A Fox BSE is about as dependable as it gets, it's not pretty but it is a workhorse and can shoot modern ammo without any concerns.
You can usually pickup a 12 gauge around $500, 20s are a little more.

 

the 311 stevens and the FoxBSE are the same gun , I recently sold my SxS 20 for 700

 

CZ Bobwhite G2. New ones can be had for under a $1000. I have two of them. Well made considering the price. If you want an older American made SxS, Lefever Nitro Special or Stevens 311 can be had in good used condition for well under $1000.

 

I'll second the Nitro Special.

 

Tristar Bristol.

 

New, the Turkish guns like the CZ, Tristar, Yildiz, Weatherby, etc are serviceable. Most will have changeable chokes and the ability to shoot all modern ammo. They aren't what most would call a high quality double, but for $1000, they work just fine. Stay away from Stoegers, and the $500 and less off brand guns.

For a cheap option I'd look for an older Stevens 311 or Fox B. It'll be similar quality for less than what one of the Turks will cost. It will have fixed chokes and you can't shoot steel shot, but for squirrels and clays it's not an issue.

Another option, if you can extend your budget a little, is the Browning BSS. Prices have gotten high on them, but you can occcasionaly still find 12 gauges around $1300 or so. The main complaint is they are heavy built American style guns, not slim and trim Euro guns. But for the money, they are one of the best values in a double IMO.

 

Another vote for CZ. I have the Teal O/U (Cabelas exclusive model of the Redhead Premier) and have been very happy with it for under $1000. It had sear issues when I first bought it used, but CZ fixed it for free and I have 3500 rounds through it since then without a single issue.

 

A person can find a number of used good quality English and European guns at the $1000 mark. Try Vintage Doubles or Guns International.

 

dunmyermewing,

If you want a modern dependable SXS purchase a CZ intermediate 20 gauge double gun, it is the most dependable of all the modern Turkish made guns, with real good breech work fit up, real good trigger pull and they weigh about 6.5lbs. Regulated correctly for bird gunning, the Turkish Walnut wood is decent but plain all the screw in chokes work correctly with easy smooth screw in threads. The gun shoots well, I own and keep one myself, I use it for rainy days and gun dog training.

If you want the ultimate US made SXS double gun for minimal money purchase a pre 1913 L.C. Smith 20 gauge or 16 gauge bird gun, you can find one on GI, choose wisley. The Classic L.C. Smith guns usually can be found for about $1,200.

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith/Westley Richards Man

L.C. Smith 00 Grade 20 gauge made in 1910, works perfectly, I own and use it all the time. Great gun for Grouse, Woodcock and Mearns Quail hunting. Shoots Pheasants well also.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
Are parts available for the classics?
I should have specified. I'm only interested in 12ga.
Don't really want to build up a supply of shells in a second gauge

 

It really depends on the gun as to what parts are available. The BSS for instance was never all that popular. It came out in 1971 and only lasted until 1987. Later after production ended, it became popular for cowboy action. Guys scooped them up. Parts are tough to come by. In contrast, the Stevens 311 was always a popular utility grade double. The same basic design was used for almost 100 years. Original parts are plentiful and some are even reproduced. Most of the classic run of the mill grade doubles will fall somewhere in between.

The thing you have to consider too is how long parts will be available for the new ones. Something like a CZ, I wouldn't worry at all. They are still importing and servicing them, and have the backing of a company that is likely to stay in business. A no name gun all too often stops being imported whenever the conglomerate who brought them over folds, and parts become unobtainable.

Stick with the better known brands and more popular models, and you probably won't have an issue new or used.

 

Those old SKB’s have a good reputation.

 

How about a Fox Sterlingworth? I see them fairly frequently at local shops at prices far less than I see online...well under your 1k budget.

 

Drum,

Do not be scared to invest in a 20 gauge SXS double gun, most of the Classics are very reliable and the shells cost is less than your 12 gauge gun most of the time.

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith/Westley Richards Man

 

Drum,

Do not be scared to invest in a 20 gauge SXS double gun, most of the Classics are very reliable and the shells cost is less than your 12 gauge gun most of the time.

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith/Westley Richards Man

I appreciate your expertise, I see a lot of your posts about doubles.
But I'm not interested in 20s or 16s

 

dun,
There are lots of Classic 12 gauge guns to choose from in the $1,000 range, choose carefully!

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith/Westley Richards Man

 

dun,

Carolina Sporting Arms has a real nice 12 gauge L.C. Smith gun for sale on GI right now for $1,200.

