SxS Shotgun

[wildenout]

I am looking at getting one in April when I graduate, not many companies make them anymore though. I have never been a fan of over/unders, to me they are a "politician" gun and side by sides are for the everyday man. I would rather go new vs used, since used older ones are expensive and I don't know what use they've seen. Looking at a couple from CZ, EAA Corp, and Stoeger. Anyone have any experience with any of these?

 

[D Binx]

I bought a new Stoeger a few years ago because the price was good and I had wanted a side by side for a while. I kind of regret buying it though just because I'm not much of a shotgun guy anymore. When I shot it the first time, I started having issues getting it to open after a while because it was extremely stiff.

 

[35Rem]

Budget? That's first
Of those listed, 1. CZ, 2. Stoeger, .... 10. EAA

 

[Cooter Brown]

There's a recent thread on this very subject, started a couple of days ago. Some good info there.

 

[redlevel]

What do you want to do with it?

If you want a shotgun for upland birds, you are going to have to shell out some cash for a "pretty good" SXS. If you want it for general use, a good used Stevens 311 is a good bet. Take my word for it, they are better than the imports now available, unless you are going to pay those big bucks for, again, a "pretty good" gun.

I have a 100 year-old Parker 20 gauge, a 40 year old Browning BSS 20 gauge Sporter, a Stevens 311 16 gauge, a 100 plus year-old "JStevens A&T Co." 12 gauge, and a recent manufacture Stoeger.

The Parker, and to a little lessor extent, the Browning, are traditional South Georgia quail guns. Short (26 inch"), open choked barrels. The "JStevens is a farm gun from the early 20th century with 30 inch barrels, probably choked full and modified, and the Stevens 311 is a "utility" grade shotgun. The Stoeger is a "Coach Gun" with 20 inch barrels, popular with cowboy action shooters.

If you want a double for general use, I recommend the Stevens 311. Well made, available for less than $500. Probably will have 2 3/4 inch chambers, but that's not really a bad thing.

 

[wildenout]

Which thread is that? I didn't see one. I would be using this for Pheasant and Dove. I will eventually get an A5, but I kind of want the double barrel first since they're starting to fade into history and I enjoy them.

 

[RonJ]

Right now it is just below this thread.

 

[35Rem]

In that case, the A-5s aren't getting any cheaper...

 

[JJEH]

Mossberg makes a nice S/S.

 

[Jack Flash]

There are a lot of used SxS at my local gun shops, all for reasonable prices. I bought a Fox / Savage SxS for at a very modest price.

I am pretty much the opposite of you. I have been looking for a good O/U but can't seem to find one at an attractive enough price. They do seem more aristocratic than the "farmer's gun" SxS.

 

[kwselke]

I am pretty much the opposite of you. I have been looking for a good O/U but can't seem to find one at an attractive enough price. They do seem more aristocratic than the "farmer's gun" SxS.

Check out the Ruger Red Label O/U. I have not handled any of the latest edition, but I own two, a 28" and a 26", that date to 1994 and 1998 respectively. I believe current list price is $1,400 - $1,500. I prefer the 26", but both are equal outside of duck blinds.

They are heavier than most Euro O/Us, but I find the wieght keeps my follow through up. I also like the easy break of the action for reloading.

If you look at used be sure to get one that uses the long Briley
choke tubes as opposed to the shorter Ruger tubes they had on the 1980s and early 1990s models.

Used Red Labels are hard to find. There were not that many made and they were not all that popular, but they are fine shotguns. People that bought them usually loved them.

Shotguns are like shoes, use the one that fits you and works for you.

 

[Wrench6]

I like my CZ Bobwhite SXS 16 gauge. It does good for the price. You can usually find them in GB or AL in 12 or 20 gauge for well less than $1000.00 NIB.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

What you want is to try and find a nice NIB condition 12 ga Browning Side by Side with 28" barrels, single selective trigger choked modified and full. Beaver tail forearm, pistol grip stock. $1,600.00 should be able to get one delivered to your FFL. Google Browning BSS and see what I'm talking about. Much better than what you cn buy new for that price today.

 

[Farmer17]

I had a CZ Ringneck and it was beautiful gun and I really miss it bad. When I looked at SXS guns many of the less expensive guns had poor triggers and unacceptable fit and finish and the Ringneck had a sweet single trigger that I much prefer to the double trigger guns. I will be buying another Ringneck some day soon, and you have to spend some money to get a decent side by side but you can get acceptable O/U for under 600 bucks.

 

[therevjay]

"redlevel" is 100% right about the ol' Stevens 311. Maybe a tad heavy, but nearly unbreakable.

 

[wildenout]

I am embarrassed! I didn't see the other thread on this subject, I wish I could delete this now. Anywho, I didn't know Mossberg made one and I think that is going to be my choice since I have a JIC and have been really happy with it. I hope they don't stop making them before April though! I don't have the money right now.

 

[Jebus35745]

The post is Modern SXS doubles right here in the lounge. The Stevens is a very good gun, will hold up great. Larry

 

[WPWarhawk]

What you want is to try and find a nice NIB condition 12 ga Browning Side by Side with 28" barrels, single selective trigger choked modified and full. Beaver tail forearm, pistol grip stock. $1,600.00 should be able to get one delivered to your FFL. Google Browning BSS and see what I'm talking about. Much better than what you cn buy new for that price today.

I agree 100%, love the Browning BSS. I have one exactly as described.

Another excellent SxS available on the used market are the SKB models 100 , 150 , 200, and 280. These are the same action, with various stocks, fore ends, ejector vs extractor, etc. I have 3 of these, all 12 ga, a 100, a 150, and a 280.

I've owned a lot of side by sides over the years, and the Browning and SKB's suit me the best. BTW, I don't care for over/unders either.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I agree 100%, love the Browning BSS. I have one exactly as described.

Another excellent SxS available on the used market are the SKB models 100 , 150 , 200, and 280. These are the same action, with various stocks, fore ends, ejector vs extractor, etc. I have 3 of these, all 12 ga, a 100, a 150, and a 280.

I've owned a lot of side by sides over the years, and the Browning and SKB's suit me the best. BTW, I don't care for over/unders either.

Yea but you're not trying to get wildenout to buy yours

 

[Pig Hunter]

Right now the best values in my opinion would be a. American made Ithaca NID or b. German boxlock extractor gun. 12ga is less expensive. SKB models are solid guns but enough people know about them to get a deal on anything other than a 12ga mod.100 Skb.depending on condition you can go from $450 to $1500. Mark