I have a customer seeking a good quality SxS shotgun in 20 gauge for quail hunting. He is budgeted at a max of $1,500. What is a good choice in a new shotgun?

Thanks, Bob

I think for new in that range I'd go look at Ugartechea's like the ones lion country supply imports.

There are also Stoeger's that'll go bang reliably for a lot less, but they tend to be a lot more heavily built.

Hi Bob, maybe a Dickinson Estate from Cabelas. I am getting the 28 gauge & 410 combo if they ever get them here in Utah. Check out Cabelas gun library , they may be just slightly North of your friend's budget, but reviews of both the Estate and Plantation models (more expensive for more cosmetics) have been very good for the value on a sxs...

Good luck & best regards, mark

I prefer S X S double shotguns for bird hunting and have some including a 16ga drilling.

The doubles are both side by side 20's. They fit me. I bought them after trying them in the gun shops.

I would not order a S X S bird gun. I would buy what fits me in a gunshop or from a friend.

The two I am shooting I got used. It was not the price, it was that they were just right for me.

One is a Bernadelli Gamecock with 27.5" barrels at 5# 13 oz with a lop 14 1/4" to it's front trigger.

The other is a Ugartechea M221 with 24.5" barrels at 5# 6 oz with a lop to the front trigger of 13 3/4".

Both have tang safeties.

The Bernadelli is to the left.

Bob, Savage_99 certainly offers you sage advice particularly about fitting. I also agree checking about used sxs options, but since you mentioned new and a hard budget you may also want to consider the CZ shotguns like the ringneck (I think that's the 20 model but not 100%)for example in a 20...both the Dickinson and the CZ are Turkish I believe. But as mentioned, best to do the handling physically in all cases if possible.

Thanks for the suggestions! My prime vendor carries the CZ. Will have to check it out. I'm sourcing the others.

There's an SKB 20ga in the Firearms Classifieds....very solid, dependable guns. Great price as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Savage_99:
For comparison purposes.

$365

http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=542546931

I would second the Ithaca/SKB in the classifieds (although I must admit I am the guy trying to sell it)!
Rick

I have an SKB in 28ga and love it. Great for birds and sporting clays.

An SKB would be a great gun in that price range

I have the CZ Bobwhite in both 20 and 28 gauge. Not a H&H, nor a Purdy, but they feel good when I shoulder them and both are fun to shoot. They lock up tight as well.

Try and locate a Browning BSS 20 ga. Most have very plain wood however one of the most durable actions out there.
Many folks experimented in using the action to make custom double rifles.

EZ

I have a great little 20 Ga side by side that I'd let go for a lot less than $1500.

It's a stoeger sure enough but I have heavily modified it with the addition of two full choke tubes (as well as the original IC and Mod choke tubes) a totally refinished stock and totally recheckered and a raised rib with two (stand out and glare at you) ivory beads in the raised rib....,..all fitted in a very handsome carrying case.....

Let me see if I can find a photo somewhere.....




The gun has 3" chambers and extremely handy 24" barrels. They are no longer available in 24" barrels

Here are some better pics of the gun