Looking for opinions on a first shotgun...Somewhat of a SxS thread

[packarat]

First I apologize as I know this topic has been posted more than at least once. I searched and browsed through all of the relevent posts and still could not find my answer. Here is my dilema.

I want a SxS coach gun. Why, two reasons. First my love of the old west, what worked, works. Second is the short platform that is easily manuverable for both HD and the trail. When bringing up my thoughts with my uncle he shirked and advised I would be better off with a pump such as the Rem 870.

I decided to research, mainly on this forum, and found too many conflicting arguments against and for the SxS and pump. I would like to submit my own reasons for a shotgun, which may or may not be new, and see what other opinions there are out there.

My first want is for the SxS, however the Stoeger Condor looked really nice in stainless. Unfortunately my local shop does not have any to do a comparison. So I am gung-ho for th SxS.

Reading posts off of this forum and with my uncle's opinion I am now double thinking what I want. Uncle wants to take me hunting upland for partridge this fall. From what I'm reading a SxS would be the right gun for both upland hunting and HD. Am I wrong?

I want an ease of use, simplistic, reliable, and robust shotgun. I would like to use this for not only HD but for an occasional hunt of upland birds. Shooting slugs would be nice for both target shooting and the random terrorist/zombie that shows up in the suburbs.

I really want a SxS, opinions are having me doubt myself.

 

[DKA]

I have an 870 for HD, but both would work and both would work for Upland Hunting. My motto is, it's my money, am getting what I prefer.

 

[Virginian]

Find a good new or used Stoeger Uplander in 20 gauge with 26" barrels. It will do everything you want to do. You don't need ejectors, or phoney exterior hammers that are for looks only and do not even hit the firing pins, or a quirky single trigger. I bought an Uplander for Cowboy shooting, and while far from a Holland and Holland, I found it sturdy and relaible. If you can find one in good shape for less than a used car, a Stevens 311 is another nice gun for your needs.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I want an ease of use, simplistic, reliable, and robust shotgun.

You definitely need a Stevens Model 311/Savage Fox B model, or a Western Arms Long Range. No need for ejectors or SSTs if simplicity is your concern. Go with double triggers and extractors. The Stoeger Uplander that Virginian suggested is not a bad choice either. They have a single trigger and have a proven robust design. They tend to swing like cinder blocks though.

I would say find a good 20 gauge for the uplands since the 20 will do fine for double duty as a defense gun too. Unfortunately 20 gauges on the used market command a premium.

 

[packarat]

I sent and received back a PM from SM whose opinion I value very much. Steve pretty much sold me on a SxS by sharing how this gun is used in a hunt. There were no words on why this is better than that which can get a bit old. Just in case you decide to look this way again, Thank You Steve!

He also referred me to Lee Lapin for a book, Bob Brister's classic Shotgunning: The Art And The Science. Looking at new posts I see that Lee has already provided some links, thank you sir.

In the next couple of days I will be at my local shop doing some comparison shopping on a few SxS in stock.

Thanks to all that replied to my post. I appreciate all of the advice that I can get.

 

[MCgunner]

Baikal. Mine's a Remington Spartan, but they're back to Baikal, now, I understand. The really neat thing about the Baikal is they have interchangeable choke tubes, come with 4, cylinder, IC, mod, and full. You mentioned a trail gun. You can HUNT with this baby. Mine is a 20 gauge, 20" barrels, and brings down doves at 35 yards with the modified choke. The full choke is almost too much choke. I've found for bird hunting, IC/Mod is about perfect. If collection of food in a survival situation is a thought, pays to have chokes. The thing is pretty accurate with slugs at 50 yards, too. Makes a great combination gun on the trail in bear country or as I use mine, when walking around on my place where I might see a rabbit or a hog.

Many of the coach guns are plain open cylinder bore. I wanted mine for hunting and the chokes are what attracted me to it, much more versatile gun at any rate with chokes. Besides that, it ain't real pretty, but there are few side by sides built as rugged as the Baikals. Double triggers, extractors, 299 plus state sales tax.

Big pic. If you prefer exposed hammers, they have a version with functional exposed hammers, too.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=92812&d=1234752687

 

[MCgunner]

Still on Remington's site. I have heard they were going to drop the Baikals, though.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/SPR_models/SPR220_side-by-side.asp

 

[35Rem]

What MCgunner said. You want interchangable chokes for versatility. The short barrels won't bother you too much, and they will sure be handy afield. I'm pretty sure that the Stoeger has a choke tube model available, but IC and Mod chokes will be pretty good anyway.
If you want to shot slugs, you definately need to pattern it to see where they hit. It's a crap shoot whether the barrels will be regulated for single ball oads or not and how far away they will hit to the same point.
Double triggers for sure. It's not that hard to figure out and they are more reliable, in my opinion.

 

[packarat]

So today I purcahsed a Stoeger .20 GA coachgun supreme in polished nickel.

I believe I got the right gun for me regardless of what I am going to use it for. Just felt right as soon as I picked it up. Looked at a few others but went right back to the nickel .20 gauge. This took all of 10 minutes and I just said I'll take this one.

The clouds parted and angels sang. Well ok...the dude with the Harley shirt and tatoos of flames on his forearms said good choice. To me at that point in time he looked and acted like an angel. Anyway I got what I wanted.

I did however do a trade in with a Taurus PT 24/7 Pro .45. This gun felt so right when I bought it, yet being plastic and a .45 I had difficulty keeping it under control. I have moved to an all steel family of firearms and the Stoeger will be a welcome addition.

Thanks again to all of you that took the time to lay out some opinions...