SxS shotgun ?

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getfoxy

New member
Does anyone shoot SxS shotguns? I'm more of a rifle guy but thinking a sxs 20 or 12ga would be just plain fun for squirrels, and other small game. I have been looking at the Czs but I am way out of my element. I haven't ever even handled a db sxs or o/u. Any suggestions, things to look out for etc? I'm not i'n any hurry to buy one ( lack of funds right now for one lol) it would be something I'd pick up this spring. Just hoping to learn something about them and maybe get an idea for a few specific models.
 
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Fit & Feel. Handle them all new or used. Mount each several times with your eyes closed, then open your eyes to see if the bead is left, right, or straight and if the lay of the rib is high, low or flat. Preferably you find one that feels good and is straight and flat to straight and high. If one just feels to good to pass on, then there is the option of a stock fitter. I passed on a used Valmet several years ago that probably mounted better than any one I have ever picked up and have regretted it ever since. Have handled a few Beretta 686's that felt really good. Own a CZ sxs and a couple Red Lable o/u.
 
Look for an older Ithaca SxS, M100, they are tons better than any CZ sxs. They are made by SKB also...top shelf & run about $1000.
I have 2 M100s that I got in the 70s.
You can buy a sxs for under $500, but they will be junk!
 
"Fit & Feel. Handle them all new or used."

"Quality SxS = $... be ready to shop smart and spend some dough for a good one."
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Yep !
 
Originally Posted By: GCQuality SxS = $... be ready to shop smart and spend some dough for a good one.

True that!
Try to shoot a SXS before making any decesions.
Most folks seem to shoot O/U's better.
Luck
 
Thanks... I'd rather shoot one first. O/u dosent interest me but a sxs does.. I'm gonna go down to the local shop i'n a day or 2 and handle a few.
 
I've been shooting sxs since 1964 (man, that makes me sound old), when my dad gave me his Stevens 311 in 12ga. Lot's of good guns out there for under $1k. Look at the Stevens 311, Savage Fox, Ugartechea, SKB, CZ, HK to name a few. This way, you can get in the sxs game without spending $$$$.

I agree with fit & feel. I traded a beautiful pre-WWII Sauer which was stocked way to short for me, for a Browning BSS. I only kept the Browning for 2 years. It felt like throwing a 4x4 post to my shoulder.

Good luck on your search, and keep us posted.
 
Thanks again.. There's an Ithaca for sake i'n the local paper but for 250$ I'm afraid to even go look at it. Figured it would be i'n pretty rough shape or just junk.
 
Originally Posted By: GCQuality SxS = $... be ready to shop smart and spend some dough for a good one.

Agreed. SxS shotguns are going to be pretty expensive unless you buy one of those Hammerless Coach guns that Remington makes (made?).

Of the less expensive SxS shotguns, I would also suggest looking at a CZ or even an LC Smith made by Marlin. They are still rather pricey, but much less than a AH Fox or Merkel.

I personally own a Browning Citori O/U and LOVE shooting it. You could definitely find a fun shooting O/U for less than a SxS. Take a look at a Mossberg or Stoeger. They are a tad heavy, but at least they wont break the bank.
 
Foxy, you can go about this in several different ways...........

First off, if you've never fired a SxS, I would encourage you to do so before you make a purchase. SxS guns are cool. No doubt. But there are several drawbacks. Some of them have "torque" when fired. That is, they try to twist a little due to the barrels being off the centerline of the action. Some people can't deal with it ... some can. I LOVE shooting my CZ, but my son hates it. Different strokes, I suppose. Also, expect a SxS to be much lighter and have more felt recoil.

You say that an O/U doesn't interest you, but if I had my pic of a 2-tube gun to use, the choice would be the O/U. Less felt recoil because the barrels are more in line with the buttstock rather than above it, and the sighting plane is easier for me personally to pick up. Of course, all of these things are subject to each individual's personal tastes.

The guns "of choice" would definitely be Browning or Beretta if going with the O/U, but the CZ is also a great little gun. The Stoegers are proving to be "so-so" after extended use (I'm sure I'll get some backlash from that statement). If you are going to use this gun for field use only (less than 5000 rounds per year), don't overlook the Yildiz at Academy Sports. They're great little field guns and are proving themselves to be very dependable in the long run.

Take your time, handle as many as possible (unlike women, fondling GUNS is free
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), and pick the one that feels best in your hands. Then decide if you can afford it. (On second thought ... these rules apply to women also
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)
 
Also, be careful with older American doubles made before 1935....many are short-chambered for the plethora of shells available then...2 1/2", 2 7/8" 2 9/16" etc...
 
I have the CZ Ringneck in .28 gauge. For the money, pretty nice gun. No auto ejectors, but again, that is a money issue. The fit and finish is also more than acceptable for the price. Great quail gun.

I also have a Fabarms Classic Lion in 12 ga. If you can find one in .20 ga. I would not hesitate. I understand that they do not make them anymore but it is a solid gun.
 
Good advice so far. Fit and finish, handle them as many different guns as you can, pick one that feels right! I have a tristar sxs 20 guage. you may want to look into one of those, they are italian made and have many variations/guages available. I picked mine up for under $700 new. they are a very nice gun for the money.
 
Originally Posted By: getfoxyHaven't heard of tri star... Comments anyone?

It's another Turkish made gun. Some have also been made in Italy and Spain over the years. Not the best out there, but opinions vary I suppose. For $700-ish, I think I'd put another $200 with that and get a used Citori that will last you for the rest of your life. Or buy a Yildiz for $400 and save a little money.

My biggest complaint ...... look on Brownell's website and find me some parts for a TriStar.
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(or a Yildiz, Stoeger, or CZ for that matter)

If something goes "south" on a Browning or Winchester, parts are readily available. That's worth a couple hundred in my book. Case in point: My son's Citori had a firing pin getting weak on the bottom barrel. I called Brownells on Monday, had the parts on Wednesday, and he shot a tournament that weekend. Convenience is worth something.

Where is Boyd County? Are you far from Bud's Gun Shop? If not, get your young self over there and fondle! They usually have a huge assortment of used stuff also.
 
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Boyd co i's around right next to Ashland, 2 hours from Lexington. I just moved to ky a few years ago so I'm not familiar with buds. We do have a local place called borders sporting goods and they have a prettygood selection.
 
I've been pretty happy with my tristar, had it 3 or 4 years now, shot hundreds of rounds, never a malfuction of any kind. My gunshop assured me that they could get parts for when it when I bought it. . .and I haven't needed any, so I don't know if they can still get them or not. The fit and finish isn't perfect, but for a utility grade hunting gun that gets dragged through the brush, it works beautifully. The gun does, however, fit me rather well. I won't part with it, even if I buy a better one down the road. For under $1000, I don't think you can find a much better sxs. If you are willing to spend more than that, there are certainly better guns available. IMHO.
 
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