CZ pump shotgun experiences?

[19-3Ben]

Hey All,

I recently saw a CZ 612 HC-P in the gun shop. Priced around $300 give or take a little, and was a nicely set up "tactical" pump gun.

I just put in searches using the combos I could think of to look up reviews about the gun here on THR and came up empty. Either my forum-foo is off tonight, or nobody has yet discussed this.

So any experiences or opinions

 

[ugaarguy]

The 612 HC-P is Turkish pump that CZ-USA is marketing. It's probably a fine gun. However, if CZ switches manufacturers, has a contract dispute, etc; then parts and support availability will be severely hampered. Alternately, you can get a base model US Made Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 in the same general price range. Both of those are well established models, from well established companies. Parts are readily available. Both companies have extensive networks of civilian and LE armorers certified on those shotguns. If it was my money I'd grab an 870 Express HD from my local big box store for $320.

 

[19-3Ben]

No Argument there. The Mossberg and Remington are my #1 and #2 go-to shotguns for a reason.

I was just curious about the CZ. I went back today and checked out another one. They are $320, and for that, you get the pistol grip/shoulder stock, really nice fiber optic ghost ring, 1913 rail on receiver, and a very nicely balanced well finished 12ga. **

The only other competition in that same price range for a "tactical" model was the Stoeger which doesn't have the rail, or ghost ring/FO sights, and felt much "clunkier" and heavier. It definitely did not fly to the shoulder as well as the CZ, for me.

But this is all I could tell from fondling them in the gun shop. I didn't get to actually run the thing. I was interested to know if anyone has actually shot one and and what reliability is like.

I'm pretty full up on shotguns at the moment, so I'm not even in the market. I just like knowing what's out there. It's no 1980 Wingmaster, but if the function matches what I can see and feel superficially, this is a LOT of bang for the buck.

**Edit to add- The barrel is also threaded for chokes. Comes with a cylinder choke. A nice feature, although not one I'd consider a "must have." Still, something you don't see on shotguns in this price range.

 

[19-3Ben]

Rather than editing again, I wanted to directly address ugaarguy's point that a Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 in the same price range have distinct advantages over the CZ in terms of support, and establish track record.

This is absolutely 100% true, and of course something that would have to weigh into a purchase decision. there is a reason those models sit in my safe at the moment, and several other shotguns, the CZ included, do not.

I will say though, that Mossberg and Remington do not put out anything that is really comparable in that price range. As uaarguy said, they are the "base models." The guns in the $320 range all have standard stocks, plain bead sights, cylinder bore, etc…

To get all the features that the CZ has, you're probably looking at something like Remington's express tactical which runs the better part of $600.

Someone can question whether a purchaser needs all those bells and whistles all day long, but it doesn't change the fact that CZ offers them in a package at a lower price point than the more established brands.

Me? I'm sticking with my bone stock 1981 Mossberg 500ATP for now. But the CZ is mighty tempting based on my admittedly VERY superficial check through. Again, if someone has real world experience, I'd love to hear it.

 

[Virginian]

I would advise anyone planning to get one to be sure it has anything they might ever want already on it. Aftermarket is just about non existent.