Tier 1 SxS Shotguns

[Jonathon_Spaf]

So I've never done bird hunting before so maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself, but in the event that I really enjoy it next weekend and want to do it more than once, I think it likely that I'll want to get a shotgun I am proud to take afield. There seems to be something wrong with engaging in a traditional British sport with a black plastic mossberg 500.

The last few weeks I have been drooling over Merkel and Aya SxS's. Ugartechea and a couple other European manufactures make some fine looking guns. I can't afford a $5-20k stick, but it looks like used ones can be had in the $2k range, which is probably the max I am willing to spend. I want a really robust firearm, but one that has lots of class and a good English look to it. Any recommendations on make and model??

[John Chambers]

Spanish guns can be a great value, just look them over carefully. I'd also look for a Browning with the English grip, and SKB/Ithacas can be found in good shape for a song. At the same time, don't ignore the CZ guns, the higher end models are very well made with oftentimes spectacular wood.

[45Smashemflat]

+1 for Merkel. I have a 20, and it locks up like a bank vault, and it's gorgeous.

[Jonathon_Spaf]

At the same time, don't ignore the CZ guns, the higher end models are very well made with oftentimes spectacular wood.

I love the look of some of the CZs; the SxS that I liked the look of was made in Turkey (not sure if that is bad or not) and had mixed reviews on accuracy. Any personal experiences to share on this?

[Jonathon_Spaf]

+1 for Merkel. I have a 20, and it locks up like a bank vault, and it's gorgeous.

Yeah they look stunning... never held one, but there is a local gunshop that carries them. Now if I could just find one in the 2k-ish range.

Did you buy yours new and how much did it set you back, if you don't mind me asking?

[45Smashemflat]

I did buy mine new, here in Ga, but several years ago. I paid $3500.

It's nothing but reliable, and while I am a suck wing shot, it gives me great pleasure to take it in the woods or skeet field. It's really is superbly made. All the screw heads line up, things like that. I mean, how meticulous is that!!

[flyfisher]

Any number of quality sxs shotguns out there as other people have mentioned. Don't over look the O/U as a quality bird gun. There are many quality O/U within you price range. I also find it easier to shoot O/U with their single sighting plane. There is a reason no one shoots a sxs in Olympic skeet or trap.

aslo budget some money to have the stock fitted to you. It makes a huge difference.

[Forklift]

I love wing shooting with a SXS's, I basically stole them some years back. I was looking for a 20 ga SXS for my son's birthday and while in the local shop they said hey, I'll make you a deal if you buy this pair. They said it was a 20 & 16 ga pair, turned out to be a 20 & 12 ga pair. They're in great condition so I went to an old gent that runs a shop in a nearby town (Parkville, MO) and inquired to him about my acquisition, he just looked me right in the eye and said " you did not give that for that gun!" after attempting to convince him, he got out The Blue Book of Gun values and then tapped the pic of mine in 12 ga, it was listed at $1200 in fair condition, not to mention the 20...so I was quite the happy camper! Those deals don't come around often, at least not to me!

[never quit]

I shoot a Berretta Silver Hawk and love it. 12 ga.

[H60DoorGunner]

Most of the old American doubles are of better quality than anything you'll buy today. Iver Johnson, Fox, Ithaca, L.C. Smith etc... Look for them at gun shows and pawn shops. Typically, many sellers don't know what they have. So you might pay $800 or less for a $3500 gun.

The thing with double guns, is that the actions need to be hand made for them to work properly. The British, Spanish, and Czechs make good guns. But nobody does it better now, than Americans use to. Look for an old American double. You won't be disappointed.

EDIT: Some will tell you that an O/U is just as good as a SXS. This just isn't the case. While the quality may be there, O/U shotguns are trap and skeet range guns, and they excel in that arena. But in the field, nothing trumps a SXS for comfort, use, and easy of carry.

