2 16ga Sauer SxS's - I would like to know more about them

[jakeismydog2]

Before February of this year I had never heard of JP Sauer and Sohns. I had never owned a 16 gauge. I had only shot a SxS once.

I do a good amoun of pheasant and quail hunting. The drought of the past few years was leading to lots of walking and little shooting. I set out to find a lightweight bird gun. Then one day at a LGS I found a 16 ga Sauer. I new nothing about the gun other than it was light, it had wonderfully long 30" barrels, the action was tight, and there was no way in hell I could buy a new gun half as nice as that one for $750. So I bought it.

I have shot a little less than a case of shells through that gun this year. All at the trap park. I usually hunt with a skeet choke in so switching to full and fuller has been a bit of a challenge. First time out I shot a 12. Last time I shot a 21. I am really getting a feel for the gun now.

The fantastic thing about the Internet is all the group knowledge one is able to find. I was able to learn that that Sauer had a 1907 serial Number but was probably made in the 20's and It was a model Xl.

[jakeismydog2]

Then I came a crossed this one. In the pictures it looked very very similar with a few differences like the horn buttplate and trigger guard. So I bought it. I would really like to know more about this gun. The serial number shows about 1907? This one has over 3" of drop on the stock which will be interesting when shooting. Can any of you decipher the barrel markings for me? Can you tell me what model it is?

[jakeismydog2]

[mike ford]

jakeismydog2,
I can't quite make out all the proof marks, but,here goes. The 16 in a circle means the gun is chambered for 65mm(2 1/2-2 9/16") shells.The 16(or 16/1,16/2, etc) not in a circle is the diameter of the barrel bore ahead of the chamber, expressed in guage.The 29sch over 2.? is the proof load( 29 grams shot, over the powder charge). The crown S means it was proofed for shot. The crown W means the barrel is choked, but amount of choke not shown(usually pretty tight, by todays standards). The crown U is the mark for the "view proof", which is really a very detailed inspection,including verification of dimensions.
It is nitro proofed. The large Crown is not a proof mark, but is Sauer's mark instead.
Mike

[jakeismydog2]

I am told it should have a horn grip cap and not a steel one like it has. Is that correct? I have an individual that wants to trade me a horn one +$35 for my steel one.

[mike ford]

I'm not sure if you can tell if it left the factory with steel or horn, both would have likely been avaliable. It may also be that a steel buttplate was replaced by the extra thick horn one, to increase LOP.It could have left the factory exactly as it is now. The decision to replace the steel or not is entirely yours. Jim Cate is an acknowledged expert on Sauer, maybe he will chime in with a more authoritative answer.
Mike

[jakeismydog2]

What do you all think this gun is worth?

[Jim Cate]

Your Sauer doublebarrel 16 gauge, 129607, is a Model 11 and was made in 1912 for the German/Euro market. The steel buttplate probably was made to increase the length of the stock. It is a non-factory item. I believe your other questions have been answered rather well. As to the value, I don't estimate value via the internet. Best regards, Jim Cate

[jakeismydog2]

The butt plate is not steel. It is horn. Would that also be "aftermarket"? Or were horn butt plates that thick something Sauer would have made?

[jakeismydog2]

I understand not giving values without handling the gun. What I am more interested in knowing is this a gun that should be kept stock because it has value, or would it be ok to lengthen the chambers and put a decelerator pad on it? I bought it affordable enough to be a shooter. However I would hate to modify it and then later regret it.

[Axel E]

"Would that also be "aftermarket"?" Yes!
"Or were horn butt plates that thick something Sauer would have made?" No, they would have made a longer stock instead.
"would it be ok to put a decelerator pad on it?" No! Why? A modern rubber buttpad simply looks out of place on such an old double. Additionally, as a soft pad sticks to your clothing, it works like a brake when you shoulder the gun. There is simply no use on a shotgun, unless it is covered with smooth leather.

[sharps4590]

There is simply no use on a shotgun, unless it is covered with smooth leather

^ this!

[mike ford]

I agree with Axel that a pad shouldn't be added to this gun, but I use them on my "using" guns, and if the stock is not too long I have no problem.They are silent in a "highseat" and keep the gun from slipping when standing up.We sometimes have lively discussions about such things.
Mike

[jakeismydog2]

I agree that a rubber but pad would look silly on it. Maybe a better question would be. Is this gun valuable enough that I would be foolish to have the chambers lengthened? Or the chokes opened up? Would I be ruining a $1000 classic? or turning a $300 gun into a shooter?

[sharps4590]

They're both definitely worth more than $300. Opening the chambers is not something I would do. I did it to my first drilling and have regretted it ever since. 2 1/2 shells are readily available today so it isn't like it was 20+ years ago when you had to make your own, something I still do. That and for upland game you really don't give up anything in performance with the shorter case.

Having said that, it is your shotgun and if opening the chambers makes it more valuable or useful to you then I suppose you should. For some in the future it will detract and others will be grateful.