New Boomstick

[Dave Markowitz]

I sorta had the hankering for a scattergun so I got me a Stoeger Uplander 20 gauge SxS with 3" chambers and 26" barrels. Extractors, no ejectors. Double triggers. Made in Brazil. Plain jane hardwood stock (which needs to be chopped and have a recoil pad added). Has IC and IM (between M and F) choke tubes. $329 + tax at Dick's. Swings pretty nicely and takes down into the barrels, forearm, and butt/receiver with the press of a lever. It's a bit stiff but I expect it to loosen up.

Even with the 26" tubes it's not too long. I might make it my primary HD gun if it patterns buckshot OK.

I mostly shoot rifles and pistols, but I've had a few shotguns over the years, e.g., a Winchester Defender 20 bore, a couple H&R Toppers in 20 and 12, and a Pedersoli percussion double 12. I had to sell the Pedersoli while short of cash about 10 years ago and it's one gun I've missed. I like side by sides and shot the Pedersoli better than my other shotguns. The Stoeger reminds me a bit of the Pedersoli, except for loading from the other end.

Along with the gun I got a 100 round value pack of Remington #8s and a 20 gauge Hoppe's Bore Snake.

Got her home and cleaned up. It came coated with brown preservative which cleaned up with some Ballistol, patches, and the range rod I use with my .69 caliber M1717 French musket.

I hope to get it out next weekend.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Enjoy. If you get down to MD any, bring it along. We'll break in in with some Chinese trap and Wobble flurries...

 

[sm]

Congrats!

Dave,

I double dog dare you to shoot the same gun in 28 gauge.

Get a Pachmayr Decelertor recoil pad and you are set.

IF you get into close flushing birds, find a Skeet Choke to compliment IC or Mod choke, or "stack shells".

HD : sure thing! Proven record of doing so, and at least one Known Defensive Shotgun trainer uses a SxS for serious use himself.


Enjoy!

Steve

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Dave, thanks for the offer. We may have to do that sometime. I could do with sponging up some shotgun knowledge.

Steve, I just knew you'd pipe in with a plug for 28 ga.

What is a "stack shell?"

 

[Durby]

I ordered a Stoeger from my sporting goods store, and it never came. They can't seem to get the one I want, and it has been on order for about a year. I really wanted one of those guns, they work and they're affordable. I joined a Stoeger message board, they said the guns come a little tight and will loosen up nicely after a hundred rounds or so.