DA Grizzly 12.5" vs. Canuck Defender 14"

Labman

Labman

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So, I'm looking for a small cheapish (i.e. price not quality) 12 gauge that I can throw in the truck/skidoo, for predator defence and just for some good old fashioned plinking fun. The two shotguns I've been eyeballing are the Dominion Arms Grizzly with 12.5" barrel (tube fed) and the Canuck Defender with 14" barrel.

Both cost almost exactly the same price. The Canuck Defender is $0.05 cheaper, comes with three chokes, has wood furniture, and can apparently fit an extra shell in the tube. But the DA Grizzly is 3" shorter and has a synthetic stock which will probably be better for a beater truck/skidoo shotgun. The Grizzly also seems to be pretty popular as there appears to be more info on it online.

But, all those points mean squat if the gun's not reliable. So I'm looking for input from folks who own either one or both of these shotguns. What are they like in terms of reliability, build quality, fun factor, etc. Also are they worth the ~$350 sticker price? Thanks in advance for your help folks.
 
Just looked closer. Is that the safety behind the trigger? Hmmmm dont know man. Looks good. Pick one up and let us know how it runs. I have a norc 870. No complaints
 
Turkish 870 (ish) shotgun versus Chinese 870 clone. I'd go with the Grizzly, because it'll take 870 parts which are everywhere. The Canuck may take 870 bits, or not. The Dominion is a beast, you can abuse the *ss off it and it'll still show up when you need it. There are 14 inch Grizzlies out there too.
 
enefgee said:
Turkish 870 (ish) shotgun versus Chinese 870 clone. I'd go with the Grizzly, because it'll take 870 parts which are everywhere. The Canuck may take 870 bits, or not. The Dominion is a beast, you can abuse the *ss off it and it'll still show up when you need it. There are 14 inch Grizzlies out there too.
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Yeah, that's kind've what I was thinking as well. Plus I own an 870 so it's not like I'll have to get used to a completely different type of shotty. That Canuck Defender wood furniture and the three chokes sure does look appealing though!

I found this Grizzly torture test article after posting this thread. You're not kidding about Grizzly being able to take a beating. Holy smokes... they put that thing through the wringer!
 
^^Now that's one sweet boomstick!

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger (pun fully intended) and sent my Grizzly order in to CanadaAmmo. Hopefully the Canada Post gods are working in my favour and I get her soon(ish)! :rolleyes:

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Apparently, the raised ghost rings shoots to point of aim and the bead sights shoot high.

Maybe not a timely comment as you've already ordered?
 
City Boy said:
Apparently, the raised ghost rings shoots to point of aim and the bead sights shoot high.

Maybe not a timely comment as you've already ordered?
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Well nooooow you tell me! :d

Seriously though, I was seriously considering the ghost ring but I'm more comfortable with a bead sight. If she shoots a high, I'll just aim a bit low... if that doesn't work I'm sure I'll figure something out.
 
Labman said:
Well nooooow you tell me! :d

Seriously though, I was seriously considering the ghost ring but I'm more comfortable with a bead sight. If she shoots a high, I'll just aim a bit low... if that doesn't work I'm sure I'll figure something out.
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Get an XS Big Dot - it attaches over the standard bead, has tritium and lowers the POI.
 
I have one of the first run of Grizzly's CanadaAmmo offered. Crapiest finish, no chokes, before they even offered ghost rings.

Had Tac-Ord do a bunch of work to it ... Hogue 12.5' LOP with Limbsaver R3 & Hogue forend, Wilson tritium ghost rings, remington sear & ejector, Vang Comp follower & spring (since changed to an S&J), Mesa 4 round side saddle (since removed), Vang Comp over sized safety and some internal polishing ...

Often think about selling it because I have several better 870's (more refined) and don't really need it .... but that little 12.5" Grizzly is a real tank beater and even saved me from a charging back bear once. Originally bought it as a beater and now there's so much money into it I'd never get enough out of it to make it worth while.

Point being, it's not the greatest 870 SG but it's tough and it works ... so I'll probably hang onto it forever.

There are several things I don't like about them but you can't argue the fact that the thing just works. I'll probably end up spending even more on the damn thing with a Timney trigger fix kit & Volquartson extractor and get Tac-Ord to Ceracote it. Sometimes think I should have left it as is out of the box ... then again I prefer all the mods .... should have just started with an 870P to begin with ...

see the circular problem these Grizzly's create ?

So, maybe the Canuck Defender 14" is a better choice because you CAN'T spend too much more on it !! The accessories aren't as available !!
 
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