[John Chambers]

I love the look of some of the CZs; the SxS that I liked the look of was made in Turkey (not sure if that is bad or not) and had mixed reviews on accuracy. Any personal experiences to share on this?

The Huglu made guns are very well made, and the higher grade guns are gorgeous. I have a friend who shoots national level Sporting clays that swears by his CZs for hunting, and bought two for his daughters. At the same time, my double gun is a Parker VHE, and with some looking you can find a Parker for 2k plus or minus.

[EDELWEISS]

In the sub $3K range CZ is very good. I have one of their hammer coach guns which is amazing. Ruger Red Label "used" to be a go to gun, in that range. I havent seen one recently to confirm. My Merkel 470 double rifle is easily the "best" factory gun I have; but I paid over $10k for it 5 years ago. The K-guns (Kreighoff) are sweet too. If you like to hunt with class, consider a Drilling

If theres a Cabellas nearby stop in to see their "Gun Room". They usually have a few new and lightly used high end guns.

[fish78]

Mainly high end but if you contact them it is likely they will have something in your price range.

http://www.connecticutshotgun.com/

[fish78]

They also have a tactical Shotty
http://www.csmcspecials.com/product_p/dp12.htm

[Jonathon_Spaf]

My Merkel 470 double rifle is easily the "best" factory gun I have; but I paid over $10k for it 5 years ago.

Woah dude... you are way out of my league. I keep seeing these shottys with five figure price tags and thinking "who buys these things?"... guess I found out :biggrin:

[Jonathon_Spaf]

They also have a tactical Shotty
http://www.csmcspecials.com/product_p/dp12.htm

That one doesn't get too many class points, but it would sure be funny to take it afield and see the looks you get :eyecrazy:

[EDELWEISS]

Woah dude... you are way out of my league. I keep seeing these shottys with five figure price tags and thinking "who buys these things?"... guess I found out :biggrin:

Bro the 470 was/is a crazy expensive gun but its a Dangerous Game Double Rifle--I hunt Afrika. Merkle and K-gun make shotguns too and they arent (all) that expensive. If you can swing the money for a Drilling (SxS shotgun with a rifle barrel underneath), its a gun you can use for all seasons. Pick your cartridge/gauges carefully, personally I like 20ga over something like 30-06. They also make double rifle drillings (two rifle barrels over a shotgun barrel), they arent as easily found, though.

Another thought is a "Shot and Ball gun, sometimes called a Paradox. Its a SxS shotgun thats regulated to shoot slugs from both barrels to point of aim; but also shoot shot like a shotgun. If youre sticking to the lower 48 and not chasing big Brown Bears, they are amazing. I just got a email about a batch being available in the $2-3K range. They are hand engraved, charcoal rust blued etc.. They shoot the full size Brenneke slugs like a rifle and also shot like any shotgun. Its truly a One Gun for any game that walks or flies in North America (check out doublegunhq.com)

[45Smashemflat]

Still pining for a Winchester 21..... One day....

[fish78]

Still pining for a Winchester 21..... One day....


Did you look at the ones CSMC is building? http://www.connecticutshotgun.com/model21.html

Take a look at the AH Fox line as well. I monitor them looking for a Churchill XXV...likely another pipe dream.

[45Smashemflat]

Yes, I drool over that site regularly :)

[Rex G]

I have handled Merkel and AyA SxS shotguns that fit me well. Merkel's standard stocks, notably, seem to fit me well. I found the Beretta Silver Hawk to be very nice, though not a good fit. I would like to add a double gun, eventually, probably after I retire, as my employer will be paying me for my unused leave, over a period of four to five years, which means my monthly net will be higher than my present salary during that period of time. I live within a reasonable distance of Collector Firearms, which is located in Houston, Texas, which allows me to handle some really nice stuff, over time; with patience, I am able to handle a wide variety of very nice double shotguns. I think Collector's is a Merkel dealer, if I want to buy new.