Buying New CZ Bobwhite - What Should I be Looking For?

[oneskilledshooter]

Well, after much shopping around and research I ordered a CZ bobwhite in 28 gauge. I am going to pick it up tomorrow.

I have read the review written by straightshooter and sharptail (thanks guys, that was excellent and a big help! Hope I credited the right authors). And from what they have written and from what I have heard and read elsewhere I understand that there are some defects with these shotguns that I should look for before buying the gun. I was not able to find any gun that was comparable, at least in terms of specs to the CZ's that was not at least 2X the price.

So, question for you guys that have a lot of experience with side by sides and these CZ's in particular; what should I check before putting my cash down? I have never owned a side by side before. I know that the front beads are not always properly centered, I should check for over all fit and finish, but what else? I would think that it would be easier to try to uncover any issues in the store than it would be to exercise a warranty. I know that this is not a "fine" shotgun and the wood is relatively inexpensive and I am not too concerned about cosmetics.

Also, while I am asking about this shotgun, I understand that the triggers are too heavy, considering the guage and weight of the gun. Have you guys found that yours have lightened with use, or should I consider getting it lightened right off the bat? Is this something that I can/should attempt myself, or would you say this is a smith only job? I believe that the weight of the trigger should, generally match the weight of the gun. It sounds like all of these guns ship with a trigger pull of around 7 - 8 pounds, when it should be more like 5 pounds. I would prefer not waiting years for the pull to lighten itself, when it may never do so!

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

Although CZ quality has much improved over the previous years - assuming that gun fit is good (the shot gun stock is "cast-off" so you'd better be a right hander shooter ), check basic stuff such as....
-proper assembly and re-assembly to ensure tight fit of all components
-all screws are timed and screw heads are not buggered in any manner
-safety switch works properly
-install each choke (provided) to ensure that threads are properly aligned
-test triggers (and safety) using snap caps

Needless to mention, you will find a new breechloading shotgun usually has quite tight lock-up with the locking lever positioned to the far right....this is normal. Unless CZ has addressed the issue by now, the slightly off-centered bead (usually visible to/and should bother perfectionists only ) will not be a show stopper. BTW, do not not attempt to mess with those triggers (if heavy) unless you are an accomplished gunsmith of have the requisite skills. Moreover, not all shotguns have this issue....I used 4 Bobwhites in 12/16/20/28ga...none had heavy triggers.

CZ Bobwhite is a great field model in it's price range and the 28ga is an excellent choice!

 

[oneskilledshooter]

Thanks for all the tips Ahsan. One thing that may be a problem is that I am left handed!!! Crap. I did handle one of them casually at a store about a year ago and I didn't notice the cast-off. I am not sure if the fit is perfect for me, but it was the very best handling shotgun I have ever held and pointed. Is this "cast-off" done in the same way that I have seen on rifle stocks? If it is I can live with it. It is hard to be a lefty without spending a lot of extra money or not compromising. I have put down a deposit on this shotgun, so I am stuck with it, or I could kiss $400 goodbye. I hope it is a compromise I can live with.

 

[b6ddie]

CZ Bobwhite

Many good gunsmiths will bend(recast) the stock to suit your needs for about a 100 bucks. Good luck with your purchase

 

[oneskilledshooter]

thanks for the tip b6ddie! That is a relief. There is no mention of cast on the specs of the CZ website, but I know Ahsan owns at least one of these guns and he know what he is talking about. It seems unlikely that they have changed the spec of the gun to be cast neutral. I just read a couple of articles about cast off and cast on and it seems that it would be a $100 very well spent to get it changed to cast on. Just need to find a smith in the Guelph, ON area that can do this for me.

 

[4Horse]

It seems unlikely that they have changed the spec of the gun to be cast neutral. I just read a couple of articles about cast off and cast on and it seems that it would be a $100 very well spent to get it changed to cast on. Just need to find a smith in the Guelph, ON area that can do this for me.

Most European production shotguns (including CZ/Huglu) are provisioned with cast-off stock. You may wish to have such work as bending performed by a qualified gunsmith.....the $ figure may vary depending on who might be doing the work. I'm afraid you'd have to be prepared for a long wait should you decide to enlist the services of a competent gunsmith .

 

[oneskilledshooter]

Thanks 4horse. I have only come across 1 smith that does this kind of work and yeah, it is always a long wait to get work done. It is good to know that it can be done and it sounds like it will be relatively affordable. I will have to live with it for this fall/winter season and probably send it out for the work in the spring.