I'm in the market for my second shotgun. My first is an 870 express 20 ga. that I love, it's my perfect rabbit gun: it swings easily, and it's just ugly enough to keep me from feeling bad about dragging it through a thicket full of brambles. I've recently got into the clay games, and I would like something a little faster than a pump for the doubles on the skeet field, but can't fully justify devoting a gun solely to clay games, so I'm looking for something serviceable as a field gun as well. My gut feeling is to go with something like a CZ canvasback or bobwhite (even though you don't seen many sxs on the skeet field--I guess I'm a sucker for the lines of a sxs). I'm curious about what else is out there in that price point. I've heard good things about Yildiz, but as it stands, I have no idea what they cost or where to find one in Ontario.
Advice on an all-around double gun
- Thread starter tmiller7
- Start date
If your looking for used I shoot stevens 311's. If you can find a 311A they have nicer wood for the 311's. There is also 511's, savage? foxes and a couple other models very close to them. My 311's shoot great and they are 200-300 dollar guns. Parts are readily available from Numerich Gun Parts in the US. I prefer them with reduced power hammer springs available from Brownells. Makes them hang open nicer and they still fire flawlessly. They are plain old working horse guns, but they work. For well under $1000 you could have one in 12 and one in 20 and put in spring kits. They had pot metal trigger guards that the paint flakes off of but you can buy nice steel replacement ones. I got lucky and my 12 actually has nice wood in it, however I think that is very odd so you may not get much that way.
They are boxlocks with double triggers, color case hardened receivers, blued barrels.
I wouldn't recommend them for steel, but for upland and clays games or with bismuth shot they fit the bill.
They are boxlocks with double triggers, color case hardened receivers, blued barrels.
I wouldn't recommend them for steel, but for upland and clays games or with bismuth shot they fit the bill.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
I personally wouldn't consider a new double for $1000. A modern factory can't build a decent one for that little. You can, however find very nice used guns for that price. Browning, Beretta, AYA, SKB, and a host of others. Very little can go wrong with a good double, and most of what does is obvious. Loose or broken parts can be easily spotted when the gun is "in hand" Try for fit before you buy.
Longwalker, you've put into words exactly what I'm starting to think. The reviews for all the affordable guns seem to say "well, it's great for the money, but just barely." I think I'd like a gun about which I'd never have to make that concession.
Ahsan Ahmed
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
tmiller7 - At this time, personally, I would be reluctant to acquire a CZ shotgun for regular (even if not heavy) range use. Those just do not yet have the required consistency based on so many reviews that I have read (and continue to read). Having said that, the CZ's could be looked at as good hunting tools and I happen to own/use a few sxs.
As already suggested, a used Browning, Beretta, SKB etc will offer more value for the field/range multi-functions that you have in mind. A caveat - you may not always quickly find a used B gun in G+ or VG condition for around $1K
My .02 cents.....
As already suggested, a used Browning, Beretta, SKB etc will offer more value for the field/range multi-functions that you have in mind. A caveat - you may not always quickly find a used B gun in G+ or VG condition for around $1K
My .02 cents.....
Wide North is the Canadian Distributor of Yildiz shotguns (out of Drumheller, AB). I was in communication with Jonathan last year about doing a review of their SXS's. Ran into him again at the Calgary Gun Show and we talked about getting on top of that. Don't know when we'll have an evaluation unit in hand or the review finished, but it could take several months for the whole process.
Sharptail and I wrote a review on CZ's Bobwhite. It's posted on this site. If you haven't already read it, let me know and I'll find the link for you.
As Longwalker and Ashan have already stated, many fine SXS's can be obtained in the used market in your desired price range. The key is not to be in a hurry. The more time you can spend shouldering a variety of models, the better the chances of you finding a good fit and, frankly, being patient enough for the right deal to come along. You have a shotgun that is serviceable for most applications in the meantime, so there should be no rush.
You only need to search some of my recent posts to see some of the excellent pieces that can be found by those willing to sit on their wallet until the right opportunity comes along. I won't bore you with the complete list, but in the last year alone, I found a graded Ansley H Fox, a Webley and Scott, and an extremely rare and well made Saxton of London (one a 12 ga., one a 16, and one a 20). None of those cost me as much as you're willing to spend. All of them are worth more.
When the day comes when you're satisfied that you actually know something about what designs and features you like, you can round up all your loonies and go have a fine SXS made to your specifications. It'll cost a great deal more than your current budget. Your current budget, BTW, is higher than most guys are thinking when the bug first bites. That's a good sign.
I wholeheartedly welcome you to the fraternity of those who recognise and appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Sharptail and I wrote a review on CZ's Bobwhite. It's posted on this site. If you haven't already read it, let me know and I'll find the link for you.
As Longwalker and Ashan have already stated, many fine SXS's can be obtained in the used market in your desired price range. The key is not to be in a hurry. The more time you can spend shouldering a variety of models, the better the chances of you finding a good fit and, frankly, being patient enough for the right deal to come along. You have a shotgun that is serviceable for most applications in the meantime, so there should be no rush.
You only need to search some of my recent posts to see some of the excellent pieces that can be found by those willing to sit on their wallet until the right opportunity comes along. I won't bore you with the complete list, but in the last year alone, I found a graded Ansley H Fox, a Webley and Scott, and an extremely rare and well made Saxton of London (one a 12 ga., one a 16, and one a 20). None of those cost me as much as you're willing to spend. All of them are worth more.
When the day comes when you're satisfied that you actually know something about what designs and features you like, you can round up all your loonies and go have a fine SXS made to your specifications. It'll cost a great deal more than your current budget. Your current budget, BTW, is higher than most guys are thinking when the bug first bites. That's a good sign.
I wholeheartedly welcome you to the fraternity of those who recognise and appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Me too... only in 20ga.
We looked at a very nice Ithaca SXS this past monday. It had great weight and looked like it was well built. I am not sure what the model was, there really wasn't anything/markings to designate a model. Can anyone comment on experiences with Ithacas? What would you value one at in good condition?
We looked at a very nice Ithaca SXS this past monday. It had great weight and looked like it was well built. I am not sure what the model was, there really wasn't anything/markings to designate a model. Can anyone comment on experiences with Ithacas? What would you value one at in good condition?
I've owned two Baikals, one in 20ga and one in 16ga and I loved them both. Still shooting the 16ga. Both were of mid-sixties manufacture, though. Rock solid, dead reliable, smooth swinging shotguns, both of them. I don't think you can go wrong with them. The working class AyAs that Tradeex has would be nice guns as well.
Check the serial# if it is over 400000 it is a NID new ithaca double which where very good guns if the # is under 400000 it will likey be a flues mod. They were not as strongly built. With and older gun try and find a more open choke because they were made to shoot shells with fiber wads and seem to pattern very tight with modern ammo.
