The Canadian Market for SxS's
- Thread starter VictoryXC
- Start date
My collection will ultimately disperse because at present I am the only one in my family with a PAL. Probably one of the more fertile hunting grounds are estate sales. Not sure I appreciated the shot about about not being able to absorb the recoil as we age but could not resist the pun. My titanium shoulder won't rust and can withstand a major recoil.
Didn't mean to offend anyone. I shoot with several find older gentlemen who tend to shoot sub gauges because they can shoot more rounds with them in a day then they can with their 12 ga guns.
And I'm not afraid to say they often out shoot me with their little 28s and 410s
From what I am seeing, many of the newer SxS shotguns are in sub gauges, so the supply might not grow as quickly as you hope. I own two SxS shotguns, and neither is a 12 gauge. The people that I hunt with that use SxS shotguns are also shooting the sub gauge guns.
Londonshooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Also keep an eye out for older Weatherby SxS's as these were at one time made by SKB. Athena's were subsequently made by Zabala in Spain but not the same design as the SKB. Presently these are made under contract by FAUSTI in Italy and separated from the previous models by the d'Italia designation. Seems like a well-regarded gun selling new at my LGS for $2000 CDN. MSRP in US is actually higher from what I've seen. That's probably the best you can do now price-wise for a well-designed decent quality new nonTurkish side x side. And no Turkey-bashing implied. Weatherby also markets an ORION model sxs and O/U made in Turkey (pretty sure) for $500 less.
leveractionjunkie
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, BC
Anything much over 1 1/8oz -1 1/4oz field loads in a 12ga gets to be too much for me and I'm 35. I almost can't shoot a limit of ducks without an auto as I find most steel loads punish my shoulder, inside the joint not purple skin.
Used to shoot a flat of 1 1/8oz 1200fps target loads every week in either o/u or pumps but not anymore. I'm loading 7/8oz @ 1150 and lovin life. Might even try 3/4oz
28ga SxS would be the cats azz
Used to shoot a flat of 1 1/8oz 1200fps target loads every week in either o/u or pumps but not anymore. I'm loading 7/8oz @ 1150 and lovin life. Might even try 3/4oz
28ga SxS would be the cats azz
Any comments on this point?
Depends on the category of SxS, IMHO. The discrepancy is greater when it's classic American SxS and lesser when they are sub $600-$700 guns.
Not many guys will pay $2.500.00 and up for quality sxs's the $500-$ 1000.00 ones really are a waste of money that leaves a few in between used skb , bss and maybe if you get lucky a win 23 and even the $1000- $2500 is more than most guys will spend . 95% of Canadian smooth bore shooters spend $400-$800 on a shotgun 3-5% will spend $1000-2000 on a auto and a few will send $2000-3000 on s o/u .
I don't think it's a money issue as much. If a gun fits you properly it's worth every penny. Why shoot a cheap gun and miss all day, or try to modify it. I think it best to find a properly fitting gun. Once again the problem is selection....Are you paying attention sponsors????
badgreenbird
Regular
- Location
- Dawson Creek, BC
send me a PM next fall! I'll make the drive over and bring one of my SxS 28's. I use dt side-by-sides exclusively for upland (and usually 28 gauge) and prefer the same for waterfowl (though I occasionally stoop to using one of a few auto-loaders that I've inherited). I love hunting with dogs as well. Sadly my lab is a good duck dog, but fairly useless in the uplands.
badgreenbird
Regular
- Location
- Dawson Creek, BC
I use my CZ 28 gauge scaled frame dt SxS for early season ducks, just for the challenge. The biggest problem is finding non-toxic ammo. I bought a case of Winchester #6 which is ok for the closest shots... but really, hand loads with bismuth or similar 'heavier' shot is the way to go. I haven't had any luck finding decent commercial waterfowl loads in 28 gauge.
Most of the older SxS 28s probably aren't suited for steel, but the CZ bobwhite / partridge can handle it and is a nice little shotgun
This will be my first season with Lucy, my new one year old Gordon Setter hunting partner. Radically different style than my Brittany, Harley. Looking forward to next season. If she is steady and confident I will give you a shout for sure.
leveractionjunkie
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, BC
I'll buy one off prophet river if they get some sub guages in for sure
fishslinger
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern ontario
Good news, I think he will move quite a few in the sub gauges. I think these CZ's doubles are stepping stone doubles, people buy them to try out a sub gauge double and once they see how much fun and effective they are, they go out and buy a more expensive higher quality piece.
badgreenbird
Regular
- Location
- Dawson Creek, BC
Me too. My recently acquired AYA 28s are much nicer to look at than my CZ... but I have to say, I use the CZ a lot more. No babying, not concerned about occasional dings or scratches. And it kills birds!
The unfortunate part is sub-2000.00 guns are far and few between in new stuff, the bulk of it is stuff in the 2500-6000 range. A person who doesn't mind doing some wood work, can get some decent deals on older ones and restock them to suit. Seems like the interest in SXS's is there, but, people want them for the same price as a pump gun. That isn't going to happen. A good number of the used ones under 1000.00 have issues that need fixing, in terms of mechanical or wood, or bad barrels, have to watch for rechambered guns, some are OK, some ain't. Most often as not, the tools needed to check/repair them are not owned by a lot of gunsmiths. Nice to see Prophet bringing in the Huglus, that will help get some selection available again. I think a lot of people just give up and buy o/u's as they are cheaper and easier to find in good condition.
I used my 28 gauge AYA for about 40 days of bird hunting last fall. If I am paying to have the gun, I am going to use it.
Yup, that's what they are for. Even the very expensive ones. Use them, don't look at them. Get a scratch on the wood, wear away the bluing. Costs the same to redo a $15,000 gun as it does a $1500 gun. Just don't dent the barrels or fall on the stock.
