Asking for feedback on the FAIR - Rizzini, CZ Ringneck & Tri-Star Bristol SXS.

[whatnickname]

The SXS shotguns are not very popular by comparison to O/U shotguns. I’ve always wanted one in 20 gauge. Only problem is that there are considerably less options to consider than O/U guns. Selections seem to range from lower end guns like Stoeger for under $1000 to the Tri-Star Bristol and the CZ Ringneck in the just over $1000 range. Then there are some guns in the $2000 range like the FAIR - Rizzini on up to the current production Beretta and CSMC guns going from around $5000 on up to OMG. I’m not new to the shooting sports. I understand that you get what you pay for, particularly where guns are concerned. Most of the reviews I’ve read have been positive as respects the CZ and Bristol guns. They certainly look good. I’ve read that the safety on the Bristol is not very positive and easily hit with your thumb and engaged under the recoil after the first shot.

All of the articles I’ve read on the CZ and the Tri-Star stopped short of answering one very important question: How well do the patterns converge on these guns at 20, 30 and 40 yards? Had a Stoeger Coach gun years ago and the answer to that question was a resounding: “Not at All.”

IMO no one makes better double barrel shotguns than the Italians and the Germans. That quality is generally reflected in the prices for those guns. So are the CZ and Tri-Star guns decent field guns at their respective price points or do I just need to suck it up and go for a Beretta or perhaps sell one of my kidneys and buy a CSMC?

 

[rabid wombat]

Sorry, I can not answer your question. In the spirit of spending someone else’s money - have you considered a used Browning SxS? Mine hunts well, but I have never patterned it.

https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/bss-side-by-side-shotgun.html

 

[rust collector]

I once owned a Charles Daly vertical double that was made by FAIR (apparently one branch of the Rizzini family). It was set up for upland game and was well made as far as I could tell. Sold it to buy a Franchi Renaissance that I paid too much for. I suspect there are many other Italian brands that don't get a lot of recognition, but I have seen very nice SKB, Browning BSS and older Parker, LC Smith and AH Fox doubles. They can make a good gun in Turkey, but longevity and support are question marks in my mind.

 

[whatnickname]

Sorry, I can not answer your question. In the spirit of spending someone else’s money - have you considered a used Browning SxS? Mine hunts well, but I have never patterned it.

https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/bss-side-by-side-shotgun.html

I would love to get my hands on a Browning SXS. Unfortunately, most are choked full and modified... much too tight for upland birds like quail. A few are choked improved cylinder and modified... still choked too tight for quail IMO.

 

[entropy]

Tri-Star and CZ shotguns are both Turkish. That said, Huglu makes CZ's shotguns to a better standard than Tri-Star. CZ does not want their name besmirched like Turkey has done to Winchester.
FAIR are decent guns for the money also.
It all boils down to your intended level of usage and desired features. If you want a gun you'll be pulling out once a year in October for hunting, any of them should suffice. If you plan on a few rounds of clays on top of that, the CZ or FAIR will last longer. If you plan on dove hunting (SxS not the best action for that), or lots of sporting clay and hunting also, the Beretta would be your best choice, followed by the CZ, then the FAIR. (Service should be easier with CZ.)

 

[rabid wombat]

I would love to get my hands on a Browning SXS. Unfortunately, most are choked full and modified... much too tight for upland birds like quail. A few are choked improved cylinder and modified... still choked too tight for quail IMO.

Buy the Browning (or any other preferred brand) and get the chokes modified….

http://felandgunsmith.com/full-price-list

 

[Pete D.]

“IMO no one makes better double barrel shotguns than the Italians and the Germans.”
Hmmm. I am willing to bet that the folks at Purdy, Boss, Holland and Holland, Rigby, Dickson, Westley Richards might disagree with that assessment.

 

[jgh4445]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. I've about narrowed it down to the CZ Sharptail. Of course, there are CZ Bob Whites out there for under a grand also. A friend bout a Yildez .410 at Academy and he likes it a lot.