Baikal 12g SxS' EDIT: Got one! :)

Until the Angels Fall

Until the Angels Fall

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I am looking into getting a SxS shotgun in 12g within the next week. I can't seem to find any Stoger Uplands around so I am thinking of going with a Baikal made SxS. Thoughts?

PS. I DO NOT want a nice pretty gun, fancy wood, ingravings, ect. This gun WILL be dropped, shot in all weather, ect. I am only after a gun that works and goes bang everytime and thats affordable (under $500)

UTAF
 
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It is not a very carefully built gun. It is functional and rugged. it was my first SxS. I shot a good number of birds with it. It is not a great swinging gun more like using a pick or sledgehammer. If you are on your first shotgun, money is better spent on a good used Beretta auto or used Browning, SKB O/U.!

Regards,
Henry;)
 
If 12 Ga. sXs is what you are looking for, I strongly suggest that you avoid entry level sXs,s all together and take a look at Trade-Ex's excellent used 12 Ga. collection.

I purchased a 20 GA. Uplander recently. it was promptly returned. Misfiring problem that could not be fixed. Actually I liked how sturdy it was and how nicely both barrels printed on top of each other. That is when it didn't fire both barrels at once, which it did frequently!

I than looked at Baikals which did not feel nearly as sturdy as the Uplander, but I was told that they are mostly Gremlin free and go bang most of the time.

I have learned my lesson. Sxs's are like scopes, you get what you pay for. I decided to skip the entry level Turkish/Brazilian made bunch all together. I have a $1600 Franchi on the way from Clay at Prophet River and very excited about it. I think it was a wise investment.

I did not go to Trade-Ex for a used one, because 12 GA. is all they have.

If you still insist on the Uplander, Le Barron and Bass Pro in Toronto have them in stock. Closer to you, Shooter's Choice also has them on their website for less, but......proceed at your own peril...
 
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Bought a used sxs Liege from here. The fit of the metal is better than the newer sxs I bought here as well. No slop at all in the break. And the gun swings up on it's own I swear. Made in 1925. $250 no tax. But probably didn't cost that much new:)
 
Home3 said:
If 12 Ga. sXs is what you are looking for, I strongly suggest that you avoid entry level sXs,s all together and take a look at Trade-Ex's excellent used 12 Ga. collection.

I purchased a 20 GA. Uplander recently. it was promptly returned. Misfiring problem that could not be fixed. Actually I liked how sturdy it was and how nicely both barrels printed on top of each other. That is when it didn't fire both barrels at once, which it did frequently!

I than looked at Baikals which did not feel nearly as sturdy as the Uplander, but I was told that they are mostly Gremlin free and go bang most of the times.

I have learned my lesson. Sxs's are like scopes, you get what you pay for. I decided to skip the entry level Turkish/Brazilian made bunch all together. I have a $1600 Franchi on the way from Clay at Profit River and very excited about it. I think it was a wise investment.

I did not go to Trade-Ex for a used one, because 12 GA. is all they have.

If you still insist on the Uplander, Le Barron and Bass Pro in Toronto have them in stock. Closer to you, Shooter's Choice also has them on their website for less, but......proceed at your own peril...
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I had absolutely no problems with either CZ Bobwhite or my IGA SXS guns that I shot.
I like the Franchis however, and may buy one some day, but I haqve too many guns that I do not shoot enough now......
Cat
 
I've never run across a Russian/Soviet made firearm that wasn't serviceable. I own a TOZ O&U that has, so far, provided very good service, it is; however a bit "clunky" compared to some nicer western European guns I've handled.
So I say, buy the Baikal.
 
Until the Angels Fall said:
So it sounds good so far...again I do not need a fancy gun and a silky smooth action. I want a bang when I pull the trigger and built like a tank:p
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BTW, hornhead and i met a fella last year with a VERY old Baikal 12 gauge O/U - the only shotgun he has ever owned.
it has never broken on him and ALWAYS goes bang, usually just before a pheasant falls out of the sky!:D
Cat
 
I have a sxs Baikal in 12G and it has never failed. Heavy built old model started out using it to shoot flares for illumination! Realized that the barrels were a lot thicker than most shotguns and started shooting birds with it.
 
I do have strogger uplander in 20g, great gun. I had baikal SxS in 12g in Europe for 20 years, it is like a tank, highly recommend
 
As I mentioned before, I really liked the feeling of the Uplander. That is why I tried to have it fixed. It is built like a tank and points very nicely. It is all steel and heavy wood, which justifies its slight heft. It doesn't feel clunky. So if you have one that performs well for you, it is definitely a keeper. Mine early problems spoked me.

Come to think of it, had I picked a simpler double trigger model, as oppose to my single trigger "Supreme" model, I could have avoided the double firring problem. Or maybe not..

If anybody picks up a new one, please give us your opinion on that.
 
My 12ga ij58 baikal sxs is my favorite gun. I shot 19 doubles for crows sunday nite. With 7/8oz #6loads. Never had a problem with it. Turns skeet targets to dust every sunday. I like the feel n look of it others don't but in 2 years its spit out almost 10 000 rounds with out fail. Patterns great. I don't think ill ever sell mine infact I'd like to get a few more
 
I picked one up today from Gobles (my local gun store). I got the Nickel model...the IZH-43E-1C in 12g. So far I love it...love the feel of a double compared to a pump. The action is a bit stiff but I can still work it with no worries and I should have it broken in soon as I shoot often:p


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A few questions tho...

Is it okay to dry fire it?
What is a good site to learn about chokes tubes and their uses?...I am only used to shooting a cylinder bore shotgun.
can I put any brand of choke into my gun?
And finally...does this make me a Fudd? :p

UTAF
 
Until the Angels Fall said:
A few questions tho...

Is it okay to dry fire it?
What is a good site to learn about chokes tubes and their uses?...I am only used to shooting a cylinder bore shotgun.
can I put any brand of choke into my gun?
And finally...does this make me a Fudd? :p

UTAF
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Congrats! With proper care that sxs should provide efficient service for years to come.

Once you have cleaned up the preservatives used for packaging the shotgun then use a good grease to lightly smear those areas i.e. where the bbl (including the bbl hooks) as well as the fore end mates with the receiver. Moreover, remember to wipe off the old grease and apply a fresh dab every time post cleaning session. Reason - old grease will collect dirt when exposed to the elements. Always ensure that the choke threads are free of dirt and chokes are tightened (but not overtightened) prior to use. Apply a light coat of gun oil on the threads post cleaning.

It would be prudent not to dry fire without snap caps in the chamber. Suggest use A-Zoom aluminum snaps caps.....a pack (of two) will cost around $10+tax and will last a long time.

In terms of using the correct chokes - you may only install aftermarket chokes that are compatible with Baikal shotguns. Obviously, it would also be necessary to pay attention to the instructions (in the manual) on appropriate choke usage specifically for steel shots. Generally for Upland hunting and even close range Waterfowl scenarios you will find the IC/Mod combo to be quite adequate. The Full choke (read the tightest that is supplied with the firearm) may be used for Turkey, Waterfowl etc. You would be best served by patterning each supplied choke with a variety of loads/brands in order to determine which provide the best patterns.
 
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Sweet looking!!

Until the Angels Fall said:
The action is a bit stiff but... I should have it broken in soon as I shoot often
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I think think you may be surprised just how much "breaking-in" it's going to take, these things really are built like tanks.

Until the Angels Fall said:
Is it okay to dry fire it?
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No. In fact I'm surprised that your gun didn't come with a spare set of firing pins and mainspings, both/either of which can be damaged by dry firing.
 
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