CZ Redhead O/U - 12 Gauge

[Foxfire Rod & Gun]

I am considering purchasing one of these O/U's for the upcoming Dove season. I have owned and used Ruger Red Label, Stevens Gold Wing, Mossberg Silver Reserve, Remington SPX-310 O/U's in the past with the Red Label being the best of the bunch. But..........alas someone else wanted it more than I did so it left the fold.

My main concern is how tight (hard to open & close) are these when new out of the box and if they function properly, especially the barrel selector. I would appreciate any input from anyone who  has had first hand experience with the CZ O/U shotguns. BTW, I have talked to the CZ reps @ CZ and the Redhead seems to have the features that I like in a field grade O/U.

Thanks,
James

[rws2]

They are probably on the stiff side but should loosen up some after a flat of shells are run thru it.

There were reports of some issues with the CZ O/U's but I don't remember what now. That was several years ago. Probably fixed as CZ Engineeers made some upgrades at the Huglu Plant (or so I read somewhere)

Might check at ShotgunWorld Forums and see what you can dig up! Almost certainly someone there will be able to give you the scoop on the Redheads!

[Graybeard]

Guns that are too tight when new are mostly either because they don't have adequate and proper lube or machined surfaces weren't finished correctly. If they former just clean and properly lube. IF that doesn't take care of it then.....

Use JB Bore Paste and liberally coat all those moving parts in the hinge area and open and close it several times. You'll know when you've done it enough by the feel. Might take a dozen openings or 50 depending on how bad it is. JB is too mild to really remove any significant metal but it sure will polish and smooth up the rough areas.

Once it feels smooth enough take it down and wash all the JB off and properly lube it and it will be broken in and smooth from then on as long as you keep it adequately lubed. It's what I do to all new or even used doubles that are stiff opening when lubed properly.

Guns in the price range of Brownings and Berretas shouldn't require such but lower priced guns do at times.

I once had an American Arms 28 O/U that was nearly impossible to open as I bought it used. I put JB on and opened and closed it at least 50 or more times and cleaned it up. It was a bit rougher than I liked so I did it a second time. After that it was a smooth opening as a new Browning. I never could hit a bull in the butt with that little gun. Me and it just didn't work well together.

[Foxfire Rod & Gun]

Thanks for the input. I'll be purchasing some of the JB Bore Paste. I guess that Midway or Brownells will have it. I just flat don't like a break open shotgun that will not open easily....period!

FR&G

Graybeard: What is the actual name of this JB product? I see JB Bore Bright and JB Bore Cleaning Compound. Which one should I buy?

[Graybeard]

Me either. I have a friend in PA who has a 20 ga Redhead he bought on my recommendation based on the Huglu made SxS guns I've owned. I honestly don't recall having to use JB on either of them and I've owned several imported both by CZ and DeHaan.

I don't recall him mentioning it being hard to open but he has had it a few years now and I might have just forgotten. If it was then I would have given him the same advice as I always do it to any break action that is rough when I get it.

[Val]

I've got one in 20 gauge and my almost son-in-law has one in 12 gauge. They are indeed stiff when new but loosen up with use. I like them.

[Graybeard]

JB Non Embedding Bore Paste is what I use. If it's JB tho it's fine. There are two forumlas new and old. Both are excellent.