doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com SxS Sporting Clays Suggestions

I am interested in building or buying a sporting clays gun to be used in sxs competition and would appreciate any input. I am willing to spend about $3-4000 to build this gun. I saw a recent post with someone using a Browning BSS 30” to do this and that is certainly an option. However, I would like something with a bit better wood and a little finer triggers (although the BSS I use for skeet is very good). Guns that I am considering are the RBL 12 g with pistol grip & beavertail forearm w single trigger (not sure of the trigger for competition), a Bernadelli Las Palomas pigeon gun with aftermarket chokes, a Beretta 411 or 471, a Win 21 if I can find one at this price point or the modified BSS. I didn’t think an older gun would hold up as well as one of these, although I would be open to suggestions.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Z

At the price point you mention, you won't have a lot of room for modifications, restocking, or upgrades, so I would suggest buying a gun you like in its present configuration, either out of the box or the way you find it. I would agree with the 30" BSS, the Model 23 Heavy Duck, an RBL 30" or 32", Beretta Silver Hawk 30", or a rusty Model 21 that hasn't been shot much. The Model 21 should be rusty only to keep the price within your limits. In your situation, I would order the RBL in the configuration of your choice.

Hmmm model 21 eh? Maybe you should check out my for sale post in the guns for sale section. You might have to do a seach as its probably a couple of pages back. We aren't that far off on price. JW

sakaba 385 or 485 sporting clays model with vr and briley inter-chokes as standard features. sadly only available on 2nd-hand market now.

The Model 21 Duck, Model 23 Heavy Duck and RBL-12 are all good choices for sporting clays. I own one of each. The Model 21 has the style and grace of a fine gun. The Model 23 is somewhat graceful and of a very solid solid. The RBL is the absolute best value.

For about $3000 one can order an RBL with a beavertail fore end and 30" or 32" barrels. The RBL comes with Tru Lock chokes that are marked safe for use with Hevi Shot. My RBL-12 has 32" barrels, 4x wood (heavier that the standard 2x), BTFE, and vent rib, and weighs 9 pounds 3 ounces. That seems heavy but the gun handles amazingly well for something of that weight. Once I swing it I don't have to worry about "stopping the swing"! It just crushes targets that I thought I was too slow for... Oh, the $500 vent rib option is not necessary. Put that money into a wood upgrade.

PS: Since you live in RI which is close to CSMC in CN why don't you call Lou in their gun room and arrange a visit? They should have more than a few Model 21's and a RBL-12 or two that you could compare.

For a whole lot less $$$, one can purchase a nice used Husqvarna, Simpson, or Sauer (under $800) with 28" or 30" barrels; and then add choke tubes and a new recoil pad. If interested, look on-line at Simpson Ltd. in Galesburg, IL. Cabela's also has several of these lower-priced greman SxS's.

Jerry G

Jerry brings up a good point. I left out low mileage low grade Foxes and Parkers because I thought the original poster wanted competition style stocking, ribs, single trigger, etc. In real life side by side competition, good shooters using standard field style Sauers, Parkers, Smiths, you name it, score right up there with those who use full race side by sides. Some of the highest scoring competitors at the Smith-Parker Challenge at the Southern Side by Side Shoot use long barrel standard field style guns, even hammer guns.

Second suggestion of plain version of Sauer, Merkel or Husqvarna top lever doubles, either external or internal hammers. I use such old hammer doubles with 75-80+ cm barrels (about 30-33 inches) and various solid chokes for clay target games and also for all my bird hunting. Most I have paid for any was about USD1000.

Aside from finding one in excellent mechanical condition, finding one stocked such that it mounts and points and swings really well for you is main issue.

To get heavier weights will likely have to go with internal hammer doubles in 12 bore.

Niklas

I guess it depends on how much/many shells you shoot...but I'd always go with the nice older Gun...for the prettysoul factor..as long as it fits, but thats just me...like a medium pigeon or duck gun this one is only 1200$...bet you could find a lovely vintage Boxlock Extract in fine shape to fit you for 3/4000 if you look hard http://www.hillrodandgun.com/picture.php?id=12446
good luck
franc

There are almost no SxS's that can withstand heavy competitive clays use. An RBL with adjustable comb and a warranty comes closest.
The warranty just for the sake of relatively prompt repair service, as compared to the Sakaba's.