16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 01 Jan 2009 Posts: 1

Hey ya'll... since i was a kid i've been using my fathers and uncles shotguns for family clay shoots. Now, I'm 22, my friends want to take me on my first duck hunt, and it dawned on me that i think it's about time i look into purchasing my first gun. My father I think will be helping out with some money and my final price range is probably going to have a ceiling of about $500-550ish... Here are my preferable stipulations: side by side with a double trigger... since i ever started shooting, i've always gravitated to a SxS when i was a kid over an over/under and single for some reason and i've never looked back. i've been following the board for the last couple months or so thinking that maybe i'll find something that fits for me, but maybe someone out there has either a gun or a suggestion that i'm looking for! it looks like there are a ton of knowledgeable people on here so i feel like i'm in good hands. thanks a bunch, happy new year

side note: the reason i'm posting here is because i would prefer a 16.. My grandfather was a big believer and i think it would be cool to kind of keep following in that belief.

CZ Ringneck - either 16 or 12 would be a great choice for a new model - The new guns will shoot steel and everything else for that matter.

I shoot an 11-87 for ducks but I'm thinking on a CZ in 12 for a double, just keeping my eyes open for one.

There are plenty other options out there and I understand your $$$ constraints - don't be afraid to buy used and/or ask more Q's here - this board is where I learned how to evaluate a used sxs.

Do a search and get some ideas for other make/models

Welcome on and good luck

Hello

You might like this one,

Happy New Year

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=119466554

Mike

Pm sent.

I agree with Skeettx, that model on gunbroker may be along the line of what you are looking for and within your price range. Not a bad looking little shooter.

Also try www.glencovesportsshop.com

They are clearing out a large number of earlier model Spanish Doubles at prices within your range. Most models are new in box, and some 16s are included. Nothing fancy, but some OK little shooters in all gauges priced within your budget range. Also the Glen Cove guys are, at least in my own experience, a pretty accomodating group of guys.

Welcome to the shooting sports! Good luck in your search and safe shooting!

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2350 Location: West MI

Hi mjm211,

While I agree with the 16 gauge sentiment it 's quite difficult to find 16 g ammo in steel loads and if it where me I'd stick with a 12 for starters. Which is what I (of course) use for waterfowl. Later if you still think a 16 is "IT" then that's the time to go fer it.

Hope this helps...Roi[/quote]

Welcome aboard mjm, I kinda follow 510's sentiment. Do you reload at all?

IMO, you may want to start your search for available effective waterfowl ammo. Take a look at this info. http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/magazine/2005_01/01_shooting.php it looks into the ballistics of available waterfowl ammo and the 16ga stuff is IMO technically kinda weak. I suggest reading through the data and drawing your own conclusions.

As much as I like to promote the 16ga; putting myself in your shoes with the info you have given and not knowing if you reload or not; you may want look towards a 3" 12ga that can handle steel in your price range.

After looking long and hard for off the shelf ammo I could not find anything in 16ga that was readily available and could kill out to 30-40yrd range very well. I reload so making effective non-tox ammo for my 16ga decoyed duck hunting is in my wheelhouse. Generally I use a 10ga o/u for WF hunting.

Your Grandfather obviously was a smart guy and I'm proud of the way you're going about gathering info for your gun purchase. And like 510 wrote; "if a 16 is it then.....".

Hope this helps and good luck, Mike

Member Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 602 Location: western pa

My Grand Dad was also a devotee of the 16ga. SxS, as am I. However, he was not a waterfowler. I've shot ducks with just about everything but a .410, with lead, steel and Hevishot and out of respect to the birds I'd recomend, at a minimum, use a 12 bore. I love my 16's and they surely have their place but I also have gained many years of respect for wild waterfowl and that is why I recommend the 12. Also, unless you are a very patient guy, you are severely under gunned on big Canadas and that is often a possibility while duck hunting.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2350 Location: West MI

[quote="skeettx"]Hello

You might like this one,

Happy New Year

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=119466554

Mike[/quote]

Or this one, http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=119563787 I have the 20ga version of this and it's fine for the $ mine has an articulating front trigger a bonus when shooting magnum's, maybe this bigger brother will also.

Although the one skeetx displayed is a sweetheart (I'm a sucker for an english stock and double triggers) ask if it has 3" chambers. 3" ammo is widely available, affordable and deadly. The guides I have hunted with over decoys have all used 3" 12's.

Also, when looking on line it helps to ask if the seller offers/allows an inspection period...2-3 days in your hands and you pay the return shipping if not satisfied + full refund. It usually weeds out the scammers and gives you a look at the gun.

Good luck with your decision, Mike

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

I have to break with the 16ga and suggest a 12ga. If waterfowling is going to be your primary task, I would go with the 12ga for starters. Don't get me wrong, a 16ga can surely wad up teal and decoying ducks, it is much more specialized.

The Zabala's are generally speaking rugged well built shotguns. Not necessarily "nimble" but if shooting waterfowl, again, not necessarily big item.

Browning BPS would be my suggestion (and I don't shoot pumps), if you cannot find quality sxs in price range.

I am going to throw out another gun choice possibility, a sxs 10ga. I think there is one on gunbroker now, it is the turkey special. Let me tell you, it is a duck thumper. Unfortunately, most factor ammo is over kill, I have some Federal tungsten iron in #4 and #6 shot, but it is 1 oz and 3/4!! Geez, how many pellets do you need!! I wish they were 1 and 3/8. Any how, everyone thinks the 10 as a big ol' cannon, (and it can be if you want it to be) but in handloaded rounds from 3.5" down to 2 5/8", loaded in 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 of steel, bismuth or hevi-shot (or Nice shot), this is great waterfowl gun. And if you get the call to go goose hunting, you are solid.

Really what you need is a 24 gauge!! Just kidding, trying to stir the pot a little as is my nature.

I agree with Hootch here. Sentiment won't bring down the ducks. A 12 ga will. The 16 is a great upland gauge. It will do for some types of close range duck hunting for smaller species like close range jump shooting woodies in the hardwood river sloughs and teal over dekes with #5 or #6 non-toxic shot. Bigger ducks are tough and require big shot and lots of it. The 12 ga rules the roost here, because it is a bigger bore made for bigger shot and more of it. Always pick the most effective tool for the job. Get a 12 for ducks.

I second the 10ga. sxs option. Buy a set of 12 gauge reducers and you're set for everything from pheasants to geese. I wouldn't mind owning one myself.

Forget that Churchill by Kassnar, I had one it broke twice in 2 times out shooting it. Beautiful side lock but real piece of junk.