Double Twelve Gauge for Waterfowl

conor_90

conor_90

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
91   0   0
Location
NW BC
Can anyone suggest a 12 gauge double in a reasonable price range (less the 800 dollars preferably way less) for waterfowling? I prefer a single trigger and sxs. The need for steel shot kind of limits the older options. I am thinking of the some of the models offered by stoeger, does anyone have any experiences to share?

Thanks
 
I spent part of a season with a Baikal 43 with screw in chokes, 3" magnum chambered. It worked great BUT on more than one occasion I found myself frantically re loading while a cripple steamed out of range. The 3 shot capacity of a repeater is a real advantage when wildfowling.

Darryl
 
I like the newer CZ guns and have used several for a season or two on waterfowl.
What I do normally if I get a newer SXS with fixed chokes is take them out to IC and relieve the forcing cones, but if one can find a steel approved SXS you are way ahead oif the game because they normally also have screw in chokes so you can get a decent pattern out of your steel loads.
That being said, the gun I use if I want to use steel is a La Bohemienne by Pedersoli.
It is about as great a deal as one can get for a modern, steel appproved SXS with hammers and browned barrels- although to pay $800 one would have to get a used one at a super deal!
Cat
 
While I opted for double triggers as it's my preference, I have nothing but good things to say about the CZ Bobwhite.

Extended chokes for steel water fowling all season and 10 Trap / Skeet outings without a hiccup. Still tight after ~1000 rounds. Patterns well.

I handled a few Stoegers, definitely not as nice.
 
There are many inexpensive double guns that do not have threaded firing pin bushings. So when the firing pins break from heavy use or relieving the firing pin springs without snap caps, it's extensive/expensive smith labor to fix them, versus without the bushing.
I would bet that the SxS Savage Fox, Mossberg Reserve and Condors do not have this added feature.
Baikals are certainly clunkers compared to the newer Cynergy or even the finely priced and older discontinued SKB series.

But the last time I checked a Baikal double gun, it at the very least had these firing pin bushing.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your replies guys. I have shot a baikal double before, they actually fit me very well. Iirc they have double triggers though. I will be on the lookout for a CZ
 
The new Baikal doubles are steel rated and have single selective triggers. Many choke tube companies make steel approved extended tubes for the Baikal including Carlson and TruLock two of the very best. Baikal are work horses but I would not call them a clunker.

Darryl
 
They aren't exactly pretty, but I have broad shoulders and long arms so "overbuilt" firearms have a tendency to fit me better.

A model at the lgs had double triggers, it had apparently never been fired, may have been older. I will be on the lookout for one with a single trigger.
 
Looks good, extractor is perfect for the marsh/canoe.

Anyone have a maverick over/under? Are aftermarket stocks available?
 
Suka; I have a Akkar Churchill 206 Hunter and couldn't be happier with it. They are not a common gun, but very well made. The 512 would be a great upland gun, at 6.5lbs, it would be a painfull waterfowl gun though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom