[Sentry]

Got a buddy looking for a 12 guage side by side, was originally looking for a Remington but it appears as though those are all insane in price. Looking for something in the economy range, just for shooting for giggles, any suggestions?

[TrapperReady]

For an inexpensive model, I'd take a look at the Baikal/EAA models.

They may not look all "purdey", but they are certainly affordable and well-built.

[stellarpod]

One word:

Stoeger

Built in Brazil. Cosmetics are OK, functionality of my CAS coachgun has been flawless.

Should be able to find one in the $300 range.

stellarpod

[Sentry]

For an update, he's looking to spend 200-400, wants a blued barrel, cosmetics aren't much of an issue, 18 inch barrel if possible.

[stellarpod]

Here's a shot of the Stoeger coachgun I use for cowboy action shooting.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/365844/StoegerC.jpg

Barrels are 20", improved cylinder x modified. I think I paid $275 about a year ago at Outdoor America.

http://www.outdooramericastore.com/

stellarpod

[mod12]

i saw about a half dozen of those stoeger shottys at a cowboy shoot i attended as a guest. i was very impressed by the quality and workmanship for the price. didn't hear a bad thing about them.

[Okiecruffler]

Well I was going to suggest a used Stevens 311 (big surprise) until I read 18 inch barrel. They can be found for around $250, but leave those tubes alone, they aren't making anymore of them.

[Sentry]

Should also mention he's looking for something new.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The Baikal handles like a magic wand compared to the Stoeger---which feels like a 4x4 in your hands. Don't get me wrong---not saying its like a Beretta or anything----but in comparison to the Stoeger.

More features---better made----better wood.


I've had/have both---the Stoeger is long gone.
For the cheapies there is really no comparison---the Baikal is the way to go.

[mod12]

for under 300.00 stoeger is a good buy. have only seen pictures of the baikel. if the stoeger feels like a 2x4, the baikel looks like a 10x12. i am not going to support any third world country. at 7 1/2 lbs. you might as well go shooting with a coal scoop.

[rugerfreak]

If Russia is the 3rd world----just what world exactly is Brazil in???

[mod12]

our hemisphere!!

[ScottsGT]

SOG is selling the Norinco exposed hammer gun for $150. I just shot mine for the first time today. Not as nice as some others, but I bought it for the same reasons.
"Looking for something in the economy range, just for shooting for giggles, "

[longeyes]

Re the Norinco: you have to cock the external hammers manually to fire?

[Min]

Can you fire both barrels at the same time on these SxS? Would you dare to?

[ScottsGT]

longeyes,
Yes, you do have to cock the hammers manually, and you can pull the triggers both at the same time, and with the action opened so you can safely unload.
Mind you now, this is no gem of a shotgun, but it is a functional fun gun.

[seeker_two]

Stoeger=Great Value + Great Shooter....

I love my Coach Gun, and I'm planning to get an Uplander (26" bbl., screw-in chokes) for my hunting gun.

They're THAT good....:D

[Smoke]

American Arms Gentry.

One of my more pleasant "bargain buys"

This gun points as well as any gun I own. YMMV