Side by Side Shotguns

[Trapper4]

I've been looking at buying a SXS shotgun. I've looked at some of the cheaper (under $800) guns on the market and they do not impress me. I recently shouldered a used Winchester Model 23 Pigeon Grade 12ga. and thought it fit well, was light, and the sight plane was great for me. I really like the raised rib. Other less expensive SxS guns seem to have the rib at the barrel level. Now the cost is $2000+ on these guns from what I've seen, but eventually I could afford this. They seem to be quite a bit higher quality than the cheaper SxS's. Does anyone have any comments on this gun. Are there other options in the $2-$3K range.

[tealitup]

Do you like the Ruger stuff?

[Trapper4]

I love the looks of the Ruger Gold Label. Has anyone seen one in person? I haven't and the gun folks at Cabelas say they can't seem to get one in house. I haven't even been able to find a used one on the internet. I would prefer to hold one in my hands before buying. These must be custom order guns only because I have read complaints about how hard they are to find.

[Ufatz]

I'd grab that #23 and figure out how to pay for it later. There are others in that price range. The Rugers may be technically suprerior, but they are disgustingly tacky looking with their bright polished actions. Here's a sleeper-find a Browning BSS. Great guns for the money. Best of all, if you can find a Parker Repro 12 guage snap it up!

[Harmonica Bear]

I have a freind of mine that has his share of pea-shooters. He has a model 23 (custom-made) and just absolutely loves it. He also has a Purdey (custom) and he prefers the model 23 over that. I have shot skeet with it a couple times a few years back and since then have always wanted one for my self. I'd go with the model 23.

[gspman]

Quote:

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He also has a Purdey (custom) and he prefers the model 23 over that.

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I'd be more than happy to relieve him of that Purdey.

[gspman]

Should be able to find some very nice used sxs's from Spain in the $2000 range too. The Beretta 470 is a very nice gun too. But IMHO, for anything over $2000, a gun should be custom fit. You should be able to stand there and shoulder the gun without tilting your head, craning your neck, or doing any other body "gymnastics" and everything should be lined up perfectly. The Beretta's, Ruger's, Browning's, and Winchester's are usually off the shelf guns and would need to be custom fit afterwards.

Plus I'd go with the swamped rib. A pistol grip, raised vent rib, and a beavertail forend on a sxs is heresy.

English stock, two triggers, swamped gamerib, and a splinter forend is the way to go.

[Gordie]

my dad always told me that if you find a gun that fits you just right that you should buy it as fast as you can because you'll never know when you'll come across the fit and feel from another gun. I have an older springfeild SXS 16 ga and it just fits perfect for me so I bought it.but I use it for phesants and grouse and its perfect I do wish it had the raised sight plane on it.

[cw642]

If a guy is spending 2-3K I think some of the used german made guns would be my choice. The ones I've seen have had a fit and finish to them that is uncomparable to the others mentioned above. There is a guy here in the west metro that goes over there and brings back guns 2-3 times a year. Every time I go over there I wish I was taking one home. Good luck in your search.