Who enjoys a side by side?

[runway1]

What model do you shoot and what are they used for these days? Any good for clay shooting?

I just love their look and was considering picking up a lower end model (<$600) so inputs would be appreciated! What's the best SXS for about $600 or less?

[robcoe]

I own one, an old winchester 10ga coach gun, no idea on the exact model since it's way older than I am(I think it's from the 50s).

Cant really speak for the longer barrel side by side shotguns, but in a coach gun CZ makes a very nice one, if you can find it used or on a good sale it should be under $600, I expect their other SXS shotguns are equally nice..

[Thefeeder]

&gt;&lt;

Sure you can use it for clays

Keep in mind that most clay ranges have a minimum barrel length.

Look for some thing with removable choke and 26" or longer barrels, 28+ are even better. A SxS has a very short reciever and even sxs with 30" barrels will have the same overall length of a pump with 24" barrels or there abouts.

In your price range I would look for a used CZ. Under 600 is a bit low and not much to choose from.

Myself, the only SxS that makes it to the field these days is my Browning BSS.

I would recommend at least shouldering any gun your thinking of buy and if possible shoot some clays with it.

Remember fit is key in a field shotgun

[redrex]

CZ also makes a good full size SxS, the BobWhite. New it's around $650 but you might be able to get one used for under $500

I have their O/U Redhead and I'm very happy with it. Of course I just got it soooooo that goes without saying sort of.

[bjl333]

Yeap, you can shoot clays with a SxS. I shoot a CZ410 and 20ga. The SxSs are a little hard to get use to in the beginning. The width of the barrels will throw you off. They are fun though!!

[runway1]

Good suggestions. Wow, that BSS is expensive. I'll struggle to stay away. Thanks all.

[runway1]

Do all the CZs have double triggers?

[Super Spy]

I have a C&R Husqvarna model 50 that I enjoy shooting clays with. It's an old gun not rated for MAX loads but it's fine with lighter loads. I had it reamed for 2 3/4 shells after checking that it was safe, and it's fine as long as I stay to 2 3/4 dram and 1 oz max loads. It's nice and light and points well. I only use this for Cowboy Action Shooting and Clays so low powered loads aren't an issue. I'm not great at Clays but I do shoot my old SxS better than my 11-87. Obviously it has fixed chokes due to the vintage of the gun.

[POWG]

Absolutely you can shoot a SxS at clays!

Please understand ...one is not necessarily handicapped in any game by the "style" of the gun. Instead, a perceived "handicap" with most any gun is more reasonably attributed to a lack of familiarity with the gun, than the gun itself.

POWG will however acknowledge that a SxS equipped with "excessively short barrels" can prove challenging in maintaining "pace & line with the target". The threshold for short is 28" and I have but one, being my 16 gauge Winchester Model 21 - with which I will never part.

Most everyone will find the "dynamics" of a SxS to be quite different from that of an O/U, Auto or Pump. Even lower price point SxS's have a certain "racey" quality about them and tend to handle/point quickly; similar to driving a Ferrari or dating a super-model!

It is also a reality that "back in the day" the purpose of a SxS was to shoot "flushing" game and therefore they were designed to shoot a bit bit high. Another design reality is that they "torque" differently during recoil, which is in part the reason front trigger fires the right barrel, traditionally a more open choke and the back trigger fires the left, tighter choked barrel. Nothing here however to be viewed as a "handicap", rather simply a great reason to engage in some consistent, quality practice.

POWG will be accompanied by his favorite SxS at the Shotgun Clinics to be conducted on July 10 & August 13th ...and is out.

[bjl333]

Do all the CZs have double triggers?

Some single, some double.

[redrex]

Do all the CZs have double triggers?

No, but the ones with single triggers are out of the given price range.

If you want to consider an O/U you can get a CZ Canvasback for Under $600 and a Mallard w/double triggers for under $500

[runway1]

No, but the ones with single triggers are out of the given price range.

If you want to consider an O/U you can get a CZ Canvasback for Under $600 and a Mallard w/double triggers for under $500

I have a pricey O/U (Beretta Silver Pigeon) that I just love. This would be a nostalgic type gun that I would shoot for the simple grin factor. I'll use my SP when I'm more serious

I found some CZ Ringnecks in the $600 range - maybe a little more.

[advocatusdiaboli]

Sure, sometimes I hold my O/U's sideways just so I can obscure my sight picture as I swing for nostalgia's sake—there is a reason most competitors use O/Us and not SxS. Seriously though, I think most of us would shoot just as well and there are very cool in a nostalgic sort of way thanks to Hollywood and traditional. I don't think any European bird hunter ever starved because he had a SxS. i'd get one but the CFO (Chief Family Officer) has said no more shotguns for a while.

[NDFMF]

Stoeger Industries has a good selection of affordable SXS shotguns. My brother has one of their coach guns and they are absolutely a riot to shoot.

Coach Guns:

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

Bird/Trap Guns:

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

Even Home Defense!!:

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

I believe all of those are under $600, and they seem to be very well made. Plenty of finish options too if you care what they look like.

[Lagduf]

I have a LeFever Nitro Special 12 Gauge SxS shotgun with 30" barrels.

It's quite old and I don't shoot it anymore. I'll have to pull it out and check the serial number on it as I believe I can determine the date of manufacture from that.

I like my 870 but man is the receiver looooong. Wouldn't mind an O/U for clays.