SxS 12 gauge ??

hesher66

Member
Rating - 100%
82   0   0
Hey guys, looking to buy a 12 gauge side by side in the 1200 to 2500 dollar range. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Hello hesher66 - Welcome!

I take it that by saying "SBS" you meant a side-by-side shotgun? Your query is also suggestive of the fact that this is very likely a first sxs purchase? Forgive me should the assumption be incorrect.

Some questions come to mind that may also have a bearing on your actual procurement decision.....

- What would be the purpose of that SxS i.e. in terms of specific usage?

- What SxS shotguns (if any) have you had an opportunity to handle/inspect so far to check for approrpiate gun fit?

- What personal preference(s), if any, do you have in terms of:
i) New or Used?
ii) Brand?
iii) Configuration i.e. stock type (English or pistol grip), forend type (splinter or beavertail), trigger type (single or double), ejectors or extractors, fixed or interchangeable chokes etc?

Just a thought, as you explore, you may also wish to consider the option of an O/U shotgun since the ceiling of your budget could also make available to you a (new) brand name firearm that may be a better overall bargain and offer more/better flexibility in terms of usage. In fact, your price range could also get a nice/used brand name over and under shotgun.

To reiterate, much of the selection process will generally be influenced by the reason(s) for which a shotgun is being acquired in the first place. Moreover, I would like to think that by simply directing such query (as yours) towards a particular SxS shotgun will not really be assisting an individual to fullfil that quest. :)
 
Last edited:
12 gauge "SxS" Let me elaborate

Hello hesher66 - Welcome!

I take it that by saying "SBS" you meant a side-by-side shotgun? Your query is also suggestive of the fact that this is very likely a first sxs purchase? Forgive me should the assumption be incorrect.

Some questions come to mind that may also have a bearing on your actual procurement decision.....

- What would be the purpose of that SxS i.e. in terms of specific usage?

- What SxS shotguns (if any) have you had an opportunity to handle/inspect so far to check for approrpiate gun fit?

- What personal preference(s), if any, do you have in terms of:
i) New or Used?
ii) Brand?
iii) Configuration i.e. stock type (English or pistol grip), forend type (splinter or beavertail), trigger type (single or double), ejectors or extractors, fixed or interchangeable chokes etc?

Just a thought, as you explore, you may also wish to consider the option of an O/U shotgun since the ceiling of your budget could also make available to you a (new) brand name firearm that may be a better overall bargain and offer more/better flexibility in terms of usage. In fact, your price range could also get a nice/used brand name over and under shotgun.

To reiterate, much of the selection process will generally be influenced by the reason(s) for which a shotgun is being acquired in the first place. Moreover, I would like to think that by simply directing such query (as yours) towards a particular SxS shotgun will not really be assisting an individual to fullfil that quest. :)


Yes this will be my first side-by-side, and I should have elaborated. The gun I am interested in is the Weatherby. It is a new 12 gauge, pistol grip, splinter type with a single trigger. I am hoping to use it as a bird/general purpose gun, and my criteria is quality. Again I am relatively new to shotguns and would like to avoid purchasing a "dud".
 
Which model? I believe Weatherby presently offers just one SxS shotgun....not sure which Brescia (Italian) maker - could be Fausti, Rizzini etc. Have you tried that for adequate fit? I take it that your source is private because a retailer will ask something in the area of $3k+ for a late model.

What type of bird hunting do you have in mind - Upland or Waterfowl? What other general purpose use do you intend for that - clay shooting perhaps?
 
Which model? I believe Weatherby presently offers just one SxS shotgun....not sure which Brescia (Italian) maker - could be Fausti, Rizzini etc. Have you tried that for adequate fit? I take it that your source is private because a retailer will ask something in the area of $3k+ for a late model.

What type of bird hunting do you have in mind - Upland or Waterfowl? What other general purpose use do you intend for that - clay shooting perhaps?


