Which Double Barrel?

[davem270win]

I'm considering a double barrel for my next purchase. I've been leaning toward the CZ Ringneck or Bobwhite, and I'm thinking 20 ga, or maybe 16. The other option is a Rem Spartan. I've seen good/bad things about both. Anyone have experience with these? OR - should I be looking for something old, and if so, what? I'd like to stay under a grand. I'd be using it primarily for pheasant.

[Graybeard]

Wingshooting is all about feel. The Spartan guns are clubby and clunky and not at all the kinda feel that helps with wingshooting. I'd pass on them.

The CZ line by Huglu are excellent guns, very nice. I've owned several of them in .410, 28 and 20 gauge.

At this time I have a DeHaan 20 gauge which is made by the same folks at Huglu as the CZ guns but DeHaan has them fitted out a bit nicer looking than the CZ guns. I have it listed for sale on the Classifieds take a look at it there if you think you might have an interest.

[popplecop]

Buy a CZ or DeHaan have both.  Will say if you buy the CZ, I'd suggest the Bobwhite with DTs, seems to be less problems than the ST ones.  Greybeard has a 20 Dehaan for sale they are excellent shotuns, I have an SO in 12 ga., my CZs are 20 and 28 ga.

[davem270win]

Where are the classifieds? I'm seeing some links in certain areas, but not for shotguns?

[Graybeard]

Classifieds Forum is here:

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/board,58.0.html

The thread I mentioned is here:

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,118388.0.html

[dougk]

You should look at the Stoeger SxS I have a 12 and 16 and am very happy with both as field guns.  I agree with Graybeard on the Baikals/Remington Spartans as being clunky.  I consider the Stoegers a very good value.

[John Anderson]

Wingshooting is all about feel. The Spartan guns are clubby and clunky and not at all the kinda feel that helps with wingshooting. I'd pass on them.

The CZ line by Huglu are excellent guns, very nice. I've owned several of them in .410, 28 and 20 gauge.

At this time I have a DeHaan 20 gauge which is made by the same folks at Huglu as the CZ guns but DeHaan has them fitted out a bit nicer looking than the CZ guns. I have it listed for sale on the Classifieds take a look at it there if you think you might have an interest.

    Graybeard, sorry to differ with you but if you think Huglu makes good shotguns, I have some ocean front property here in Illinois for sale! I bought a new Bobwhite in 20 gauge last fall for the opening of Dove season, and between doubling on me and not breaking open because the firing pins were too long and stuck in the fired primers it was a real junker, and this was not an isolated incedent as numerous folks over on shotgun world will tell similar tales, very poor quality control or no quality control at all! I've heard that Dehaan's are better, but they take the parts from Huglu and hand assemble them,and I've heard they still have firing pin issues. I was luck and was able to get a full refund from Gander Mountian on the thing and saved my money for an AYA.


                                         John Anderson

[Graybeard]

You are welcome to your opinion. I've owned several and know many others who own them and have had no problems. All manufacturers let a bad one out from time to time. For the money tho the Huglu/DeHaan guns are a real value even if you did get a bad one.

[daddywpb]

I have a Ruger Red Label 12 gauge O/U, and a Stoeger Uplander 12 gauge SxS. Both are great guns and I have not had any trouble with either of them.

[SuperstitionCoues]

I won't disagree with GB that CZ/DeHaan/Huglus are good guns. 

I think you need to purchase what feels best to you.  My local trap club had a CZ Woodcock up for raffle.  I fell in love with it (but didn't win the gun).  I think it is one of the prettiest production shotguns ever made, with the case-hardened sideplates and traditional pistol grip.  When I picked it up, however, it felt like I was swinging a 20 lb. weight from the end of a shovel.  It just didn't "fit" me, despite how attractive it and the pricing was.

After shopping and shouldering many different models, I found the Browning Citori 525 Field to fit the best.  More $, but the balance and swing of the gun were unmatched by anything else.  My point is, try many and buy what feels and fits the best.  Don't buy a lower-priced model simply because that is what you can afford right now.  In the long run it will be worth the extra money that you have to save, and you will appreciate the firearm more because you had to work a little harder for it.   

[dougk]

Interesting comments.

I purchased a 12 ga Stoeger as it felt ok but the price was great.  After using the Stoeger for a season it felt very comfortable.  In fact it was so comfortable that I purchased a second Stoeger in 16 ga.  What I have found is having the same shotgun in in different calibers allows me to easily switch between the guns without any adjustment.

[Val]

I bought a CZ Redhead in 20 gauge. It was very tight when I first bought it but it loosened up very nicely with use. I use this gun as my primary skeet gun and in the field. I would not hesitate to buy another one.

[John Anderson]

Can't say much about the other CZ models, but there SXS have definitely had there problems! The guns from turkey are alot like the guns from Spain 40 years ago, hit and miss as far as quality goes! If you realy want an economical SXS save a bit more $ and look at a Spanish double ( a grade I Ugartechea) light years ahead of any Huglu!