Which sxs double would you buy?

Which sxs 12-gauge would you choose?

  • Ruger Gold Label

    Votes: 12 16.4%

  • Weatherby Athena

    Votes: 2 2.7%

  • Beretta Silver Hawk

    Votes: 36 49.3%

  • CZ Ringneck

    Votes: 11 15.1%

  • L.C. Smith

    Votes: 12 16.4%
  • Total voters
    73
Bishopus

Bishopus

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So let's say a guy had always wanted a nice side-by-side shotgun. He might use it for clays, grouse, rabbit, pheasant, or blasting crows out of the trees at the edge of his property. It would be hunted, is the important part.

This guy doesn't mistreat his guns, but he's looking for something that won't fall apart on a cold morning, or tarnish when he picks it up with wet gloves. He doesn't want an ugly 'work' gun, but it can't be delicate.

Finally, assume that all four fit this guy about the same and that money is not an issue.

What's your pick?
 
Where to begin? I assume you are looking for a new gun. If not, find a nice example of a Birmingham boxlock and be done with it. If new is what you want, then:

If you can live with a single trigger, then the Ruger Gold Label fits the bill and has good handling characteristics - if you can find one. The Gold Label is presently out of production.

The current Beretta Silver Hawk in 12 gauge does not impress me. While very reliable it is a little clubby and has a disappointing finish (for a Beretta).

A CZ / Huglu Bobwhite model is preferable (in my opinion, anyway) to the Ringneck because you get better handling, weight and double triggers.

I don't know anything about the Athena or the new "Smith"

I would look long and hard at the Fabarm line up of SxS's.

You don't mention the need for steel shot and if it is not a factor then an entire world of older (used) SxS's enters the equation. In the price range you are talking about there are many very fine guns available. The quality of wood and craftsmanship in these guns is generally superior to today's offerings, and at reasonable prices. (For example, go down to Wholesale and look at the consignment Bernardelli 2 barrel set with leather case and accessories.) That market is where I would be looking, but I feel confident in my ability to analyze and rate a guns condition. If new is what you want, so be it, just be aware that fine, used SxS's are available.

Sharptail
 
The Fabarm Nobile or Classis guns are steel rated, have interchangeable choke tubes and offer great value over the better known guns named above.
If you get a chance drop by the store and have a look (and feel).
 
i agree with redleg , i've never dealt with many fabarm guns but they are well made. for the vote? take your pick. the berretta is a great gun but i've been a fan of the ruger for years. they have always performed very well whether your hunting or clay's. the rest are all fine to.if it wasn't for personal prefernces, you could just close your eyes and grab one. you'll have a great shotgun
 
As already stated, the Fabarm will definitely be worth a close scrutiny......always read very positive reviews. Moreover, from what I've understood so far, it's gonna be less expensive than a 471 without compromising quality.
 
The Silver Hawk shoulders on me sooo nice and it's easy and fun as heck to shoot. A friend has one and we were banging clay with it a few weeks ago. If i had the dough i'd have it in my collection. With side x sides and over unders it's all about how the gun feels to you. Everyone likes something different. Good luck
Mike Oxbig
 
The Beretta Silverhawk in 12ga. or 20ga. with English stock, oil finish, 28" barrels. The 471 EL at roughly double the money is also very nice indeed.

The AyA No. 2 and a the Arriettas sidelocks are nice traditioanl game guns priced for the most part in between the Berettas. A definite "pass" on the
Ruger & the Weatherby. The Turkish made doubles are all right for the money, but, if you're going to spend it ... spend it right, and only once.

There are still a good number of decent Parkers, Foxes & L.C. Smith's out there in good condition, suitable as "project guns" ( re-stock, re-blue & colour case harden to refurbish) . Not "all-original", but you will still get a lot of enjoyment out of them.
 
I just cant get enough of the Silverhawk...shes taken many a pheasant. I also have a Ugartechea SXS that I would highly recommend if you have the opportunity

Beretta471Silverhawktop.jpg


Beretta471Silverhawkstock.jpg
 
Interchangeable tube in a double are blasphemy. As is stainless steel, synthetic stocks, single trigger job or a pistol grip stock.

I would save my pennies and go to the Calgary gunshow and peruse the real (meaning English or German) doubles. Or call Carey Stricker in Leader SK and see what jewels he has in his lair.
 
BigUglyMan said:
Interchangeable tube in a double are blasphemy.
Click to expand...
I felt that way until I'd met a man in the U.K. who had Teague install thin all chokes in a very nice Boss game gun sxs. When I asked him why when that was considered heresy among shooters he responded, "This is my best gun. I want to shoot it for everything." It was hard logic to argue.
 
Claybuster said:
I felt that way until I'd met a man in the U.K. who had Teague install thin all chokes in a very nice Boss game gun sxs. When I asked him why when that was considered heresy among shooters he responded, "This is my best gun. I want to shoot it for everything." It was hard logic to argue.
Click to expand...

:agree:

I have to agree. Patterns can be varied successfully with different loads but the versatility provided with chokes can not be ignored. A favorite shotgun can be used for grouse in the thickets as well as far flushing phesant in the open fields. Add onto that informal sporting clays and other games and, well, you get the picture.

Plus, its not like adding a poly choke or something! Interchangeable chokes are visually about as unassuming as it comes.



:canadaFlag:
 
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The Connecticut Shotgun Manu. RBL-28 that i handled was def. "the bee's knees" and I would opt for that nicely scaled down 28 ga. SxS.
 
Of the shotguns listed I would go with the L C Smith.Not really sure why I perfer the L C Smith over the others.Maybe its just the name.:)
 
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