I belieive your correct, Weatherby to my knowledge only manufactures the one model now. I think it is called the Orion D'Italia. My intention is mostly upland but maybe a little clay shooting.The price I was quoted was around the 2400 dollar mark. I would entertain any other suggestions you may have, you seem quite knowledgeable. Thanks!
 
I belieive your correct, Weatherby to my knowledge only manufactures the one model now. I think it is called the Orion D'Italia. My intention is mostly upland but maybe a little clay shooting.The price I was quoted was around the 2400 dollar mark. I would entertain any other suggestions you may have, you seem quite knowledgeable. Thanks!

Far from it, it just so happens that I tend to browse various firearms related sites including retailers more often than I really should. :)

Unfortunately, when compared to our neighbors in the US, we are actually quite "starved" from a perspective of having relative ease of access to a diverse inventory of both new/used quality sxs double guns - not to mention having to pay far more for the same/similar product.

I take it you may be looking for either new or used? At this stage, provided there is no real hurry on your part :D, you may also wish to place a WTB ad on CGN and see what kind of response you receive.

For example, the following CGN ad pertains to a used Beretta 470...this is basically a successor to the model 626 sxs shotgun. A very well made/balanced shotgun - I had one in 626E, in fact two actually, a 626 Onyx that I've retained as it has mobile chokes. The sale specimen in question has fixed (tight) chokes....something that may not be properly conducive to Upland use unless the chokes are opened up. Moreover, as is the case with used firearms, its best to validate every aspect end-to-end in terms of condition overall. In many cases, fair pricing (or not) would be another question as well. :)

Anyway, still something to look at.....
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=610092

For a new sxs shotgun, somewhere around your price range, you may also wish to explore the Franchi, Rizzini and Fabarm brands of shotguns.

To be candid, it would be comparatively far more easier to obtain a new O/U such as a Beretta or Browning for around $2.5k than a new, moderate quality sxs. The used market does open up many avenues provided one is willing to dedicate the time and energy for research/search. :)

Gun fit should be the foremost criteria in the selection process. I hope the other more well informed/knowledgeable members here will be forthcoming with their opinions.

Hope you find the one you like. Best of luck in your quest.
 
If you want a sxs get a sxs. I shoot both o/u and sxs. I prefer sxs. They are sleeker and ###ier and feel more lively in the hands. The weatherbys are a nice gun. Your budget is at the base line for the higher named guns as sxs shotguns of high quality sell for very high dollars and canada suffers from a lack of them. That said you can get a damn good quality gun for $2500. The subgauges for upland game are usually more money then a 12ga counterpart. Light payload shells can be reloaded in the 12ga very easily. Fit is the very most important factor in sxs scatterguns. It must point where you look and come to shoulder perfectly. Its best to handle and try to swing and shoot each perspective gun you can. I personally prefer dual triggers on my sxs's so I've never like weatherbys offerings. They are beauties and a quality gun. AyA offers a sxs in your price range. If you can find a used rbl that would be nice. If you want quality and workmanship and a lil history a old parker of ithaca flues can be had for decent money. Cz now produces a very fine quality sxs for reasonable money. The cz ringneck with fake sideplates has single trigger case coloured reciever and has 5 chokes with prince of whales grip their other sxs is the bobwhite which has dual triggers and a boxlock action straight grip. Both are very nice looking guns and can be had for $900-$1400. The ringneck is availible is a deluxe grade as well. Good luck finding a sxs shopping is a lot of fun
 
Cz now produces a very fine quality sxs for reasonable money. The cz ringneck with fake sideplates has single trigger case coloured reciever and has 5 chokes with prince of whales grip their other sxs is the bobwhite which has dual triggers and a boxlock action straight grip. Both are very nice looking guns and can be had for $900-$1400. The ringneck is availible is a deluxe grade as well. Good luck finding a sxs shopping is a lot of fun

I've seen the bobwhites listed on CGN for as little as 799.
 
Back
Top Bottom