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith/Westley Richards Man

 

I suggest that if you are new to doubleguns you may wish to consider handling as many guns as you may find. The feel of these guns can be widely variable with many feeling distinctly different. As to parts for English or European doubles, parts would need to be fabricated. From my experience this has been mostly springs. Chamber length is another matter with many English having a short, 2 1/2 inch, chamber. For your anticipated use an entry level CZ may be best. But, it’s your choice. Enjoy whatever you select. Shoot it a lot.

 

The more I think about it a modern option may be better.
Who knows they may outlaw lead for any small game in the future leaving an older gun useless to me

 

Anything Baikal

 

I think the CZ Bobwhite G2 would fit the bill for you with one warning, you must go the the range the day after you buy it to do some testing.

You have to make sure the barrels both shoot to point of aim.
You have to make sure the chokes sort of do what they are supposed to do, as they can be mis-marked
You should shoot a couple rounds of skeet; if it's going to break, it will probably break inside the first 50 shots.

You should already have checked the trigger pull (so it's not too heavy) before you bought it.

If all of that works out, the 20 gauge is very nice. It'll shoot 3" shells (about12 gauge power), has chokes, shoots steel shot, and has real Turkish walnut from Turkey. Coil springs, and double triggers because tradition. Side by sides should have double triggers, because.

Given you're shooting less than 250 rounds a year, it should last forever, if it survives break-in. If it doesn't, CZ warranty is pretty good, as is their reputation.

As for Baikal, that's a Russian made shotgun. In the USA and most other countries, you simply can not buy a new one or even get spare parts for it. It's a big heavy gun, strong like tractor.

This is why you get the 20 gauge CZ. While heavy for a 20 gauge, just think of it as a light weight 12. With 3" shells you can throw 1.25 ounces of lead, but also easily find 7/8 ounce loads for cheap.

I just sold mine, but enjoyed it very much. Its replacement cost 6 times as much, so...not really fair.

 

Consider gun fit before all else. If the gun doesn't fit at all you won't be able to shoot it and all of the other factors are moot. Many American classic doubles have a huge amount of drop in the stock, much more than most modern guns have. That being said, I have a LC Smith 16 gauge field grade with great stock dimensions for me. I had a Nitro Special that was in spectacular condition but it had so much drop it was not shootable for me. I'd look for something you can pick up and handle before purchasing.

 

What about the Weatherby?
How do they stack up against the Bobwhite?
I am asking because just looking at pictures the wood on the Weatherby looks much better finished.
Not the muddy look of the CZ guns. That is at least one quality indicator.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1122554033

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1128075256

 

I know that fit means a lot.
I also know your always playing the lottery as far as barrel regulation on a double.
I pattern the guns I'm gonna use for hunting every year. I don't shoot them enough to remember from the previous year where they hit exactly. I know my main 500 shoots pretty much to poa at 40y
The stoeger condor I had and passed down was actually perfectly regulated and the upper barrel group slugs incredibly good.
The Russian guns interest me. I like the Russian way of simple and strong. But no parts= no go to me.

 

There are two 12 ga Derby’s on Gunbroker right now, that will go for less than $1,000. They are full sidelock, well made Spanish guns.

 

Love my Stevens 311C 20ga. Have had it for 60 years and it's still perfect. 12, 16, 20, .410 gauges, all 3" $300-500 on Gunbroker.com (they also have .410 for $750)

 

I don't know what a used Browning SXS (BSS) is running now. I remember when they were $500-700 guns but they may be above your price range now. I think they are very well built guns if you can find one used.

In your price range you could get a very reliable and soft shooting semiautomatic shotgun new. Or a great pump gun like a nice used 870 Wingmaster or model 12.

 

I don't know what a used Browning SXS (BSS) is running now. I remember when they were $500-700 guns but they may be above your price range now. I think they are very well built guns if you can find one used.

In your price range you could get a very reliable and soft shooting semiautomatic shotgun new. Or a great pump gun like a nice used 870 Wingmaster or model 12.

I'm happy with my 500s 535 and win1300 for pumps.
Don't really want an auto
O

 

I've been shooting a CZ Sharptail target 30" for several years. It is a good gun for sporting clays events and can handle all the modern shells. It has a very robust locking system and should hold up well over time. I picked mine up for a little over $900 a few years ago. I'm sure they are more expensive now.

 

May I suggest a Parker Brothers? A plain Jane without the engraving and a plain stock can often be had for @ $1,000 or less. You just have to look. Many considered them to be the finest shotguns ever made in the U.S.

 

I have an idea in my head of keeping my pumps for slugs and getting another double for shot. (Mostly squirrel hunting).
I'm kinda leaning towards a sxs.
Is there anything out there worth buying under 1k?
Reliability is #1 for me, I could care less about finish. Besides wanting wood over synthetic.

Get a 28 gauge CZ.