13-Oct-2026
Lincoln is a name that crops up again and again on the second-hand shotgun market, and it tends to puzzle newer buyers. The model names are unfamiliar, the guns vary in age and finish, and there is not always a glossy brochure to lean on. This guide explains how to read a Lincoln listing, who these guns tend to suit, and what to check before you commit to a purchase.
What is a Lincoln shotgun?
Lincoln is a long-established name in the British gun trade, and the guns that carry it are typically traditional British-style game guns. You will mostly see them as second-hand guns, which means that age, history and condition matter far more than they do with a modern production shotgun.
That is not a drawback. Many shooters like older British guns precisely because of their character: slim forends, graceful lines, and a handling feel that suits walked-up days, rough shooting and a quiet day beating the hedgerows. If that is the kind of shooting you do, a Lincoln may be exactly the sort of gun to look at. Because every older gun has its own story, treat each listing as an individual rather than assuming one example tells you about the next.
Browse: Lincoln shotguns · Lincoln Jubilee · Lincoln No. 2 · Lincoln Premier · All shotguns
Reading the model names: Jubilee, No. 2, No. 3, Premier, Field and more
Listings use a number of model names, and they usually signal grade, finish, or intended use rather than a modern product line. Names you will see include the Jubilee, the No. 2 and No. 3, the Premier, the Field, the Elite, the Vogue, the Sporter and the Compact.
As a rule of thumb, the numbered models and named grades suggest different levels of finish and specification, while names such as Field and Sporter point to the purpose the gun was designed for. Compact guns tend to suit smaller-framed shooters or younger shots. Because naming was not always consistent across years, treat the listing description and photographs as your best evidence and ask the seller for anything unclear. Old guns can have been altered over their lives, so do not take a model name as a guarantee of the exact specification in front of you.
Browse: Lincoln No. 3 · Lincoln Field · Lincoln Elite · Lincoln Vogue · Lincoln Sporter
Who buys an older British game gun?
The typical Lincoln buyer is someone who values handling and character over the latest features. That might be a rough shooter wanting a light gun for long walks, a collector who likes older British guns, a newcomer after an affordable first gun with some history, or an experienced shot looking for a spare.
If you plan to shoot heavy loads, high volumes of clays or a lot of driven days, think carefully before choosing an older gun, and consider a modern production gun instead. Older guns are often built for lighter loads and a gentler pace, and it is sensible to ask a gunsmith about what a particular gun is suited to. Do not assume any older shotgun will cope with modern cartridges: have it examined and ask for advice on the right ammunition.
Browse: Lincoln Compact · Webley & Scott shotguns · Zoli shotguns · Franchi shotguns · Miroku shotguns
Fit, weight and handling on an older gun
Older British guns often differ from modern production shotguns in dimensions. Stocks may be shorter or have more cast than you are used to, and the gun may be lighter than a modern sporting over-and-under. That can be a joy on a long walked-up day and less forgiving over a hundred clays, so think about the shooting you do most.
If the stock does not fit, a gunsmith can often advise on whether alteration is possible, but this is an additional cost and not always sensible on an older gun. It is usually better to find a gun that already fits you reasonably well. Mount it repeatedly in front of a mirror or with a friend watching: the muzzles should point where you are looking, and your cheek should settle naturally on the comb without straining. Take your time over this step, because a comfortable gun is a safer and more accurate one.
Browse: Lincoln Field · Lincoln Sporter · Lincoln No. 2 · Webley & Scott shotguns · All shotguns
How to inspect a second-hand Lincoln
Condition is everything with an older gun, so be methodical. Begin with the barrels: look for dents, pitting, bulges, and signs of past repair. Hold them up to good light and look through the bores. Check that the barrels sit snugly in the action and that the gun closes with a positive feel rather than a loose rattle.
Next, look at the stock and forend. Hairline cracks near the head of the stock are a common concern on older guns, so inspect that area with care. Check how the wood meets the metal and whether the stock has been replaced or repaired. Confirm the length of pull feels right for you, since fit matters as much on a traditional gun as any other.
Finally, ask for service history and, if you are serious, get the gun looked at by a qualified gunsmith before you buy. A short inspection can save you a lot of money and disappointment. A seller who is happy to welcome a gunsmith’s inspection is usually a good sign.
Browse: Lincoln Premier · Lincoln Jubilee · Gun parts and accessories · Safes and cabinets · All shotguns
Lincoln compared with other traditional and value guns
When you are weighing a Lincoln against other options, think about what you want from the gun. A modern production over-and-under from Beretta or Browning usually offers consistency and easy resale, while traditional British guns offer character and often lower prices. Value makers from Spain, Italy and Turkey sit somewhere in between.
If your priority is low cost and simplicity, a traditional gun can make sense. If you want a gun for clays, a modern sporting over-and-under is usually the easier route. Whichever route you take, the best advice is to compare actual examples and buy the one in the best condition for your budget.
Browse: Beretta shotguns · Browning shotguns · ATA shotguns · Lanber shotguns · Baikal shotguns
Valuing and pricing an older Lincoln
Pricing an older gun is more art than science. Condition, originality, finish, barrel quality, and the level of fit all play their part, and similar-looking guns can sell for quite different amounts. Look at several Lincoln listings, note the differences in condition and photographs, and treat very low prices with suspicion: there is usually a reason, such as damage, heavy wear, or a gun that needs repair.
If you are selling, good photographs make a big difference. Show the action, the barrels, the wood on both sides, and any markings clearly, and describe honestly any marks or repairs. Honest detail builds trust with buyers and tends to produce better enquiries than a vague advert. Our gun valuation tool on Rightgun.uk can help you get a feel for the market before you set a price.
Browse: Lincoln shotguns · Lincoln Elite · Lincoln Vogue · All shotguns
Frequently asked questions
What is a Lincoln No. 2 shotgun? It is one of the named or numbered grades you will see in Lincoln listings. Specification can vary between guns, so read the individual advert carefully and ask the seller about anything unclear.
Are Lincoln shotguns good for beginners? They can make an affordable first gun, but older guns need careful inspection. Ask an experienced shooter or gunsmith for help before buying.
Can I shoot modern cartridges in an older Lincoln? Do not assume so. Have the gun checked by a qualified gunsmith and seek advice on suitable ammunition before shooting it.
How do I sell a Lincoln shotgun? List it on Rightgun.uk with clear photographs of the barrels, action and stock, and describe its condition honestly.
Browse: Lincoln shotguns · Lincoln No. 2 · All shotguns · Safes and cabinets
Find your Lincoln on Rightgun.uk
If a traditional British gun appeals, browse the Lincoln listings on Rightgun.uk and compare them side by side with similar shotguns. If you have one to sell, list it with us and reach UK shooters who are searching for exactly this make.
Further reading: Buying your first shotgun, Best game shotguns on a budget, How to choose your first shotgun, and Best 20 bore shotguns by budget.
