SxS recommendation for a first gun
- Thread starter mosquitoid
- Start date
The only SxS shotguns that I can recommend for clays are the Model 21, and the BSS, most SxS shotguns are light, for ease of carrying, not heavy duty for high volume shooting. You would be far better off with a used Citori or a used Beretta, whichever fits you better.
i know nothing about clays, but the Merkel sxs from intersurplus are awesome guns and lock up well for loads of shooting. they may not be ideal for clays but they are nice shotguns and worth checking out if you have a tight budget.
https://intersurplus.com/collections/side-by-side
https://intersurplus.com/collections/side-by-side
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Stubblejumper nailed it, most side by sides are built to carry a lot and shoot a little. The volume of shooting one normally does in most of the shotgun sports makes using a heavier gun to mitigate recoil much more practical.
I just picked up a really nice Baikal IJ-54 from Intersurplus. Weighs 7.2 pounds and built like a tank. The 54 or 58 would be a good starter gun for trap. Try to get one with full/ mod choke rather than full / full. Always easy to resell when you're ready to move up!
Edit: typing same time as Brybenn...
Edit: typing same time as Brybenn...
The Baikal's are always great and a great choice. Just sometimes the ejector models don't have the most reliable ejector springs, and hard to replace a firing pin if you ever had to, as I did.
Merkel's and many other German guns are fantastically solid guns. Nothing more to say about them other than they don't often have ejectors which is not required but nice to have for clays.
AyA can be great as well, even the ejectors are quite reliable
All of which can be found from Intersurplus, as said above.
If your looking for budget of course. Anything priced above that or sub gauge is another story.
Merkel's and many other German guns are fantastically solid guns. Nothing more to say about them other than they don't often have ejectors which is not required but nice to have for clays.
AyA can be great as well, even the ejectors are quite reliable
All of which can be found from Intersurplus, as said above.
If your looking for budget of course. Anything priced above that or sub gauge is another story.
- Location
- South Southern Ontario
I do have an old sxs in 16 gauge its 2 1/2" chamber so I don't really use it.
Might have to look into a Biakal
had good luck with O/Uers.
Might have to look into a Biakal
had good luck with O/Uers.Hello Mosquitoid!Hi!
I'm new to the sport, just got my license and ready to participate in my local clay club,
Shopping for a Sxs shotgun right now, choosing a sxs is purely nostalgia and style for my first gun.
Would love some recommendations here!
Woon
I would suggest trying a number of different types of guns before you buy anything. I started shooting trap years ago with a side by side and never shot very well. As soon as I tried an overunder, my scores improved significantly. I've been shooting trap skeet and sporting clays for 50 years and only know a couple of guys that shoot side by sides well. I too like the nostalgia of a side by side. I had mine decommissioned and it hangs on the wall above the fireplace. Take your time and try many guns. Most guys at gun clubs are happy to let a new shooter try their guns to help them narrow down what works best for them. Best of luck with finding a gun that works for you.
