Stoeger Uplander?

[BullRunBear]

Hi,
I'm in the market for a modern 12 ga. shotgun to use for home defense and casual competition and small game hunting. My only shotgun for years has been an old CVA SxS muzzleloader. I was looking at Remington 870s where I could get different barrels as needed. Then I saw the Stoeger Uplander and it caught my eye. I've always enjoyed using SxS shotguns and shoot them well (for me that is).

Any thoughts on the Uplander, good or bad? I'm really out of my element here. Also, does the Uplander allow using 20 ga. barrels on the same stock?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Robert]

Jeff,
I have sold a few Uplanders this year at work. They are a decent enough shot gun but for what you are looking to do I would not consider a SxS. I love SxS, I want a 10ga with hammers... but that is another story. For home defense or hunting/ comp I would want at least a pump. My Mossberg 590 holds 8+1, not legal for hunting but I don't have to reload much if I am shooting. The 870 is a fine choice as is the 500, but if you have the money I would look into an auto loader. And to my knowledge the Uplander barrels do not switch out, but I could be wrong. Hope that helps a little... clear as mud? Any thing else feel free to shoot me a pm.

 

[Gary A]

Stoeger does make a couple of combination models, one of which comes with two barrel sets, one in 12 gauge and one in 20 gauge.

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_uplander.php

Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Item No. 31207 28”/28” A-Grade Single 12/20 Screw-in 44”/44” 7.5 lbs. $649

Actual retail price should be somewhat less than that.

I'm sure you'll get plenty of comments and if you search various forums, especially the forums at www.shotgunworld.com, you'll get a lot of information to make up your mind on what you want to buy.

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/index.php?c=8

Good luck. I'm sure you'll end up with both a pump and a SxS before you're done.

 

[rbernie]

I have a Stoeger Uplander in 12ga. It's a decent shotgun for the money. It had some rough machine work issues - I needed to clean the extractor channel in the monoblock with a rattail file, and the chambers needed polishing - but it runs OK.

I would not choose it for serious work. For less money, you can get a NIB Remington 870 that will be far more versatile, likely far more reliable, and certainly better supported within the industry insofar as parts, accessories, and sources of repair are concerned.

 

[Virginian]

I will chime in and say I have an Uplander 20 gauge with the fixed chokes and double triggers, and I think it has been better than I expected for the money. I bought it for cowboy stuff, and carried it around the farm getting familiar, and it pointed quite well and never missed a beat for me.

 

[Milkmaster]

Here is a thread on the Uplander experience I had a while back.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=244411

 

[BullRunBear]

Guys,
Thanks for all the feedback. Gary A, the link was very helpful. I will keep my eyes open for a good used 870 with the various chokes or maybe there will be a good price as Christmas approaches. The Uplander seems to be too much of a crap shoot. My mechanical/gunsmithing talents are limited so I need reliability out of the box.
This will probably be my last shotgun purchase as shotgunning is a minor part of my shooting time. Also, retirement is not far away and money is a factor, so something reliable, like an 870 or the equivalent Mossberg, should meet my needs. I'm in no big hurry, so I can enjoy shopping and looking around for the right deal.
This forum and the folks on it is great!
Jeff

 

[Gary A]

You're welcome. Glad it helped.