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#330 | Vintage Doubles with Kirby Hoyt & Travis Shivel

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson welcomes Kirby Hoyt and Travis Shivel from Vintage Doubles to explore the world of vintage shotguns, bird hunting, and the craftsmanship behind classic double-barrel guns. Kirby and Travis discuss their passion for restoring and selling English shotguns, particularly side-by-sides, and discuss the nuances of gun fit, barrel thickness, and gun provenance. They also share insights into the business of vintage gun restoration and how the company came to specialize in the fine art of vintage double guns. Whether you're an avid collector, a bird hunter, or just a lover of fine craftsmanship, this episode will give you a greater appreciation for these beautiful works of art.

Kirby Hoyt is the owner and founder of Vintage Doubles, a company specializing in the sale and restoration of fine vintage English double-barrel shotguns. Kirby’s expertise spans over decades, working with a variety of gun makers, and he has a deep passion for sourcing, restoring, and finding new homes for these historic firearms.Travis Shivel, a partner at Vintage Doubles, supports the business by handling the tech side of things, including photography, website management, and more. Travis’s background in hunting and his connection to Kirby through their shared love of bird dogs make him a perfect fit for the team.

Expect to Learn

The story behind Vintage Doubles, from Kirby’s first introduction to bird hunting to building a successful business around vintage shotguns.
The difference between side-by-side and box lock shotguns, and which one might be a better fit for various types of hunters.
How to evaluate vintage guns for purchase, including understanding gun fit, barrel thickness, and stock dimensions.
The history behind sleeved barrels, and why some vintage guns have them.
The importance of proofing and barrel thickness in determining whether a vintage gun is safe to shoot and its overall value.
The unique challenges and rewards of buying and selling vintage firearms in today’s market.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Introduction
[00:02:04] - Kirby’s Journey into Bird Hunting and Vintage Guns
[00:05:33] - Introduction to Travis
[00:21:03] - Loads of Side-by-Side and no Over and Under
[00:27:02] - Field Ready Usable Guns at Vintage Doubles
[00:48:51] - Side Lock VS Box Lock
[00:58:38] - Which is more expensive?.[01:00:21] - Sleeved Barrels: What Are They and Should You Buy a Gun with Them?
[01:10:45] - Which Gun are you grabbing when hunting?
[01:18:38] - Closing thoughts and Vintage Doubles

Podcast Episode Details

#330 | Vintage Doubles with Kirby Hoyt & Travis Shivel