CZ SxS for rabbits?

[MI.sabot]

Had an opportunity to do a couple rabbit hunts the last couple weeks and both times one member of the party was toting a side-by-side.  Both had been passed down from many years ago, one being a 410 and the other a 20 ga.  This was the first time I've shouldered a sxs but immediately saw how it could be one fine rabbit gun. What I really liked was the wide parrallel sight plane created by the rib and double barrels, the compactness of the firearm, and the ability to get off a couple quick shots without pumping as compared to my 20 ga. 870.

So needless to say the wheels have been turning since then about picking one up but also I need to say that I don't know the first thing about sided by sides.  I have spent some time on the CZ website looking at their Bobwhite:http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=60 and Ringneck http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=62 side-by-sides and a few questions come to mind:

I have never shouldered an English style grip as displayed in the Bobwhite nor have I any experience with double triggers.  Is there any benefits to an English style stock under certain circumstances or is it just a matter of preference as compared to the American pistol grip of the Ringneck?  For some reason I atribute the English style more conducive to game that will take flight vs a ground hugging rabbit. Am I wrong in this respect? Single triggers or double triggers, 26" or 28" barrels, 20 ga. or 28 ga ..... what are pros or cons of each?

Eventhough I'm looking for that ideal rabbit gun it would be used for an occassional grouse or woodcock hunt so I'd want to make sure that my bases were covered there as well.  None of my hunting is over dogs so the firearm needs to be responsive to quick snap shooting situations.

Thanks for your thoughts

[Graybeard]

The straight grip stock is to allow your hand to slide naturally when changing between the two triggers. I kinda like them but have found double triggers to be a bit strange to me after so many years of using single triggers. I tend to hesitate and at times become confused by them. I can use them even on skeet doubles but have to "think" about what I'm doing which is not conducive to good wingshooting technique.

If you're going to put in the time to get used to double triggers they are at least in theory faster than a selective single trigger in picking which barrel to fire first. They are clearly slower tho for the second shot.

It's really a matter of what ya want. I like the looks of the straight grip stocked doubles but in actual use seem to prefer the pistol grip or better yet the rounded knob style grip. I like the CZ guns and have bought several of them.

[MI.sabot]

Graybeard:

Thank you for your response. Since you indicated that you've bought several CZ shotguns, let me ask these questions if you don't mind:

I've read posts of reliability issues in the CZ single trigger SxS as compared to the double trigger. What has been your experience?

On the single trigger model, is this a cumbersome motion in selecting one barrel over the other?  I've not seen one on a CZ so I'm not really sure how this is accomplished.

I know this is a matter of preference, but for primarily a rabbit gun, would you choose 26" or "28 barrels.  Knowing that double barrel shotguns are shorter than the 26" single barrel pumps I'm used to, I'm just concerned that a 26" SxS might be in fact too short.

Lastly, and again a matter of preference, your thoughts on a 28 ga versus a 20 ga.

Thank you for your time.   

[Graybeard]

I used none heavily but no problem cropped up with any either. I'm kinda partial to the 28 for skeet and it works OK for hunting but the 20 has much cheaper factory ammo and is a better over all choice as a hunting gun. The .410 and 28 gauge Huglu made CZ guns are rather tiny in hand. I'd recommend you hold them before thinking of buying.

[crash87]

MI.sabot, I own a ringneck in 20 gauge as I'm not fond of double triggeres, like Graybeard I've used a single all my life and am just to used to them. As far as the barrel selection, I bought my first double way back when, a Savage Fox BSE, 12guage 26" barrels, then a Ithaca/SKB 20 guage 28" barrels, Then a Ruger Red Label 12gauge, 26" barrels, and finally a ringneck 20 gauge 28"bbl. all but one didn't have screw in chokes (the CZ). Barrel selection was a moot point and never concidered, ever, you just took the more open choke first. After all, we're hunting rabbits here, cedar swamps and fenceline's and woodlots, oh my.
With, the occasional grouse, woodcock, and used to be Hungarian partridge or pheasent, excuse me a moment, while I wipe a tear....................and every now and then a squirrel, at least in N.E. Wis. I like the 28" barrel length better, ecspecially on the smaller frame of the CZ. The Ruger is quite a bit heavier so is not affected by a "to light" feeling of front. You can actually see the difference in the sighting plane, (being a bit better with the longer barrel) I know it's only 2" but it's there. So in my opinion you would be better served with the 28" barrel, and thats coming from a guy who's changed his opinion. I used to think a 26" barrel was a better handler until I really started to compare. In pulling up on a rabbit, or getting the S*^t scared out of you by a grouse, slide that safety forward and trip the sear and if you need a second shot for a second animal/bird, of course, you won't have to think about moving the hand or where the trigger is, because it's right there. Good luck CRASH87