Stoeger Vs Baikal in 3" 20 Gauge

[Crazy.kayaker]

So I'm considering getting a nice 20 gauge 3" SxS just wondering which is better. The average price I've seen is about 50-100 bucks difference so price doesn't matter much in this regard.

Stoeger Uplander (not the supreme)
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_uplander.php

http://www.baikalcanada.com/shot_guns_43nick.htm (not the exact model but PDC for this)

I also am wondering if I should consider the Stoeger O/U
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_condor.php

I had a pump but I prefered using my single shot more so I traded the pump for a 12 gauge 3" SxS.
I've noticed the Baikals are more available but I want to know if the Stoeger is of better quality and worth the extra effort to find. I'm looking at the 26-28" barrels as forests, meadows and grasslands are all with in 30 minutes of where I live so a longer barrel is required.

CK

Can't seem to deactivate the links sorry

 

[Woodsman]

Have you handled all of these? That's where I would start. Shoulder each several times and see which one feels best and which one points best for you.

My dad has a SXS Baikal and a Stoeger coachgun. I have a Baikal O/U. Quality on all of them are comparable.

SXS and O/U really feel quite different in the hand one from another. As far as balance and pointability, my dad and I both feel that the O/U Baikal wins hands down. You may feel different about this aspect, as it's really a matter of personal preference.

When I bought mine almost 25 years ago, I handled the Condor and the Baikal. I preferred the Baikal for weight, balance and fit. I shoot extremely well with it and absolutely love this shotgun. It may not be a fancy Browning or Ruger, but I don't fret over the gun either when I'm out busting through brush looking for bunnies and grouse.

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

I plan on looking and holding them all over the next few weeks if I can find one. I just wanted to know which guns most people found to be better.

 

[rishu_pepper]

I have a Baikal SxS, 20" in 12ga. It does what I want it to, and that's to bag grouse. It can shot clays but it's far from ideal; definitely not suitable for anything but upland.

 

[Grodz]

Personally, I prefer O/U to SxS, as I find the narrower forends easier to hold.

As well, Barrel regulation (both barrels shooting to point of aim) may be more reliable with O/Us.
The vented ribs on O/Us give you the option of trying different aftermarket sights (fibre-optic, adjustable rifle sights, etc).

You only have Stoeger as an O/U choice in your poll, but Baikal makes good O/U shotguns as well.

 

[urbaneddy]

Personally, I prefer O/U to SxS, as I find the narrower forends easier to hold.

As well, Barrel regulation (both barrels shooting to point of aim) may be more reliable with O/Us.
The vented ribs on O/Us give you the option of trying different aftermarket sights (fibre-optic, adjustable rifle sights, etc).

You only have Stoeger as an O/U choice in your poll, but Baikal makes good O/U shotguns as well.

I totally

 

[Ruffed Grouse]

I didn't vote because I don't have any experience with the alternative, but my wife shoots the Condor. It's a great gun. I steal it to chase birds when I can 'cause I've only got a 12 ga. 870 and the Condor carries so nicely.

The triggers have a lot of movement in them, but I'm told that this is to be expected in any double under $1500 (unfortunately wouldn't know for myself).

RG

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[Crazy.kayaker]

Personally, I prefer O/U to SxS, as I find the narrower forends easier to hold.

As well, Barrel regulation (both barrels shooting to point of aim) may be more reliable with O/Us.
The vented ribs on O/Us give you the option of trying different aftermarket sights (fibre-optic, adjustable rifle sights, etc).

You only have Stoeger as an O/U choice in your poll, but Baikal makes good O/U shotguns as well.

I'll check out the Baikal O/U's But I like the feel of a SxS more but there is always the possiblity of finding a different action type you like more.

 

[B-N]

I'll check out the Baikal O/U's But I like the feel of a SxS more but there is always the possiblity of finding a different action type you like more.

I hear ya, I also prefer the feel of the SxS, it is all personal preference.