Roll the dice on a CZ/HUGLU O/U?

[RugerOldArmy]

Small bonus here, but I'm a single dad, have have two kids to get thru college. 'B' Shotguns are out...

But I'm debating between a CZ Woodcock O/U and a Ruger Red Label. Light bird hunting and a dozen or so extended afternoons of informal clays a year.

I've done a bit of research on Huglu, and read of the mixed results. The CZ Woodcock fits me well, and feels a bit better fit than a Red Label would to me. The CZ LOOKS well made, but I've heard of past issues with some Huglus, and some good feedback on DeHaans.

Any feedback? Is it worth a roll of the dice? Or should I wait a few more years for a good find on a used 'B'-gun? (I've waited a decade or two already, but my plain old pump shotguns served me well.)

What say y'all?

 

[ArmedBear]

I handled a CZ Huglu the other day. I thought it was somewhat rough. To be fair, I was comparing it to Berettas that my friend's wife was looking at.

The RRL has gone up in price. It's in the same range as a Beretta or Browning (assuming you don't insist on the fanciest engraved versions or something), so unless you have a line on a really good deal, if you can afford the Ruger, you can afford a B-gun if you want one. What gauge are you looking for, BTW? IMO the Citori and Ruger in 12G/28" are really overweight for field use, at 8 lb. or more.

Go here: http://www.cdnninvestments.com and download the catalog. There are some good shotguns in there for clearance prices that will make buying a Turkish gun dubious. Winchesters are really nice and I like how they fit.

I think SKB makes a great gun, and so do a lot of others who have them. http://www.skbshotguns.com/

They can sometimes be found for bargain prices (relatively).

 

[RugerOldArmy]

ArmedBear,

Thanks for the reply. You're right...it does look like the RRL went up in price, l seem to remember them when the were about 900-$1K.

I looked at a few B-Guns this weekend, and a Kimber or two (Kimber O/U shotguns now?) Some were $5K...(talk of some fine wood!) I should have done this before kids, Orthodontists, etc.

I've ordered from CDNN before (They had BHP's for a steal back when!)...but a shotgun has to 'fit'...so I want to handle it. I can't tell you how much difference my beater Winchester pump has been over an 870...it just fit me better, and I shoot better.

I know that a Huglu might be a gamble, I appreciate your saying it. No need, or even desire, for fancy engraving, even if it was free. I was looking at one that was case-hardened. (It looks like cynadie case hardening, rather than charcoal-bone hardening....and the bluing looks to be black chrome...maybe there is no OSHA in Turkey!) The triggers were something to watch for, but this one had workable ones, seemed tight, and had very good wood-to-metal fit, and I call it 'semi-fancy' walnut. I was looking at the 12-28", which might be sturdier that the 20-26", but didn't seem as 'clubby' as the RRL, and wasn't silver, for bule and walnut is my preference. The CZ seemed to have the rib soldered, not soldered and dovetailed like the RRL. (I've heard RRL(s) rattle...and they, at least back when, used to cock on closing the action...feeling a bit sloppy.) I believe the CZ cocked on opening, and was (very) tight, with no gaps. From what I hear, I'd have to worry about firing pins...*SIGH*, but at least CZ would stand behind it.

...Maybe I _should_ wait for a good used 'B'-gun find.

I'll look around for an SKB..if anyplace around these parts has one to handle, I'll check it out.

Thanks for the opinion and good advice.

 

[kentucky_smith]

Look for something used. I was in the same predicament last night, was at Bud's Gun Shop and debating between a CZ, a Stoeger Uplander or a Steven's (all sxs's). They had a lonely forelorn Winchester 101 sitting there in great shape. Tag said $799, Jim said "$550", I said "Sold".

This was cheaper than any CZ they had in stock, salesman admitted they had 2-3 that were sent back due to barrels being out of regulation, or broken firing pins. I personally know of 2 more that had to be sent back, 1 CZ replaced with an entirely new gun. Out of all the CZ's I know of, that's a very high failure rate.

There are several SKB's around in the $550-$650 range on the internet right now. You might also find a Fausti/Marlin/LC Smith in your price range.

 

[Dave McCracken]

A couple non big name O/U shotguns I regard highly include the Winchester 101, the SKB and the Mariocchi.

The CZ's bad rep is a turnoff. Most of the cheaper O/us haven't been around long enough for a track record.

 

[RNB65]

I'd buy a used Browning, Beretta or Ruger any day over a new CZ O/U. I love CZ rifles and pistols, but I'm no fan of their rebranded shotguns.

 

[Ash]

Keep an eye out for a Savage 333 made by Valmet. A wonderful shotgun that is very strong and certainly up to par, too. It is currently made by Marocchi as the FinnClassic.

Ash

 

[BozemanMT]

I have a CZ SxS ( i forget the name)
it's a nice gun
BUT
the first one totally failed (The soldering between the barrels came apart) within 3000 rounds or so. CZ replaced it, but it cost me shipping
The 2nd one has about 1500 rounds on it and it doubles (which is a big shock, let me tell you) when you shoot right side first. It doubles EVERY time. It needs to go back too
That's not a good success rate. My wife's Lanbeer (same price range) has easily 5000 rounds thru it, and while it's getting loose, it's never failed.

Find a used "B" gun or an older winchester or something. There are some deals in used guns.

 

[ArmedBear]

CDNN is advertising Belgian Winchester Select Field shotguns for 899 bucks brand new right now.

No need to get an old one at that price.

My wife's Lanbeer (same price range) has easily 5000 rounds thru it, and while it's getting loose, it's never failed.

They have Lanber 2087's for $599.

 

[sm]

Roll the dice - No.

What I find really strange, is some of these imports, were not bad guns before picked up and imported by known mfgs.

Early Huglu and Bailkels were working , still are, for those that wanted a fun gun, like they had always wanted in a more expensive make as made by Win, SKB, Browning - whomever.

These were not bought for hard use, or clay competitions, just a fun gun for having and using from time to time.

Walking the property and felling some doves, or small game...

No. Spend a few extra dollars, and get a good used shotgun with a proven track record.

Applies to any platform.
One fella bought the Norinco 870 clone, he bought a second one and not far apart. These would not interchange parts.
These guns are now gone, actually took a loss, and were used for parts.
He could have bought a good used 870, for the monies he spent on these two.

The fella that bought a New Maverick, for a loaner gun is still running like a top.
So is the good used Citori he bought in 20 ga, when a person he knew was going through a divorce.
He wanted a SKB, or Beretta, just the money was not there for the Beretta, still the Citori fits him, and he shoots it well.
It was best for him to jump on the Citori...

 

[Ash]

Good advice. I jumped on my Savage 333 because the price was right. That is remains an excellent shotgun that is smooth and very, very sturdy, fits me, and is still shooting great though it is 30 years old, was why I bought it. That it was cheaper than most Turkish shotguns was a real plus. I know where a non-Savage marked Valmet can be had, the 232 Lion model (like the Savage 330), for $400. It's in wonderful shape.

Ash