biller or SS

[devolve]

Thinking of buying another gun. Dont want to spend "Commercial gun" money though. I am thinking of a 52" mahogany. Are there any real differences between ab's and SS(i will be line shafting and free shafting)? Mostly shallow water, 100' or less. I know alot of you guys shoot the SS so talk me into buying one! What are the price comparisons(not leisure pro prices)?
Thanks for the info...

--cjc--

[hardcore]

SS guns are local bult by a member of this board (spear one) so the cust support after the sale will be better. The mono speed line that comes on the SS is the best line setup for your type of shooting IMO. Spend the extra mony and get the rhino coating its worth it to know your new gun will not get beat up after a few trips. As for price, its cheaper to buy the right gun first and not upgrade in a few months.

[Wayward Son]

The only obvious physical feature difference that I see is that Billers have a trigger gaurd, & SS guns don't.

I have a Biller & find that gaurd useful for type a short line & clip to, so I can clip the gun off to my BC when I want my hands free. But that can be done in other ways, just not quite as conveniently.

SS does have the advantages for users of this site of being sponsors, plus they have been innovative. They have what I think are better spare shaft holders, they make the speedloaders. They offer hi-viz yellow parts for those who want them. If you want the rhino finish, that's SS, not Biller. Kevin is here, active, and answers questions people have, even if they aren't about his guns, or sometimes if the answer isn't one of his guns.

FWIW, as I've done things to my Biller, I've bought the items from SS to do it. New speedloader, new band material, line attachment slide rings. I like taking my business to companies that support us.

[inletsurf]

All SS's ive ever seen have a trigger guard, and a safety which I never use. Are you sure you're looking at the right gun?

[Wayward Son]

From their web page:



They all look like that.

Here's a Biller:



The Billers have a gaurd, the S do not. As I said, the only utility to this for me is something to easily attach a line to.

[Wayward Son]

Maybe "trigger" guard is a bit to specific. I mean the longer one that covers the entire grip. Maybe "hand" guard would be a better term for what I'm referring to?

[hardcore]

The hand guard makes it harder to wrap on your shooting line IMO,as there is only a small gap between it and the line release.

[Johnoly]

Originally Posted by hardcore

The mono speed line that comes on the SS is the best line setup for your type of shooting IMO. Spend the extra mony and get the rhino coating its worth it to know your new gun will not get beat up after a few trips. As for price, its cheaper to buy the right gun first and not upgrade in a few months.

Absolutely agree on all 3 points.

1. The SS speed loading line is twice as fast as my buddy's Biller.
2. My Rhino coating does not show any wear even after 3 years.
3. Buy it right the first time and don't pay twice.

My Rhino 48 has been rock solid and it gets beat on every other weekend shooting.

[inletsurf]

I see what you're saying.

I know a guy who has thru-bolted a clip into the handle in his sea hornet.

[jaysun40]

I think SS guns are great, but I chose to buy an AB Biller "single stock" for the same price as the two-piece SS gun. I then outfitted it with an SS speedload set-up and a single 3/4" band. I love it! (Just one of the guns I own)

[devolve]

I just got back from the store. I bought a 48" rhino SS. I cant wait to shoot some fish in the face with it!

[Distraction]

You won't be disappointed. I have a 48, which is perfect for my conditions. Sweet trigger, accurate, perfect buoyancy, durable coating.

I'm not an expert...by ANY stretch. But it's a really nice gun!

Just my $.02

BTW - Kevin does give excellent customer service. I've never met him personally...I live in Richmond, Va. But it's been great dealing with him.