Advice on purchasing a used SxS

IronCanadian

IronCanadian

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I'm going to start poking around online and at the local gun shops keeping my eye open for a good condition used SxS for hunting, but I'm not up on my SxS shotguns.

I'm not looking for anything fancy, but I'm not looking for a dog either.

Any advice on good makes and models and other indicators I should look for when shopping so I don't get hosed with a lemon would be appreciated.

Sorry, meant to mention... looking for a 12ga

Thanks a bunch.
 
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Do you have a price range? Also what sort of hunting are you doing, upland, waterfowl? Lastly do you intend on doing any clays shooting with it?

Reasons for questions are waterfowl will require steel or non toxic shots so that limits the used market unless you want to pay for bismuth. Walking vs pit hunting can make a difference in choices too. Lastly a clays gun will see much more use then a strictly hunting gun so long term life can be an issue.
 
DANG, I must of taken that part out :)

Mostly upland game bird, a little waterfowl... no clay.

Mostly walking, not much pit shooting; if any at all.

Price range.... hmmm! I'd like it to be under $300.

The gun won't see much use for the next few years, after a lengthy hiatus I'm only starting to get back to hunting. I'm also hoping to purchase a newer SxS in a few years once the $$$ is more readily available... LOL
 
I bought a Suhl from tradeex(Sponser)in January, excellent firearm. Do some online research and there are multitudes of SxS around. Depends what you like:engraving, or nice wood, or nitro barrells24", 26",28",full modified or both. Seen one on the bass proshops fine gun room for $141,000 US. If you go to
the United Kingdom sites its gets even more confusing figuring out the whos who of the shotgun world. Happy Shopping.
 
unless its for defence use stay away from the short barreled coach guns (18.5 - 20") there totally useless unless its 25 ft away lol.

A far better choice would be the over/under...seem to be better for skeet shooting and upland hunting...also much lighter!!...look nicer too!
 
SXS's generally cost more than other designs. In your price range, I'd be looking at one of the guns on Tradex or a used Baikal. Either one will be suitable for all your intended purposes, assuming you're okay with using Tungsten Matrix shells for your occasional wetlands hunting.

Try to find one with full and modified chokes.
 
I picked up a stevens 311 from straightshooter. I think you may want to spend a little more than 300.00 ( like 400.00 ) and look for a stevens.
there are a few in this month's cdn access to firearms, ranging from 150.00 for a 12 ga in fair cond to 400.00 for a mint one. as was stated, you cannot use steel shot in these. But I am extremely happy with mine!
 
Just looked at Accuracy Plus' website (w ww.accuracyplus.biz), they list a 311, vg at $199, and a Brno, vg at $350. Neither of these would be a steel shot gun, of course.
 
I don't think you'll find a SxS that will shoot steel for that price, like they said a stevens 311 is about that price range and parts are readily available if something goes wrong. I put approx. 7000 rounds a year through mine for last year or two and I love it, I've had to replace the top snap and repair the stock a couple times but thats a lot of use. I don't think any of the tradex guns will handle steel but they are definitely in your price range. I don't know much about the brands of them but I'm sure something there will work for your purpose. You'll just have to cough up for bismuth if you go goose hunting.
 
straightshooter said:
SXS's generally cost more than other designs. In your price range, I'd be looking at one of the guns on Tradex or a used Baikal. Either one will be suitable for all your intended purposes, assuming you're okay with using Tungsten Matrix shells for your occasional wetlands hunting.

Try to find one with full and modified chokes.
Click to expand...

I agree...

I just bought a Baikal 12Ga, 2.75" chamber, full/mod sxs from tradex...

The condition on the description are under estimated... mine was supposed to be VG... it was much better than that...

EB
 
$400 seems to be the magic # I've found for a new SXS that has options for steel. Try looking at the Remington SPR SXS's... They are re-badged Baikal's and come with screw in chokes.

Also the Stoeger Uplander might be an option....

Both of the above are nothing fancy, and may not be the lightest option for the field.. To compare .. I looked at a Franchi Highlander last weeked and WOW.... but you start to creep up to almost $3000.

For used $ - Tradeex is pretty hard to beat with a lot of good reviews if you search CGN
 
Thanks everyone. As far as the goose and duck hunting goes, I have three 12ga pumps to chose from for hunting them. The SxS will get used for upland game bird, a little lighter and no pump action.

It won't see a lot of rounds and I want it as an "until I get more $$$ then I can buy a REAL pretty SxS" gun.

I've looked at Tradex's varied selection and that's probably where I'll go back to, I just wanted to get some insight from experienced purchasers as to your purchase experiences.

Thanks again!
 
Picked up a IJ 58 (Baikal 12 bore sxs imp and imp) from Trade Ex. Very tight and very light. Shows some finish wear 240.00 I oiled the stock and cleaned it up a bit turned into a very nice upland double. Baikal claims that with the open chokes 2 3/4" steel loads no bigger than #2 pellets will be OK. Of course I am not going to shoot steel in it. It will be my ruffed grouse woodcock gun.

cheers Darryl
 
wonksy said:
unless its for defence use stay away from the short barreled coach guns (18.5 - 20") there totally useless unless its 25 ft away lol.

A far better choice would be the over/under...seem to be better for skeet shooting and upland hunting...also much lighter!!...look nicer too!
Click to expand...

I disagree. I have a 20 inch sxs with imp/mod chokes and I was shooting skeet the other day. Didn't miss too many. Plenty of shots at 30-50 yards. Also had my 28" semi-auto with full choke and didn't find it any better.
 
upnorth said:
I picked up a stevens 311 from straightshooter. I think you may want to spend a little more than 300.00 ( like 400.00 ) and look for a stevens.
there are a few in this month's cdn access to firearms, ranging from 150.00 for a 12 ga in fair cond to 400.00 for a mint one. as was stated, you cannot use steel shot in these. But I am extremely happy with mine!
Click to expand...

Here here! I purchased a 311 at an auction for $90 and it is great! Old, sturdy, reliable.
 
wonksy said:
A far better choice would be the over/under...seem to be better for skeet shooting and upland hunting...also much lighter!!...look nicer too!
Click to expand...

O/Us are always priced at a premium. for the same money - especially on a tighter budget - he will get a superior used SxS.
O/Us have their place at the range but IMO for actually carrying one around in the field a SxS balances much better.

when buying a used SxS make sure to check and see that the lockup is nice and tight, check down the barrel for any bulges especially near the chokes. check the stock near the receiver for any cracks.
 
super7 said:
I disagree. I have a 20 inch sxs with imp/mod chokes and I was shooting skeet the other day. Didn't miss too many. Plenty of shots at 30-50 yards. Also had my 28" semi-auto with full choke and didn't find it any better.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with your disagreement . . . or at least support your statement, or something. I've always had good success with the "coach guns" for upland game and rabbits, etc. Loved my Rossi Coach Gun (close to the top on the list of "The Guns I Should Never Have Sold" -- maybe a new thread there!)(anybody have a Rossi needs a home?) and I have a new cheap little IGA/Stoeger that has replaced the Rossi in function if not in my heart. For the money it is a very satisfactory little gun. Either one has always brought me home more bunnies or birds than the 870 I loan to my brother. Then again, he can't shoot<grin>

And of course for defense, bear or zombies, the coach gun is always a good choice.
 
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