Author Topic: Russian and Brazilian made double barrel shotguns? (Read 2839 times)

His lordship. · « **on:** May 15, 2003, 12:34:12 PM »

I have been seeing these Russian (IZH and Baikal) and Brazilian made shotguns (Stoeger or Rossi) around at some easy going prices and have been tempted. The recent issue of the American Rifleman magazine gave the Stoeger made double barrel side by side good ratings which is a good sign, and the Stoeger fits me better than the Russian ones and the Brazilian shotgun has screw in chokes.

I have found from owning numerous Russian guns that they use good steel but are not the greatest to look at. $350.00 for either Russian or Brazilian would be alot cheaper than a Browning Citori or a Ruger Red Label, not to mention some of the $3000.00 plus British double barrels that you can get.

Anybody use the above types of double barrels in some honest trap or hunting use with satisfaction?

Thanks. :?

DennisB · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2003, 04:21:02 PM »

Chris:

I had one of the Stoeger 20 gauges a few years ago. It had 26" or 28" barrels (don't remember which!), choke tubes (It takes Winchester style), and really nice wood. I used it for dove and squirrel a LOT. I'm no conny-sewer of pricy doubles, but that gun functioned well for me. Only let it go 'cuz I got a closet full of 20 gages and had an eye on something else at the time. I'd buy another under the right circumstances.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2003, 07:50:17 PM »

I have a Stoeger 20 ga. Uplander I use in CAS shooting and plan to use for general wing shooting some also. Well worth the small price they ask for them. Dunno about the Russian guns but the Stoeger is a good value.

GB

Questor · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2003, 03:17:07 AM »

I had a Savage side by side years ago because I thought I'd like to have a double. It had nothing in common with a good double except that it had two barrels. Good field doubles are light and handle well. That gun didn't. I gave it away. I suspect that some of the Russian doubles won't either because of the weight and bulkiness of their design.

I'm not trying to discourage you. My response is based on my own deep preference for handling a shotgun before buying it, and only buying it if it feels just right.