I am starting shotgunning (again). It’s been 30 years since I last fired one.

After trying a friends different types and gauges I decided I want a straight grip 20 gauge side by side.

Of course money, or better lack thereof, is always an issue.

I can get a brand new CZ Bobwhite 20ga Side by Side for under $500

My question is: Am I buying a good gun that is rliable and will last.
I am 77. So it will only need to last 23 years

Thanks much.
Harry

CZ USA has an excellent reputation for customer support, if you do encounter a problem.

I don't have a Bobwhite (wish I'd bought one I had a good chance at) but I do shoot and like my CZ Ringneck. Very good gun.

Less than $500 sounds like a good price.

Kannoncocker and saskbooknut,

Thanks much for your replies. Very helpful.
Harry

It's as good a $500 double gun as you can buy, but you haven't got anything worth a sh!t to pick from.

$500 ?? Where can you buy a Bobwhite for $ 500?? I paid over $700 for mine & thought I got a good price. That was the older model 4 years ago!

Thanks all for your replies. Much appreciated.



I mistyped. It’s $600 at Sportsmans Warehouse in Loveland CO.

They had 2 left. Today I bought one of them.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gea ... /p/p203416

HHH,

I will give you another 20 gauge double gun to look for, now that you have your CZ. If you want a nice 20 gauge that carries and swings well, take a look at GI for a L.C. Smith 00 grade pre 1913 double gun. Time tested quality bird guns that last many life times. Now you will not get one for $600.00 more like $1,000, however they are very high quality side lock double guns. I just purchased another 00, 20 gauge myself from Ken Graft at the Shooting Stars gun shop this last month, with 28" Barrels and DT, that never fails and has nice light trigger pull. Don't get me wrong for the price the CZ is a nice little modern box lock double gun. However the L.C. Smith 00 is a hand fit and finished quality Side Lock double gun. The 20 gauge guns are exceedingly nice bird guns. The 16 gauge guns are fantastic also.

Just something to think about, save your money!

To give you an idea of the quality of these pre 1913 00 20 gauge guns they were made with the exact same quality as the high grade #5 & A2 &3 guns, the only difference is the engraving, up graded wood and the damascened/ highly polished side lock parts, of the higher grade guns. All the engineering and fit and finish of the guns were exactly the same. For the money a high quality 20 gauge side lock double gun, still available for purchase even today. The #5 Grade 20 gauge double gun, if you could find one to bid on would go for between $150,000 - $200,000.
There were only 21 of these #5 L.C. Smith guns ever made. The 20 gauge 00 is made with the exact same high quality engineering.

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith Man

My newly acquired 20 gauge L.C. Smith 00, built in 1910.