doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com "Entry Level" SxS's - Your Opinion

Hi all, I read and hear alot about "entry level" SxS's regarding this or that gun. I'm curious, what criteria do you use to designate this title?

Is it Maker, price, features (ejectors, SST, or what ever) fit, finish, handling or what ever?

I have seen some guns that some folks have called "entry level" and are better overall than some more expensive guns. I know we all must judge each gun on its own merits...so I'm just curious about your thoughts on this.

Thanks and have a good one!!

Greg

just buy a nitro special and you will understand.

A good entry level gun is the one you still own after you have moved on the the next level. And not because nobody is willing to give you what you paid for it.

Bill G.

I'd stick with a modern SxS...such as a Browning.

When I was about 23 I purchased a nice belgian 12 ga SXS. It was beutiful. The stock was way too low and way too short for me. It also had a small tight pistol grip. The front trigger cut my index finger every time I pulled the back trigger and the trigger guard bruised my middle finger every time I fired it.
I hated double triggers for 20 years. About five years ago I shot one with a normal stock with a straight grip. I have been in love ever since. I purchased a Ugartachea model 30 in 12 ga. then I ordered a Arrieta with custom stock dimensions that I still dove hunt with. I have since gotten a 20 ga and a 28.

I would not recommend an old one if the stock does not work for you.

Hi all, just to clear up a couple things, I'm not new to SxS's. I have been a fan of them for 30 years. Right now I own 15 sxs from various makers and in various grades. I really like spanish guns and have a huge soft spot for them.

I guess what I was asking is what do you think an entry level gun is.

To me this is a gun that may be in all or in part mass produced. Rough in fit and finish (not hand fitted) and may be lacking in the handling dept. It could also be your first SxS.

Hope this clears up what I wanted to ask.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Greg

A servicable gun with no frills. It will have minimum cost for making a gun that can be used for whatever purpose is in mind. So, an entry level upland gun would not need to be designed for many thousands of shots - a few thousand will do. On the other hand, an entry level skeet/trap/sporting gun would have to anticipate a lot more shells. A repeater can generally be made cheaper than a double gun.

I suppose that I have been passing on entry level guns for some time. I scout out 311s and such hardy SxSs for young people to use as their first gun.
I chose the 311 and a couple of Nitro Specials because they are relatively inexpensive in 12 gauge. They are also simple and easy to repair. If not cared for well, not much is lost.
But, they do allow for a lot of pride on the part of the new owner.
A first gun is still a work of art.:}
Best,
John

I think the definition will depend on the size of the piggy bank.

I always assumed that "entry level" implied the less expensive guns with which one could enter the 'side-by-side club,' like Ruger, the inexpensive Turkish guns, SKBs, Browning BSS, etc.
Joe