I have always favored the old 12 gauge sxs shotguns. I do not like either o/u or auto loaders. This is a personal preference. Price is not a factor but neither am I a status snob.

As a slow moving senior I am considering buying the Savage 612 gold wing. For my purposes of occasional hunting and skeet shooting is this gun adequate?

Thank you for any information you could provide.

Ken.

If you like it, can afford it and it points then its good, any of the major manufacturers produce decent sxs, if your in your senior stage you may get a longer use out of the lighter 20g, I have both and the 20 will spoil you

I just picked up a 12 bore Ugartechea Falcon with georgeous wood. It's choked M & F w/ 28"bbls. It weighs in at 6.5 lbs. Nice and light and fits me well. It has a POW stock with a semi-beavertail forearm. Double triggers with extractors. Nothing fancy. This is the second Uggie I've had and I recommend them. If you find one and it's choked too tight for your liking, you can have them opened up for about $35 per barrel.

Thanks for the suggestions folks. I am on the hunt.

If you can find a BSS, they're a really nice gun. I've got one in 20 gauge with the straight grip and a slim forearm. It points and shoots really good. I've handled a few in 12 and they seem to be the same as the 20. Nice guns.

+1 on BSS!

There are great double shotguns to be had all over the net for very reasonable money. Seems they're currently out of favor compared to autos and O/U guns. If you want something with a little period flare, look at the Husqvarna, Sauer and off-brand German sxs guns at Simpson's, Champlin's , Hallowell's and other internet stores. AyA Matadors, Stevens 311 series, anything from Sears or Monkey Warts, the list goes on. There are hundreds and hundreds of good solid sxs guns on the net for $300-$1000 depending on how much gingerbread you want. New guns of the same class would be $3000 and higher.

I too love a side by side; they seem to shoulder & point effortlessly.

In Ontario you have to shoot steel shot. Be mindful that not all old double S x S can handle steel shot. Steel shot has improved a great deal since its introduction & the damage it was causing early on has been alleviated.

But, once again, keep that in mind when purchasing an old double, especially if it is tightly choked.