US made SXS?

[coosbaycreep]

Is there any affordable SxS shotguns made in the US anymore? While it's low on my list at the moment, I want to eventually get one, and although I like the looks and feel of some of the stoegers and baikals I've handled, Brazil and Russian made shotguns just don't do it for me when I think of something like a SXS. I see old American guns for reasonable prices all the time, but I'd be worried about how safe they are after reading about how often people blow them up (presumably from shooting smokeless powder in damascus?), and most of those are only 2 3/4" chambers anyway. I'd prefer a 3" chamber, and I'd rather have a new gun anyway.

The only sxs I've seen that MIGHT be American made, and doesn't cost a small fortune is the mossberg. I don't remember the name for sure, but it seems like it's silver reserve international series or something. Does anyone know where these are made? Since it's called "international" it makes me wonder if maybe they don't import their double barrels like remington does.

The mossbergs seem to be $600-$700 too, which is hardly cheap, but that's a lot cheaper than other American brands I've looked at.

Out of the older US shotguns, is there any makes/models that are chambered for 3" and generally safe for shooting modern ammo?

 

[MCgunner]

I believe the Mossberg is Turkish. You will find nothing American for what a working man could afford. Just get a Baikal, one tough gun and a great shooter. Anything American is going to be 5 figures. Ruger tried building and selling 'em in the $3,000 price range and failed.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Here's a thread from a week back or so you'd be interested in:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=445924

 

[fireman 9731]

Remington made a few side by sides, I don't know if they still do or not because they aren't in their online catalog anymore, but here is a link to them. Country of origin isn't mentioned...

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

 

[Virginian]

Get a used Stevens 311 or a Fox B Series and have at it. They are not Parkers, but they are solid good functioning guns. I believe they are the last non-multi-thousand dollar current value American made side by sides out there that you are likely to find in very good condition. The ones with 3" chambers will take 3" shells fine, and they are about 50 years at least after the Damascus era. Where in the world did you get the idea Damascus is common? They are not just old, they are like over a century old now.

 

[MortalWombat]

Remington made a few side by sides, I don't know if they still do or not because they aren't in their online catalog anymore, but here is a link to them. Country of origin isn't mentioned...

http://www.remington.com/products/fi...de-by-side.asp

They're made in Russia by Baikal.

 

[MCgunner]

The problem with the old Stevens/Savage 310 and other old guns is the reason I retired my old Spanish built Sarasqueta (bought new in 1971). They tend to have rather tight chokes and they are not compatible with steel shot. As most of my shotgunning is for waterfowl or dove, steel shot compatibility is a must for waterfowl since 1980 and I prefer more open chokes, I/C-Mod seems great in my Spartan, for doves. The old 12 gauge Sarasqueta (choked mod/full 28" barrels) can still down doves, but the Spartan seems the better tool for the job with its screw in choke system and more open chokes installed. If having American is more important to you than practical use or if you can find a 310 with properly choked barrels for the job you have in mind, this would not apply. Steel is just a requirement for what I hunt the most. I recently saw a 310 on a rack at a gun shop for 400 bucks. My Spartan set me back 299 and, frankly, I think it's a better shotgun for several reasons. But, be my guest if you just have to have one built in America.

 

[oneounceload]

IIRC, the only currently made SxS is CSMC's RBL line, which at 2800-3800 may not be cheap compared to a 870, when compared to other well-made SxS, they are considered a very good price.

You might look for a nicely used Parker, LeFevere, Fox or Smith and have the chokes opened up to what you need

 

[earlthegoat2]

Dakota Arms makes or has someone else make a SxS shotgun that run about the same price as the CSMC.

Then they have some higher end ones that go around 15K and up

 

[saltydog452]

A Lefever?... LC Smith?

Ooops. Previously mentioned.

Please disregard.

One of these days, I am going to learn how to read AND pay attention.

salty