Upgrading my pheasant gun
 

Well I feel it’s time to add to the collection of shotguns. I’d love some opinions and I know I’m gonna get them. Hahaha.
I know I want a 20ga, light weight, SxS preferably and not cost me an arm and a leg. Doesn’t have to be new but in decent shape. What are my options?

Lightweight 20 gauge SxS really cuts down the selection, especially reasonably priced. I bought a mint AYA number 2 for $3500, but it's not easy to find a quality gun for a lot less. For $1000-$1500, Huglu and CZ are decent quality, but they aren't overly light.

I don't find my Huglu sxs 20 all that heavy relative to say my 12 ga guns. If you're on a budget they are reliable guns for ~1000 bucks. Prophet River usually gets quite a few in. My only regret is I had to settle for 26" barrels.

The Huglu is certainly lighter than a lot of guns, but is heavy in relation to higher end 20 guage doubles. I can't really complain about mine since I didn't have the budget for what I really want, but I do wish Prophet River would bring in more 28" barrels. They had none when I was buying.

CZ sharptail if you are set on a SxS, make sure you handle anything before you buy to make sure it fits you.

If you can find a Winchester Model 23 in in 20 gauge it would be very hard to beat that for the ultimate lightweight pheasant gun. They aren't real cheap but they are a great shotgun.

The Ithaca SKB model 100,200,or 280 would be a good choice. They usually go for $1000-$1500 for a good used one

I also prefer longer barrels, and ended up with 26" barrels on my Huglu, because they had no 28" barrels.

As for fit, there are very few SxS shotguns that actually fit me, and even the various Huglu shotguns vary as far as fit goes. You really need to shoulder each model, to find the one that fits best.

Not a SxS but I run Browning Cynergy feathers in both 12 and 20 gauge. I love them.


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It’s an ugly gun with a big gold pheasant on it...

But my Stevens o/u was cheap... but sturdy.. and it fits me perfect

It shoots real real well


....... Cept on pheasants this year....

First time in 30 years I didn’t shoot a pheasant

Good thing my boy got 4 or 5 ... them r yummy!

Yildiz. If Prophet Doesn't have one he can bring them in.

But if they don't have one in stock, and they aren't listing any right now, you can't verify fit. They usually have dozens of Hulu SxS guns in stock

New Double
 

You might look for a Browning BSS they are out there and not too expensive

I have owned a couple of those, nice shotguns but they are probably the heaviest side by side on the market. Good Waterfowl piece where you are in a blind for shooting lots of rounds or 3" shells but not what I would carry pheasant hunting.

I used a CZ Mini Bobwhite for a few years and loved it.
The Yildez shotguns are lighter than the CZ/Huglus for sure, and the ones I have picked up and shot were nice shooters.
Cat

I've had a 20G Mossberg Onyx Reserve SxS for a handful of seasons now and its been great. Swings nice and its light enough I have no problems carrying it for a day. Paid about $500 used.

I have not tried one, but there has been a review of one on Gunnutz.

The 20 gauge Churchill 520 side x side is light and inexpensive, around $1K.

The Churchill over/under guns get good reviews.

Yes, and I can live with the weight that helps when I shoot clays with it.

Maybe you can live with the weight but that isn't what the OP asked for. He specically said lightweight. I like the BSS but I try to answer what is asked, not change their mind or specifications, unless they are dangerous.

Never weighed mine or used it for waterfowl or shot steel through it for that matter but I do not find my 20 gauge with 28" barrel mod and improved weighs that much and I put a lot miles on the boot soles chasing the dogs through the briars I guess I just must be strong for an old f....

Is sub seven pounds heavy for a 20 gauge double ? I would think that would a great weight to carry all day.

Compared to a 5 to 5.25 pound 20 gauge, yes that is VERY heavy. In fact any 20 gauge upland gun over about 6 lbs is on the porky side.

My 28 gauge is just under 6 lbs, and my 16 gauge is 6-1/4 lbs.

I have seen your 28ga and that is a gun I can only dream of at this point in my life. Hahahaha