Upland 20 gauge SxS
- Thread starter Max-4
- Start date
I payed 300 bucks for my used Stoeger uplander in excellent condition. Came with 3 removeable chokes, english straight stock and 24 inch barrels. Couldnt be happier with it for that money. If you have 700 to spend though, then go for better quality.
Choke
So a nice Imp/Mod would cover rabbits, squirrel, pheasent and grouse at most upland ranges?
Ok so I think I have it narrowed down to a 20 gauge SxS with 26" barrels, dual triggers and Imp/Mod chokes. Now to just find the gun!!!
So a nice Imp/Mod would cover rabbits, squirrel, pheasent and grouse at most upland ranges?
Ok so I think I have it narrowed down to a 20 gauge SxS with 26" barrels, dual triggers and Imp/Mod chokes. Now to just find the gun!!!
I'm glad you liked yours because I have the exact same one on the way.
I'll soon be in the market for something similar. I'm hoping for a 20/28 SxS under $1000 with double triggers. I would prefer longer barrels myself. Something like 28-30". Anyone make something like that?
I want a hunting gun, not a 1600's Frenchman's Royal Pimp gun.
I want a hunting gun, not a 1600's Frenchman's Royal Pimp gun.
Or lefties like me.
I'm a leftie, too. Love double triggers. Single selective is often unreliable on the entry-level guns, particularly after a few years of use. I think getting used to double triggers is easier than many think. Pretty cool once you do.
So a nice Imp/Mod would cover rabbits, squirrel, pheasent and grouse at most upland ranges?
Ok so I think I have it narrowed down to a 20 gauge SxS with 26" barrels, dual triggers and Imp/Mod chokes. Now to just find the gun!!!
Sounds like you've got it narrowed down nicely.
There's a couple more recommendations I'd add to your wish list; straight (English) stock and removable chokes. The straight stock makes sliding from the front trigger to the rear trigger easier. This is just me, but I find a straight stock helps me keep my elbow up which, in turn, promotes smooth swinging (especially since birds don't necessarily fly on a nice flat plane parallel to the horizon).I know you spec'd removable chokes earlier in the thread, but I thought it important to include them still, in your wish list. While Imp/Mod is good for early season and thick brush, it will likely be too open for late season, cut line, or edge of bush hunting. More importantly, you'll need a full selection of chokes to cover the whole gamut of upland game that you mentioned.
Be sure to follow (I believe it was Grouser's IIRC) advice to make sure the gun fits you, including the forend. You may find that you prefer a splinter, a semi, or a beavertail. For me, it's splinter all the way, but tastes differ.
You've got plenty of time before the season opens (for birds, at least). Take your time and enjoy the search. If this is a major purchase for you that is expected to fill your upland needs for years to come, I'd suggest you borrow as many 20 ga SXS's as you can get your hands on. Nothing you read or handle in a store will help you find what's right for you as fast as shooting with actual examples and/or a trip to the patterning board.
If you live in the Edmonton area (sorry I didn't notice your location before starting to write), I can help you with a half a dozen examples to try.
BTW, welcome to the world of upland hunting with side-by-sides - you're gonna love it!!
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I would suggest to stay with the fixed chokes idea since screw-in chokes takes thicker and clunkier barrels also the IC/Mod combo is near ideal for upland. Much more choices if you include the fixed chokes option.
Don't overlook better quality used shotguns, that's where I'd go.
Don't overlook better quality used shotguns, that's where I'd go.
You're confusing me, Algonquin. In your last post, you support SuperCub's recommendation of the CZ Bobwhite (a gun with removable chokes). Now you suggest that removable chokes are a liability?!
The barrel thickness thing is a bit of a red herring. CZ, for example, expanded the ends of the barrels, so that barrel thickness, overall weight, and balance are not affected by the introduction of threaded chokes. Makes for an unusual sight picture at first, but you get used to it easily.
I agree wholeheartedly that there's a much wider selection of good, used SXS's available than there are of well made new models. But, that doesn't mean there are no new makes that will satisfy Max-4's needs. I disagree that any single choke combination is ideal for all upland game in all possible conditions.
Keep in mind, too, we're talking about 20 ga here. Unlike the 12 ga market, decent 20 ga SXS's are hard to come by.
Don't be confused, that's my job description!
CZ is ahead of the curve since many sxs with multi-chokes haven't reengineered in such a way. At any rate, my point isn't to exclude older sxs 20 ga. from the search when we advocate for choke system equipped shotguns.
True also about 12 ga. availability, 20s have enjoyed a degree of popularity for upland partly on attraction of the smaller-lighter frame.
CZ is ahead of the curve since many sxs with multi-chokes haven't reengineered in such a way. At any rate, my point isn't to exclude older sxs 20 ga. from the search when we advocate for choke system equipped shotguns.
True also about 12 ga. availability, 20s have enjoyed a degree of popularity for upland partly on attraction of the smaller-lighter frame.
Agreed, many of my finest upland guns are also my oldest SXS's. Even in 20 ga., there's some incredible buys out there, but they're scarce and you might want to have a bit of SXS experience under your belt before you dabble in that market.
Other gauges, such as 12 or 16, are much different. You can pick up an excellent "starter" SXS from Trade Ex Canada, for example, for around $250. I considered giving that advice in this case, but refrained because Max-4's choice of 20 ga. is appropriate for upland game, I think. Also, I'm so passionate about upland hunting that I'd hate to think someone tried it and didn't like it because their first experience was with a club of a gun that's better suited to bludgeoning baby seals then it is to wing shooting.
OMG, that's more funny than it should be--sometimes the truth kinda hurts.
I think some suggestions are in order for options to keep in mind but price range is always the big hurdle to get over, especially with better 20 Ga side bys.
