Trying to get a SXS for upland hunting

stubblejumper said:
Unfortunately, that price point limits you to fairly low quality SxS shotguns, I would be looking at a pump or used semi auto in that price range. And if you can't shoulder a shotgun , to check for fit before purchasing, the odds aren't good that the shotgun will shoot where you are looking.
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Depending on one's needs, maybe.

In my case, I think I had a different set of criteria than you might. I'm older, don't get arround as well as I used to, so while I own it, I will likely never hunt with it. I sold all of my shot-guns pre covid as I was no longer shooting trap and skeet. Now some guys from the club are shooting sometimes at a different range and suggested that I join them. They only do this on Sundays and with my Church commitments, I will likely use this gun for a few rounds, maybe one or two range trips a year.

  • I set a low budget of $300.00 (I sold an old .22 rifle for 300).
  • 12 ga.
  • No cracks in the stock
  • Mechanically sound.
Arcosdad said:
Are you interested in 16 Ga? Have a look at Intersurplus...he has 3 pages of them at all price ranges. Denis is a good guy to deal with. Stick with stuff with perfect bores, no cracks and probably, $400+.
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Worth a look!
 
Meroh said:
Depending on one's needs, maybe.

In my case, I think I had a different set of criteria than you might. I'm older, don't get arround as well as I used to, so while I own it, I will likely never hunt with it. I sold all of my shot-guns pre covid as I was no longer shooting trap and skeet. Now some guys from the club are shooting sometimes at a different range and suggested that I join them. They only do this on Sundays and with my Church commitments, I will likely use this gun for a few rounds, maybe one or two range trips a year.

  • I set a low budget of $300.00 (I sold an old .22 rifle for 300).
  • 12 ga.
  • No cracks in the stock
  • Mechanically sound.

Worth a look!
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I was replying to the OP , who wants a SxS to hunt with, not someone that just wants to go out once or twice per year to make noise, and really doesn't care about shotgun fit, or about actually shooting it well.
 
I can relate and appreciate the desire for nontoxic shot upland hunting. My favorite grouse, woodcock and pheasant spots all have areas that hold waterfowl and resisting attempting a jump hunt on them has never been a strong suit of mine. Explaining to the enforcement why I have lead shot in my possession and waterfowl killed never appealed to me. Bismuth and other non toxic options have only become even more exceedingly expensive so I shoot steel for 90% of my upland hunting. 20 gauge 3/4 ounce loads of steel 4 to 7 shot sizes are very effective on forest grouse and woodcock and 4s and 6s have done well for me on close pheasants, ducks and even a few geese that have made the mistake of letting me catch them in a beaver pond or ditch. I prefer 3" loads of #3 or 2 for waterfowl or pheasants but challengers new 20 gauge steel loads (2³/⁴" 7/8 at 1450fps) are getting patterned and will likely bring an Ithaca 37 and Wingmaster I know out of semi-retirement.
I'll reserve lead for turkey and the rare time I hunt with an heirloom.
 
stubblejumper said:
I was replying to the OP , who wants a SxS to hunt with, not someone that just wants to go out once or twice per year to make noise, and really doesn't care about shotgun fit, or about actually shooting it well.
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Yes, you are right, I will only put a few round through it for a couple range trips; likely more than most would put through a gun hunting in a year; unless you are shooting sparows off of a grain spill.

Get a nice gun, shoot it and see what you need; have the stock adjusted if need be; upgrade your gun when you determine the extent of your needs. New shot gunner, likely has little or no comprehension of what drop and cast are, and may know what Length of pull is.

Is my gun perfectly fit; no. Do I shoot enough to justify it, not in my mind, at this point in my life.
 
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