charles daly over/under questions

[lackofexperience]

So, I've got a friend of a friend scenario- The person is moving, and is looking to sell a few guns (I guess he figures it's as good a time as any to unload a few) and one that caught my interest when hearing the short list was a charles daly o/u. The owner didn't seem to know too much about it offhand, and with my small amount of research I've turned up little relating to what questions to ask as far as value and what differentiates between models or grades. All I know is that it's a 12ga o/u. He simply said to make an offer, didn't give an asking price. I'll be going to take a look at it, but truth be told, I don't know much of anything (see username ) when it comes to being able to know what's what, especially in the world of O/Us. If anyone knows these things and wants to throw some suggestions out there, it'd be hugely appreciated!

Thanks in advance...

 

[el duderino]

Dalys are nice guns, more info would be nice but id offer him 500$ to start if the gun seems to be in good condition

He say what he paid for it?

 

[lackofexperience]

No, he didn't... kind of seems like one of those things he's had forever and has just sat, and he figures might as well see if someone wants it, one less thing to move, etc.

 

[Zappa]

Really need more info on this, such as model name, grade and condition because there are so many variables.
They had O/U's that MSRP'd for as much $25k, and that was in the late 90's.
However, double barrel shotguns tend to cost more, and depreciate less, than any other class of firearm.
Almost any big name O/U in 90% or better condition is worth at least $500.

 

[lackofexperience]

Fair enough... my understanding is that if it was manufactured by Miroku, generally speaking it is more desirable and/or higher quality than the more recent offerings? All the Miroku examples I've seen online clearly have "Miroku" on the receiver somewhere- if this gun has that, and is in nice shape, it seems that offering $500 would certainly be a good deal. If it turns out to be a super high end gun, I probably won't bother offering him anything for it seeing as I don't have a ton of extra cash on hand, and don't want to be insulting. Regardless, when I do look at it (likely tomorrow after work) I'll be sure to take some pictures to share here. Any areas of interest in particular that I should try to get good shots of?

 

[Zappa]

Fair enough... my understanding is that if it was manufactured by Miroku, generally speaking it is more desirable and/or higher quality than the more recent offerings? All the Miroku examples I've seen online clearly have "Miroku" on the receiver somewhere- if this gun has that, and is in nice shape, it seems that offering $500 would certainly be a good deal. If it turns out to be a super high end gun, I probably won't bother offering him anything for it seeing as I don't have a ton of extra cash on hand, and don't want to be insulting. Regardless, when I do look at it (likely tomorrow after work) I'll be sure to take some pictures to share here. Any areas of interest in particular that I should try to get good shots of?

Lots of things to look for, the sides of the receiver for any inlays or engraving.
The wood, does it have a nice grain pattern with high contrast ?
Chokes, are they interchangeable or fixed ??
If fixed, what are the constrictions ??? FxM, MxM, MxIC ???

 

[lackofexperience]

Well, it's not a miroku, and moreso, its not a 12ga...turned out to be a 20ga. It's got "Made in Italy" near the trigger guard on the bottom of the receiver. Field III toward the rear of the barrel. Fixed chokes, and I looked a bit but couldn't remember what the markings were for chokes so didn't notice anything that stood out to me in that respect... In really nice shape, he'd had it for 20+ years, bought it second hand, shot half a box thru it in that time. Engraving on the receiver is nothing fancy, looks to be blued and no gold or silver on it. Dark wood (walnut?), looks nice but not drop dead gorgeous amazing wood. Any ideas on value??

 

[Zappa]

OK, now we're getting somewhere.
As it turns out, that's one of the least expensive field guns they've ever sold.
Discontinued in 1989, it last sold for $450 MSRP, which makes it one of the cheapest O/U's on the market at the time.
(my Browning Citori was $750 in 1986)
According to the 33rd edition of the Blue Book, it's valued at $395 in 100% condition, and $270 in 90% condition.
So an offer of $500 is actually more than what this gun is worth.
I'm not saying the gun is junk, or not worth owning, it's just not a crown jewel.
But it's probably a nice upland game gun, one you could take into the field, and not worry about hurting the value too much if it gets a few scratches.

 

[lackofexperience]

well, still not bad though I knew it wasn't what I was hoping for as soon as I saw it- got it for $220, and if he'd told me it'd never fired a shot I would have believed him. The bores are perfect and the stock has one extremely light mark on it that can only be seen in the right lighting, and could probably be nurtured back to 100%. Once I got home I took it apart again, and the barrels are full and modified. Should be at least a fun gun to go try out some sporting clays, and like any other gun, always worth adding another to the ever-growing collection

How do these compare to the Stoegers and other low-buck o/u's on the market today?

Thanks much for your input good sirs!

 

[Zappa]

well, still not bad though I knew it wasn't what I was hoping for as soon as I saw it- got it for $220, and if he'd told me it'd never fired a shot I would have believed him. The bores are perfect and the stock has one extremely light mark on it that can only be seen in the right lighting, and could probably be nurtured back to 100%. Once I got home I took it apart again, and the barrels are full and modified. Should be at least a fun gun to go try out some sporting clays, and like any other gun, always worth adding another to the ever-growing collection

How do these compare to the Stoegers and other low-buck o/u's on the market today?

Thanks much for your input good sirs!

Good score for $220

The current Stoegers are pretty much bottom of the market guns.
Yes, they get the job done, but fit and finish leave much to be desired.
But for under $500 new, you get what you pay for.
I'd take that Daly over a Stoeger any day of the week.
I'll give you $250 for it.

 

[mac1911]

That Charles D might as well be a beretta EELL VS STOGER
post some pics......I would say for 220 you did good. Full and modified are good also very all around gun....is it double trigger or selective trigger.

 

[lackofexperience]

Double triggers. Is that better/worse?

 

[Almostelmo]

Why can't I ever stumble upon deals like this?

Nice score!

 

[Zappa]

Double triggers. Is that better/worse?

Very nice, ya' done there good kid!

The double triggers doesn't make it better or worse, it's a matter of personal preference.
For a field gun with two different chokes, I'd rather have twin triggers, that way you can instantly choose the choke you want as the shot presents itself, just by pulling the corresponding trigger.
For a close shot use the modified, a longer shot (or a followup shot as the target gets further away) use the full choke.
True you can do the same with a single trigger gun, but it's much slower and trickier to manipulate the barrel selector switch when you only have a second to react and decide.
For a Skeet gun, or if the two chokes were of the same constriction, I'd prefer a single trigger model.
Then again, only the twin trigger gun gives you the option of firing both barrels at the same time.

 

[lackofexperience]

Very superb. Thanks much for the guidance and information!

 

[Zappa]

Very superb. Thanks much for the guidance and information!

No problemo.

BTW, I noticed you've been here since 2007, how about going Green and getting the most out of the NES experience.

 

[lackofexperience]

Heh, i was wondering how long itd take for that post i actually used to be green, it ran out recently and i didnt notice right away. But this week i sent an e check through paypal-should clear any day now! I didnt realize the e check doesnt clear right away. Soon enough though, ill be back in the group buy forum! Still need to build my yhm lower