O/U or SIde by Side

[Axel Larson]

I am looking into getting a O/U or a Side by Side for clays, bird hunting and small to medium game like racoons, coyotes, bear etc. I was originally looking at some Stoeger shotguns and would like opinions on those but re-post this because I just came across CZ's Mallard and it is only around 550. I am open to suggestions for either a O/U or Side by Side that I could use for the purposes stated that runs from 400-600. I also would like a shorter barrel than the Mallard which is why I like Stoegers outback even though I would probably not be able to shoot trap with it and it is of less quality but I would really like something in between with like a 24 inch barrel, but I could live with a 26 to 28 inch barrel.

 

[CoRoMo]

I would personally take a CZ double over a Stoeger any day of the week. The Outback is not a target or hunting gun. It's more in the defense market... for some reason.

I've been looking at the Canvasback, but don't know much about it at this point.

 

[1stmarine]

Stoegers are good barrels but the trigger groups is a joke. guaranteed malfunctions after certain nr. of rounds ..2K?
Get a lanber. That is the best value right now.

 

[Tenacious B]

I'm looking for a similar gun, but long barrel for clays.

I'm leaning towards the SxS right now since I think I like the view down the barrels, but haven't shot one.

As for brands, take a look at the Yildiz shotguns that Academy imports from Turkey. The wood and craftmanship on them look first rate, especially for the price. They tend to be lighter than guns like the Stoeger or CZ, which could be a liability or an asset.

The Yildiz SxS .410 is growing on me, but I'm not sure if a .410 is too little for some clay shoots (I know little about shotguns to be honest).

 

[Old Unc']

try a 28 gauge. They pattern just like a 12, just not as many BB's. The 410 can be very difficult after 25 yards...

 

[tactikel]

I could never shoot a Sxs as well as an ou-narrow sight plane seemed to focus my eye much better.
Choose the CZ!! I have a Huglu (CZ) 20ga and it is one of my favorite field guns.

 

[oneounceload]

Short barrels are NOT your friend when using the gun on moving targets, whether clay or real.

SxS guns need cast to fit properly in order to make you more successful with them as their recoil nis not only up, back, but also sideways.

These inexpensive models do not have a great reputation for longevity or proper fit, finish, or barrel regulation.

If your usage will be light, these might serve you fora little while.

If your goal is a heavy use gun, then you really need to double your budget and look at used guns from the likes of Ugartechea and other good Spanish makers...(SxS)

 

[1stmarine]

Look, I shoot around 7K shells every year and put the lanber and a Browning through their paces. I have seen all sort of shotguns failing, specially stoegers, field reserves, yildizs and all those. Not many can take the weekly beating.
That is my advice first hand from a avid enthusiast of Skeet, trap and s.clays.

 

[drsfmd]

Stoegers are good barrels but the trigger groups is a joke. guaranteed malfunctions after certain nr. of rounds ..2K?
Get a lanber. That is the best value right now.

So they are good but they are junk prone to malfunctions? Seems a contradiction to me.

 

[oneounceload]

Like First Marine, I am a sporting clays shooter. I shoot around 12-15,000 a year. My Browning O/U bought new in 1995, is approaching 200,000 through it alone. I have replaced three springs and two firing pins at the 90,000 mark. That's it. The models mentioned won't come close.

Remember, if you hunt a lot and shoot a lot of clays, the cost of the gun will be the least cost for this endeavor, ammo, targets, and fees will far surpass the gun

 

[1stmarine]

So they are good but they are junk prone to malfunctions? Seems a contradiction to me.

No contradictions. I said the barrels are good but the trigger groups including the sears fall apart. In other words you can even have a Ferrari but w/o tires that you are not going anywhere. No confusion about that message.

 

[Liberty1776]

To the OP's question. Virtually nothing will do what you're asking. You'll need slugs for bear and sxs and o/u are really not the platform for slug shooting...

 

[oneounceload]

SxS frames are the basis for double guns that fire dangerous game cartridges like 375, 450, 500, etc........
They can handle slugs

 

[Virginian]

Remember, you can get a very good quality used semi auto for the cost of a lot of cheap two barreled guns. Don't get me wrong, I am a SxS fan, but I would not advise buying a cheap one. I had a Baikal, and I would bet my life on one, but they handle like a 2x4. The Kalashnikov approach I guess. Ugly, but functional to the end.

 

[mp510]

SxS frames are the basis for double guns that fire dangerous game cartridges like 375, 450, 500, etc........
They can handle slugs

There is a difference betrween 'being able to handle them' and being an optimal platform for use...

 

[Jim Watson]

A friend wanted to play Sahib so he loaded his SKB 20 SxS with slugs.
If they landed in the same zip code they were doing well.
He eventually got a .450 BPE to scratch that itch.

Barrel regulation is the challenge for shooting single projectiles and a typical double shotgun hasn't got it. There have been doubles regulated for slugs but they are few and far between. The last I know of was a Connecticut Shotguns RBL. They must not have sold well, they are not in the current catalog. Bernardelli made a slug double, and my 1939 Stoegers offers a Walther shotgun set up for Brennekes.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Very few top competitors in any of the clay games use SxS shotguns any more.

However, some of the world's best wingshooters choose SxS over O/U for real live birds.

Using a SxS on game seems to swap a little precision for a little speed.

Whatever you choose, spend a bit more and get a decent example. Used BSSs and SKB SxS shotguns are nigh your budget and well worth the extra coin.

 

[MCgunner]

Using a SxS on game seems to swap a little precision for a little speed.

The nail has been hit on the head. This is why I've always liked SxSs on game birds, though mine fit my rather SPARTAN pocket book.....pun intended. I love my 20 for doves, though, where I have quick shots at birds appearing over the trees or at a tank or something. I prefer my auto for long, passing shots if they're flying higher, a little smoother swing, but I normally carry the SxS dove hunting.

I have an old Sarasqueta SxS (Spanish) I bought new back in 1971 that shoots slugs like a double rifle. It's amazing seeing as it's choked mod/full. It'll put 'em right in there at a full 100 yards. Those Spanish really seem to know how to regulate a set of barrels. The Russians could learn from them. My Spartan overlaps about 6" at 50 yards with slugs. If you KNOW this, it's still okay at 50, but forget 100. It's a 20 gauge anyway and I didn't buy the thing to shoot slugs, just was fun to play with at the range and they can make neat outdoor combination guns with a slug on tap in one barrel. Just don't get confused and fire the slug at a quail or something. LOL