Please teach me about SxS shotguns...

M

Max-4

CGN Regular
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Location
Southern Ontario
Hello, I am interested in buying a nice SxS shotgun for hunting upland birds and rabbits. I may also do a little bit of waterfowl hunting for ducks and geese with it but not as important as upland. Now with waterfowl being said I am certain that changes things now with the barrel needing to support non toxic shot? I am also open to just buying a shotgun that is just used for lead if the price is right.

So my question is I know that I want a gun with double triggers, do I need 3" or can I get by with 2.75"? What are the best choke patters to have for hunting in Ontario for grouse, pheasant, squirrels, rabbits? Is my best bet to get a 12g or should I be looking for a 20g, 26" vs 28" barrels?

Can I find a decent gun used from a dealer or maybe on the EE? I don't want to spend a fortune on some Italian beauty, I was a nice serviceable hunting tool that will be reliable and in excellent condition. Am I best to look at something new like a CZ Bobwhite? My total budget would likely be about $1000 MAX but I would be happy if I could find something in the $500 to $750 range. Thanks in advance!
 
Some may look with disdain at a 3" chamber IGA Stoeger sxs 410 gauge (nickel plated, internal hammers, 20" bbls) but it had served us well residing in the back of our pu without getting rusty or discoloured.
The one we liked the best was a 3" chamber 12 ga rossi overland sxs (blue, 20" bbls, exposed hammers) that we sold way back when.
 
A nice gun for upland game and a nice gun for waterfowl are two different things. You 'can' shoot ferrous waterfowl loads through some lightweight SxS's but it is not fun even with 2 3/4" loads. M1V1 = M2V2, (and V2 is a b1tch).
 
Yeah I thought that was the way this was going to go so let's just say I am looking for a SxS to hunt for grouse, pheasant, squirrel, and rabbits. What are some good older used models that come up for sale on the second hand market? I know of companies like AYA and Parker Bros maybe even Brno. My problem is is that I have NO idea what models are on what tier quality wise.
 
look for a used sav/fox in good shape.. dependable guns
http://www.chuckhawks.com/fox_B_shotguns.htm
i have a clone that i've used ... very good and won't break the bank

your choke depends on the bush you hunt.. open areas or dense scrub ? anyhow, i get by with IC and Med 2 3/4

absolultely go 12 gauge ... its cheeper and better !!

if you can afford the CZ ..go that way ! great guns .. I"d love to get that model but have too many 12's to justify it atm, its something i will someday do

i'd take it duck hunting but its not ideal, steel shot sucks so bad that you need the heavier loads
 
More choice in 12 ga but if a 20 ga comes your way it will do all the things you want plus lighter to pack.
 
If you can find 12 gauge SKB you should get in your price range, IMHO this is the best bang for the buck sxs out there. As for chokes its hard to go wrong with an IMP/Mod combination , if you get the gun for the right price you could get choke tubes installed as well.
 
Brno ZP47 are very nice sidelock actions, nice fit and finish, and hand checkering. They are usually choked tight with F/IM, dual triggers. Picked it up for ~$550 off Weimajack

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Yes, the Brno's are very good guns for the money. You get a true sidelock that was all hand fit and features chopper lump barrels and hidden third fastener. I find them to be great handling guns, at least for my build. How a gun fits each individual shooter is the key.
 
I agree the Brno' s are good guns, I've had 2, and they came in 16 guage to boot, although for myself i always found they had too much stock drop. But if you want an upland gun I personally would be looking at a 20 guage, they are quite a bit harder to find but they do come up, I recently just found another used geko/merkel in 20 pipe for around your max budget. Also if interested i have a cz hammer coach i could be willing to part with
 
I would recommend a 16 gauge late Savage era Fox Sterlingworth with shootable dimensions and modern chambering. They can be found occasionally for $800-$1200.
 
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