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20 gauge over .30-06, the typical German solidly engraved “game scenes” both sides, VERY nice condition, German scope (maybe Nichel?). Those who know this stuff, what’s a good ballpark offer to make?

$2,500-$4,500

Without seeing it a value is a guestimate, but the 20ga adds considerably to the market value. Is it a 20ga 76mm chambered gun? A more modern type gun in good condition will be right at $4,500. Being a 30-06 also adds a good chunk. The 20 gauge was built on the 16gauge frame.

Some sellers will try to get well over this price, but I would never pay more. There's a "languish point", and it's $4,500.00. Few drillings sell for more. They sit on the market for years often. Many drillings are worth more, but they just don't sell.

The scope is also a wide variable. Nickel scopes are dated a bit and were mid-grade scopes; they are good scopes but not a plus.

Thanks for the reply, I was hoping to hear from you. You have told me what I wanted to hear and what I pretty much expected, but I’m not well-informed enough on the market dynamics of these things to have any measure of confidence in my own judgment. I figured the 20 gauge might be an advantage (although I, personally would prefer 16), .30-06 as well (although I’d prefer.22HP). They’re asking considerably more than $4500. I’ll let it age for a while. I didn’t handle it, but looking at it in the glass case it would appear be in almost unused condition. Also, looked light and svelte enough to be usable (unlike many drillings.)

Thanks again.

My pleasure.

You should be able to find a Good 16/22 HP drilling, scoped, for about $2,700.00-$3,000.00. The 22HP will keep the price down. The asking prices for 20 gauge drillings is insane. The 16s are built on the same receivers and handle MUCH nicer than 12ga drillings.

A 16 & 22HP drilling with a 1.5-6 Hensoldt/Zeiss on top would make for a pleasure to carry and shoot. If push comes to shove, you can form brass from 30-30 brass, and .224 50gr bullets shoot just fine.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/7619764/Re_Making_22_HP_brass

Yeah, in fact I’ve made .22 HP brass from .30-30’s (as I related on the above referenced thread.) I can see, and will readily admit, the 20 gauge .30-06 configuration would be more practical, even for me. Also, and this weighs into my decisions these days, 20 gauge /.30-06 will move easier when my wife needs to turn my guns into cash.