Howdy y'all.
I have some cash set aside for another shotgun. Looking at either or both a new waterfowl gun and 20 Ga SXS. A company here in Texas sells some closeout deals
and I was first looking at
a CZ option for SXS. A discontinueed Partridge for $500 which with a couple small differences looks to be what was replaced with by the Grouse. I actually
would prefer their Bobwhite that I would have to pay retail for and even then was wanting a nicer SxS than either, but leaning to the Partridge to get me by
due to the low price.
But I saw another shotgun available from the same place that caught my interest. They have the Weatherby Athena SXS at $1700. More than I was wanting to pay at
this point, but that seems to be around $1000 less than they had been selling for so looks like an extremely good deal. I could never have afforded retail for
this gun. Really beautiful shotgun with the better wood and side plates. Straight stock, double triggers, 26 or 28 barrel, multi choke which I wanted due to
the non tox shot issues. I could swing this one if I put off the waterfowl gun a year or two.
Anyone have one or any input on it or the price? Any other suggestions?
Just not wanting to go the used gun route at this point, must have multi chokes, and safe to use with steel and hevi shot.
Weatherby Athena SXS
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 SniperJohn |
Weatherby Athena SXS |
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04/26/09 4:56 PM |
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les becassines |
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04/26/09 6:34 PM Pro-Gun
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John, you must be window shopping at CDNN. I know some people weren't happy with with Weatherby two years ago when they switched from having their name
stamped on guns made by SKB to guns made by Fausti. Finding a double that is certified by the maker to be safe with steel doesn't leave too many choices.
There are a couple of other guns I have looked at near that same price range that are also suitable with steel but they are both single trigger guns. One is
the Franchi Highlander (can be had for $1300) and the SKB 385. I like the SKB better but it can cost a little more than the Weatherby. Otherwise the price goes
up. For a gun I was going to shoot much steel through I wouldn't consider putting more than that into it. At the other end is the CZ guns. I'd give the
Partridge a serious consideration. I have handled a 20 gauge CZ and I didn't think they felt bad, especially when you consider that they are recommended
for steel and their cost. The least amount I've seen a new Bobwhite going for lately is about $625.
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Marlin1895G |
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04/27/09 11:20 PM |
I'd take the SKB 385 anytime over those mentioned provided the approrpiate features are there i.e. straight stock and no vent rib :). My only gripe is
regarding the SST and beavertail features that seem to be the default on SKB sxs shotguns.
I believe the Bobwhite and the Partridge are same animals apart from the cosmetics. IMHO, given it's price range/build quality, the Bobwhite performs very well and one wouldn't have reservations subjecting that sxs to the general abuses of a rough shoot :) Heck, my Bobwhite 20 (and 28) handle/shoot just as fine as the 471 Silver hawk. Come to think of it, for the price being asked for that Weatherby, one could easily find a nice used Ugartechea (for example) that would be a far better sxs :). |
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les becassines |
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04/28/09 7:01 AM Pro-Gun
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I like the options for the 385. Aside from that horrid single gold trigger
 you could
order it in several configurations. Not only do I not prefer a beavertail but I don't like the glossy polyurethane finish either that many of the
Ithaca/SKB guns have. A 385 with the 28" barrels, satin finish on a straight hand stock and splinter forend (item #S3808CFE) would be a darn fine snipe
gun for me. I think it has been discontinued recently but with some looking one could be found. That configuration would probably command a premium. Per my
conversation with SKB they approve any gun they make or made with their choke tube system for use with steel shot.
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