[Guy from Iceland]

Anything Baikal

 

[dunmyermowingllc]

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

 

[StinkeyPete]

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.

 

[Birdchaser28]

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.

 

[Jaspo01]

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

 

[dunmyermowingllc]

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.

 

[marshfield]

I'll second the Nitro Special.

I'll third the Nitro Special.

 

[Bamaskeetshooter]

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.

 

[Shotar1]

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

Walk around in the woods or field a couple days after turning 50, and they become a lot more interesting. After 60 and .410 becomes pretty attractive.

 

[kolditzt]

Right now all my shooting and hunting is done with pumps.
Not that I have the chance to do much of either between work, kids ect.
My 500 is my go to, it patterns decent with shot and slugs.
I used to have an o/u (stoeger condor) but passed it down to a younger family member that is really into shooting right now.
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.

New or used makes no difference. I shoot so little at the present that it would take me 5 lifetimes to wear out a well built gun

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)

 

[noweil]

Right now all my shooting and hunting is done with pumps.
Not that I have the chance to do much of either between work, kids ect.
My 500 is my go to, it patterns decent with shot and slugs.
I used to have an o/u (stoeger condor) but passed it down to a younger family member that is really into shooting right now.
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.

New or used makes no difference. I shoot so little at the present that it would take me 5 lifetimes to wear out a well built gun

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.

 

[goldwing]

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

 

[dunmyermowingllc]

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

 

[Ernest T]

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.

 

[Ranger Z]

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.

 

[DE]

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.

 

[jmacgreg]

If I was looking for a sxs in the sub $1000 range, I would look at used guns, a Miroku, Charles Daly, Ithaca or possibly an SKB. There are many available on the various selling sites. Be aware that most will have fixed chokes and with the SKB's a single trigger and a beavertail fore end, if that's your cup of tea. The Daly's are Miroku produced and are rugged, well made guns. Early Ithacas were built by SKB. Condition is everything, but if you're patient you can find a bargain that's in good condition. I believe these guns are better than anything you can buy new for the price point you've set.

 

[dunmyermowingllc]

If I was looking for a sxs in the sub $1000 range, I would look at used guns, a Miroku, Charles Daly, Ithaca or possibly an SKB. There are many available on the various selling sites. Be aware that most will have fixed chokes and with the SKB's a single trigger and a beavertail fore end, if that's your cup of tea. The Daly's are Miroku produced and are rugged, well made guns. Early Ithacas were built by SKB. Condition is everything, but if you're patient you can find a bargain that's in good condition. I believe these guns are better than anything you can buy new for the price point you've set.

Yes I'm patient on this. I'm in the research phase of this still.
Everyone has been very helpful.
I have a few different hobbies and not a crazy amount of play money. So I gottta save up and research.

 

[Stormking57]

Find a good LC Smith and you'll be happy forever.

 

[DHearne]

I grew up with a Winchester Model 24 in 16 ga. Very lightweight and handles well. They made these in the 1950's. My 90 yr old Dad still has it. I bought one about 10 years ago in 12 ga. You can still find them on Gunbroker for far less than $1000 in good condition. I think I paid $450 for the 12 ga.