Thread spinoff/ Sxs shotgun

[kentucky_smith]

Noticed on Stoeger's website that their sxs's are only in the coach guns. Don't like the look and feel of the Rem/Spartan line.

Any other recommendations on the cheap? Looking to replace/retire grandpa's old 16ga Stevens made in the 30's, without spending $500+. This is mostly a grouse/pheasant gun. Like the feel/balance of sxs. Anybody have experience with the Mossburgs? Just seem a little expensive around here.

And no, I don't want an 870.

thanks

 

[Rupestris]

If it were me, I'd put up grandpa's Stevens and pick up another Stevens 311 in 12 or 20. Theres plenty out there for under $400.

 

[sm]

Rup's Post

+ 1

 

[Okiecruffler]

You'll be hard pressed to find a better value than a used 311. Under 4 bills at the expensive end and made in America back when that meant something.

 

[Grayrock]

Check out the new CZ promoted side by sides. They are the Turkish Huglus. Nice guns for the money.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Another vote for the 311.....

 

[SASS#23149]

+1 for 311's. american made GOOD quality steel all the way through. Very few,if any,import doubles in the 'lower' price ranges have good steel and machining.
If you find an Ithaca you can afford it will last forever as well,pert near.

 

[halvey]

A couple things on the 311's...

While the vast majority are great, the later ones I've seen seem to be a bit rough. Lots of tool marks and rougher fitting are not uncommon.

Also, the 311's were meant to be used, so you will see a lot of "bubba work" on these. I called a store to inquire about a 311 and made the drive over because it was "mint". Well, if you looked closely, it was obviously refinished, the screws were buggered, and some of the parts didn't match and were fitted poorly. And now with the CAS guys, there are a lot of shortened barrels.

They are a great buy if you know what to look for, or aren't real fussy with some imperfections.

 

[New_geezer]

Another plug for the Stevens 311, but keep an eye out too for the Savage Fox-B. They are basically the same gun with the Savage Fox being a little more fancy - it has a case hardened receiver, some simple engraving, a checkered stock and forearm. They are both good guns. I got my Savage Fox with 2 triggers in 20 ga for $325. Not bad for Southern California.

 

[jamz]

If you are still looking at stoeggers, they make lots of SxS in regular length barrels, not just coach guns.

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/uplander.tpl

I bought one last week, it's a great gun. While no one could easily outdo me in ignorance of shotgunnery, my thoughts are that it's inexpensive, shoots where you point it, and goes band when you want it to.

-James

 

[Smoke]

Another 311 recommendation... Used; not new.

Search for my comments on Stoeger's Uplander. I wasn't happy.

..thoughts are that it's inexpensive, shoots where you point it, and goes band when you want it to.

I'll agree on all points except: "Shoots where you point it." My experience was otherwise.

Smoke

 

[kentucky_smith]

Okay, after looking at several gunstores over several days. Had my mind made up. Was going to buy one of them Spartans in 12ga, sxs. Highly recommended.

Today I saw a badly scratched and abused 311 for $489 at a local gunstore. Just set it back down. Probably won't deal with that gunstore for the foreseeable future.


Drive down to Dick's sporting goods and look at some Condors. Still not convinced about these. They only had the Spartans in o/u. Don't feel right.

Go to another gunstore. A wallhanger and nothing else.


Last gunstore. Look at a Baikal that has a good price on it, but don't like the 24" barrels. Move on and there it is.


A pristine condition Stevens 311 12 ga. No scratches. deep blue and varnished stock. Crappy orange color (must be beech) but in great shape. I bet it hasn't had a box of shells shot through it. Locks up tight, auto-safety works. Ribbed barrels with dot halfway down barrels. Fits just right and goes into position perfect. Balances well.

Pricetag $299. Salesman is trying to sell me a CZ woodcock that he doesn't have in stock. I say, "what'll you take for this?"


10 minutes and $250 later (tax and everything out the door), I walk out with a fine looking Stevens 311 series H and a $3 box of shells.

Christmas came early to the SMith household this year.

Sorry, just had to share.

BTW, how do I date this thing. I can't find a circle with a letter and number in it on the bottom. Serial number is E679xxx

 

[Rupestris]

Congrats KS, and I mean it. That's a sweet shooter at a stelar price.

I stoped by the local shop here today looking for a Stevens 311 in 20ga. The folks behind the counter told me the only used SG's they had were some 870's and all were over $250 (no thanks). The woman behind the counter handed me a new Weatherby 20ga SXS with a straight grip. I promptly fell in love with it.

At $2600 I had to pass. I'll keep looking for my 311 in 20ga.

Merry Christmas!

Chris

 

[mr.trooper]

This should be in your price range.

L.C. SMITH LC12-DB

 

[Jackson1221]

OK, well I don't know if you have actually handeled one of the new LCs, but I'm not sure they are up to snuff yet. Single trigger, non-selective triggerts, and the receiver was a little funny feeling when I held one. The wood however was excellent. there are better used guns, or cheaper made Turkish guns.

 

[Gary A]

Noticed on Stoeger's website that their sxs's are only in the coach guns. Don't like the look and feel of the Rem/Spartan line.
thanks

Are you sure you looked closely at that website? I was just there and they still show the "Uplander" SxS with longer barrels. I looked quickly but they used to offer the Uplander in several configurations: 26 or 28, fixed or interchangeable chokes, single or double trigger. I used to have a Stoeger Coach Gun and if the Uplander is anything the same, I wouldn't mind one at all.

 

[halvey]

BTW, how do I date this thing. I can't find a circle with a letter and number in it on the bottom. Serial number is E679xxx

The date codes on the 311's were only for the 1970 and prior guns. Based on my 311's and the ones I've owned over the years, beech stock with varnish, series H etc...that gun is a 1980's gun.

 

[New_geezer]

it's inexpensive, shoots where you point it, and goes band when you want it to.

That's cool, saves you having to lug around a radio to listen to when you're done hunting


Congratulation KSmith, sounds like you got a nice gun at a good price. These Stevens and Savages are real keepers and excellent values. I drooled for one of these when I was a kid, but Dad said I had to save my lawn mowing money. Now I get to feel like I'm 13 again every time I shoot it.

 

[kentucky_smith]

Thanks guys. You all talked me in on it. So if it doesn't work out, it's your fault.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Good shotgun, good price. Go shoot it and try and get the grin off your face....