CZ SxS Shotguns

71Eagle · August 3, 2011, 07:05 PM

Anyone here have any experience with CZ SxS's? I have a hankering for a SxS but don't want to drop a lot of money into one. It would just be for shooting skeet or trap on a very limited basis, just for fun not competition or serious shooting. I already have my serious Browning O/U with tubes so again, this is just for something different to shoot on occasion.

If not CZ, any recommendations on other SxS's that don't break the bank?

idek · August 3, 2011, 07:54 PM

I have no direct experience, but I've often heard that changes in the manufacturing process have made CZ shotguns built after 2007 more reliable/durable than those made previously, so if you get one, you may want to stick with newer models.

oneounceload · August 3, 2011, 08:07 PM

What doesn't break the bank?

S&W Elite Gold, recently discontinued, is a reliable and well-built Turkish gun (NOT a Huglu). They are available from CDNN and others for around $1200 or so - available in 20 gauge, they are well built and originally sold for about $2500.

For other gauges, look for the same guns sold under the name John Dickinson and Son (a play on the well-respected name John Dickson and Son) Also made in the same UTAS factory, they were available in other gauges.

For used, look on places like GunsInternational.com for used models from Ugartechea, AyA, and others - these will be older ones, but typically in very good shape and very well-built.

AyAs that were built for Sears in the 50s and 60s are selling in the 250-400 range

Slugo · August 4, 2011, 04:20 AM

I've shot the Bobwhite and the 30" long Classic Hammer gun, which by the way was used by a winning shooter at the last Vintage Cup. These are well liked shotguns and receive only positive reviews...

Lawyer Daggit · August 4, 2011, 06:12 AM

I have owned a ZP 49E, ejector side lock since my 18th birthday (I am now 52).
It sees frequent shooting and, despite owning a Beretta ultralight and a Beretta sporting clays gun (which I also enjoy), it is my favourite field carry / bunny gun.

I have also owned a CZ BRNO combination gun in 7x57R x12 gua.

Neither has given me any trouble. In fact, Czech imports have been common in Australia since the 60's and I have never known anyone have a problem with a czech firearm.

I very much enjoy the side by side side lock. It is well made and has a fantastic balance.

My only criticism is that the choking while indicated as full modified is tighter than on an american gun.

Hope this helps.

Lawyer Daggit · August 4, 2011, 06:14 AM

One other comment. Safety catches on Czech firearms work the other way round to American firearms, so beware.

oneounceload · August 4, 2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

In fact, Czech imports have been common in Australia since the 60's and I have never known anyone have a problem with a czech firearm.

Those BRNO-made guns, made where they were and when - ARE excellent guns. The current crop of CZ shotguns are made in Turkey and have had many issues over the recent years. While reportedly getting better, there is still room for improvement, with quality still somewhat "iffy" at the moment

Lawyer Daggit · August 4, 2011, 04:50 PM

oneounce load- thanks for that- I was not aware that CZ had joined the rush to source Turkish made guns.

maierar · August 4, 2011, 06:35 PM

I have a CZ Hammer Classic with which I'm very happy. I did have the stock modified to an English (straight) stock, as a pistol grip stock makes no sense to me on a double trigger gun. I also have a Galco removable recoil pad, as the butt plate is steel.

Slugo · August 5, 2011, 03:02 AM

The Hammer Classic is an outstanding gun. That new stock looks great. Nice...

August 3, 2011, 07:05 PM	#1
71Eagle Member Join Date: June 20, 2011 Location: Central Texas Posts: 37	CZ SxS Shotguns Anyone here have any experience with CZ SxS's? I have a hankering for a SxS but don't want to drop a lot of money into one. It would just be for shooting skeet or trap on a very limited basis, just for fun not competition or serious shooting. I already have my serious Browning O/U with tubes so again, this is just for something different to shoot on occasion. If not CZ, any recommendations on other SxS's that don't break the bank?

August 4, 2011, 04:20 AM	#4
Slugo Junior member Join Date: September 15, 2001 Location: Central PA Posts: 1,007	CZ sideXsides are excellent guns... I've shot the Bobwhite and the 30" long Classic Hammer gun, which by the way was used by a winning shooter at the last Vintage Cup. These are well liked shotguns and receive only positive reviews...

August 5, 2011, 03:02 AM	#10
Slugo Junior member Join Date: September 15, 2001 Location: Central PA Posts: 1,007	Nice gun... The Hammer Classic is an outstanding gun. That new stock looks great. Nice...

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August 3, 2011, 07:54 PM	#2
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 903	I have no direct experience, but I've often heard that changes in the manufacturing process have made CZ shotguns built after 2007 more reliable/durable than those made previously, so if you get one, you may want to stick with newer models.

August 3, 2011, 08:07 PM	#3
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	What doesn't break the bank? S&W Elite Gold, recently discontinued, is a reliable and well-built Turkish gun (NOT a Huglu). They are available from CDNN and others for around $1200 or so - available in 20 gauge, they are well built and originally sold for about $2500. For other gauges, look for the same guns sold under the name John Dickinson and Son (a play on the well-respected name John Dickson and Son) Also made in the same UTAS factory, they were available in other gauges. For used, look on places like GunsInternational.com for used models from Ugartechea, AyA, and others - these will be older ones, but typically in very good shape and very well-built. AyAs that were built for Sears in the 50s and 60s are selling in the 250-400 range

August 4, 2011, 06:12 AM	#5
Lawyer Daggit Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 1,181	I have owned a ZP 49E, ejector side lock since my 18th birthday (I am now 52). It sees frequent shooting and, despite owning a Beretta ultralight and a Beretta sporting clays gun (which I also enjoy), it is my favourite field carry / bunny gun. I have also owned a CZ BRNO combination gun in 7x57R x12 gua. Neither has given me any trouble. In fact, Czech imports have been common in Australia since the 60's and I have never known anyone have a problem with a czech firearm. I very much enjoy the side by side side lock. It is well made and has a fantastic balance. My only criticism is that the choking while indicated as full modified is tighter than on an american gun. Hope this helps.

August 4, 2011, 06:14 AM	#6
Lawyer Daggit Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 1,181	One other comment. Safety catches on Czech firearms work the other way round to American firearms, so beware.

August 4, 2011, 04:50 PM	#8
Lawyer Daggit Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Posts: 1,181	oneounce load- thanks for that- I was not aware that CZ had joined the rush to source Turkish made guns.

August 4, 2011, 06:35 PM	#9
maierar Member Join Date: March 9, 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 33	I have a CZ Hammer Classic with which I'm very happy. I did have the stock modified to an English (straight) stock, as a pistol grip stock makes no sense to me on a double trigger gun. I also have a Galco removable recoil pad, as the butt plate is steel.