Shotgun Conundrum

R

Rob_F

Active member
Gents,

I posit this with full awareness that I am likely seeking validation and permission under the guise of decision making....

When my father passed away I inherited his guns. The only one of sentimental value is his 7mm Rem Mag. He was a deer hunter the way I am a duck hunter. He understood the woods better than anyone having spent his formative years kicking through the Iron Range of MN in the shadow of the Boundary Waters.

Others were obviously meant to be sold, so we did and gave the money to my mom.

But there was one with some interest, that now creates a dilemma for me as balance resources, efficiency and desires...

A Verona LX501 20 ga (marked 503). This line apparently was developed as a private label by Rizzini for US Retailers. In this case, the 503 indicates it was a Gander Mountain gun.

It's a nice O/U, definitely lower end, but the construction seems worthy of the F.A.I.R. manufacturing if all information holds true. But I'm stuck in that a) it's too fancy for the type of work I put my shotguns through and b) it's not fancy enough to be of value down the road... i.e. it's NOT a Rizzini.

I carried it one weekend for grouse and I haven't shot trap in almost 15 years. My time for grouse is fairly limited as I am 90% ducks.

Now, that being said, I also inherited a Ruger Red Label 12 O/U. I use this gun a ton and will likely invest further into its usability, i.e. Briley thin wall chokes or similar accoutrements, perhaps Cerakote the barrels. This gun has shot multiple doubles over Herter's 72 in a boat.

Add in a desire to extend my double barrel usage, but a continuing pattern of "de-modernizing", and I find myself getting goog-ly eyed over old Amercian box lock side by sides. After the trip to the Gordon MacQuarrie event up in Barnes, WI I'm enamored with the Lefever (Ithaca) Nitro Special, as it was Mac's gun.... was amazed at how available and affordable they are.... then found a connection with one that has a two barrel set (12 ga 28" in IC/M and 12 ga 30" in M/F).

Prior to the Rizzin connection I had ZERO care or concern for the Verona. Now, I'm not so certain. But perhaps it's a bit like the Chrysler TC by Maseratti.... it has some level of quality to it based on the relationship, but it's simply a better Chrysler and NOT a Maseratti.....

My sense is, someone would be a better owner for the Verona and I have a more efficient gun cabinet with tools that are going to get used.

Thanks for letting me air this out. Open to thoughts/opinions.

Rob_F
 
So are you trying to figure out if you should sell the Verone & Ruger and buy a Lefever?

My advice is keep them all and buy a Lefever.
 
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any advice from me is bad. I actually don't know how many shotguns I have, and have been told on good authority that if you only have one safe you arent taking your hobby seriously.
Of the three mentioned, only the Ithaca double would hold any interest. My tastes are not mainstream.
 
Ha! That's "Man Logic", Carl.

Definitely keeping the Ruger, will likely invest into modernizing it (it's so early 90's model in the gap of the "original" Red Labels and more functional field models with screw-in chokes.

Maybe trying to determine if selling the Verona is the "responsible" thing to do or if it's martyrdom to cover a conscience that says there is no logical explanation for any of it as i am fortunate to shoot in a season as many fowl I can share and consume.

Middle age dad syndrome, and being self employed cash is always a balance between the pockets..... and determining at which point shenanigans amount to larcenous marital behavior :-)
 
Rob, I would keep the Ruger if you don't plan on carrying it any further than from the truck to the boat. The sentimental one I will stay out of.
 
Sounds like the 503 is the least practical of the two, if you really want the Lefever, than I would keep the Ruger but sell the 503.
 
Trying to make "$$$$$$ sense" of our life style as hunters & fishermen/women is a fruitless task, and much better left alone.

It's a primal thing, so go with your gut feeling.
 
It's hard for me to grasp the idea that an affordable Italian made 20ga o/u isn't needed...but I've flip flopped over the last decade from 80/20 waterfowl to 80/20 upland.
I would advise you to keep it. You never know where life will take you. It may be one of those guns that may not be worth a lot but may be hard to replace if you ever decided to get another.

Since you said it has no sentimental value it's really up to you.
Btw what does that 20ga weigh? You know, just in case you don't listen to me. ;)

Tim
 
Sage advice.

Ultimately, the Verona would never be on my list. If I had my druthers for this type of O/U it would be a Franchi Alcione with the matched 12/20 barrel sets, or a 16 gauge SxS.

Verona gets sold.

Thank you gents!
 
I would buy the Nitro Special and keep the 503 "for now", you could always sell it at a later date. The Nitro Special is a fun little gun. I have one in 16 gauge. Be prepared for repairs as it will be an older gun and will probably be well used. I would bet money it will need new sears at some time in it's new life as your duck gun, so make sure you have the number of a gunsmith who works on doubles.....ask me how I know [;)].

Either way you will enjoy the Nitro Special!

Zane
 
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