

I’m mostly interested in non restored/non refurbished, even though this is okay with regards to these. Definitely vintage, so original ownership/new from a British maker is not a concern.

It seems like these are my options:

Second hand from Purdey or Holland & Holland, or other similar premier maker. Seems to be the most expensive way.

From a secondary dealer in the UK and import to the US. Less costly, usually decent selection.

At auction in the US. Don’t have to import, might be less than a secondary UK dealer, might be more. More limited selection.

Secondary dealer in the US. Don’t have to import, probably less selection and more costly (???) than a UK secondary dealer.

Thoughts?

Connecticut Shotgun / Galazan sells used, highend shotguns.

 

[desidog]

Galazan's guns are beauties, I pass their shop frequently... but can't justify the expense.

Take a look at Griffin & Howe as well.

 

[ilbob]

auction house that sells pricey guns

https://www.ha.com/c/search-results.zx?N=0+793+794+791+792+1893+1577+2088&Ntk=SI_Titles-Desc&Nty=1&Ntt=shotgun&limitTo=all&ic=homepage-search-A-K-071316

 

[Thomasss]

Win the lottery and then go Kolar Arms in Racine, Wisconsin. They have all sorts of American and English shotguns.

 

[denster]

Jaquas in Ohio usually has some coming in and going out at different times. I have seen both H&H shotguns there and Purdey's on my infrequent trips there, about 3 hours one way for me. Go every year or two.

I second Jaqua's in Findlay Ohio. Google them and call them up and let them know what you are looking for. They will let you know what they have immediatly avaiable and send you photos if one interests you. They have a no risk return policy and want you to be happy. Good folks with a wide selection.

 

[entropy]

This is a very preliminary question. Definitely on my bucket list, and someday I’ll make it happen?

First, anyone ever done it? Such as a Purdey? Or perhaps Holland & Holland?

I’m mostly interested in non restored/non refurbished, even though this is okay with regards to these. Definitely vintage, so original ownership/new from a British maker is not a concern.

It seems like these are my options:

Second hand from Purdey or Holland & Holland, or other similar premier maker. Seems to be the most expensive way.

From a secondary dealer in the UK and import to the US. Less costly, usually decent selection.

At auction in the US. Don’t have to import, might be less than a secondary UK dealer, might be more. More limited selection.

Secondary dealer in the US. Don’t have to import, probably less selection and more costly (???) than a UK secondary dealer.

Thoughts?

Rock Island Auctions, Kull Auctions, Guns International, Puglisi's Gun Emporium, and the aforementioned Jaqua's would be good places to start.