My buddy want's to get his wife a double .410 for grouse hunting. She enjoys walking the trails and shots are always close at walking birds, they never need to take wing shots. Looking at the Baikal sxs with 26" bbls and possibly the Stevens O/U also with 26" BBLs. The Stevens is listed at a pound less than the Baikal which might appeal to a lady who has to cover some ground while hunting. Any opinions from users of these two guns, good or bad would be appreciated. Thanks. Also any other suggestions for a budget 410 double?
Stevens or Baikal .410
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If i was to ever suggest a first gun for someone, it would probably be a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. You have the ability to shoot light loads via handloading or reduced recoil loads, and can switch off barrels for when you want to take her deer hunting later. 12g ammo is a lot cheaper, but also a lot easier to hit stuff with for a beginner. It gets discouraging when you miss the first couple birds becuse of the skimpy .410 pattern.
Is SHE realls set on the double? Or is he?
If it is all walking, no wing shots, an old cooey single would be lighter and more cost effective. If you MUST have that follow up shot, a decent pump with synthetic stocks will probably come out to be lighter than a double.
Is SHE realls set on the double? Or is he?
If it is all walking, no wing shots, an old cooey single would be lighter and more cost effective. If you MUST have that follow up shot, a decent pump with synthetic stocks will probably come out to be lighter than a double.
I've got an old .410 311H Stevens sxs and I would trade it for a Baikal even if it was new.
Early fifties I believe this old gal is.
Need to remember the auto safety though.
The odd grouse has been spared by it.
Great little scatterer.
Early fifties I believe this old gal is.
Need to remember the auto safety though.
The odd grouse has been spared by it.
Great little scatterer.
If i was to ever suggest a first gun for someone, it would probably be a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. You have the ability to shoot light loads via handloading or reduced recoil loads, and can switch off barrels for when you want to take her deer hunting later. 12g ammo is a lot cheaper, but also a lot easier to hit stuff with for a beginner. It gets discouraging when you miss the first couple birds becuse of the skimpy .410 pattern.
Is SHE realls set on the double? Or is he?
They have a cabinet full of nice 12 and 10 guage guns. Her husband is a serious waterfowler and owns 2 Chessies. His wife has been using a single shot .410 and he wants to get her a nice light double for her upcoming 50th B day. They live in Northern Quebec and have very little acces to gun shops so trying one for fit will be tough. She's about 5'7" so isn't a tiny lady. As for going for a pump they have one and it's not what she likes. Truly a nice light double is about as good as it gets for the game she plays.
