I would like to get a side by side in 28 gauge but am on a limited budget. I looked at a Stoeger upland special and really liked it but I was also considering the Spartan side by side as well. Does anyone here have any experience with either of these shotguns? Which is better?

I would like to get a side by side in 28 gauge but am on a limited budget. I looked at a Stoeger upland special and really liked it but I was also considering the Spartan side by side as well. Does anyone here have any experience with either of these shotguns? Which is better?

I have a Baikal (Spartan brand) 16 gauge side by side and like it. For the money it is an OK gun. Am not familiar with the Stoeger so cannot comment. All the best...
Gil

I have a baikal 410 sxs. It has been a very good gun for me. Built kind of "chunky" is my only complaint. But I can live with that. Thing is built very well and the more I shoot it the more I like it. Bought mine with english straight stock, Single selective trigger and ejectors. I like it if I only shoot one barrel, It only ejects the spent case. Loades shell stays put. i have had it for over 3 years and no problems. But only paid 329 for it. Good deal, I think. God Bless Steve

I have the Stoeger Uplander Special 26" in 12 gauge. It has been a wonderful gun. Perfect for point and shoot blasting. It was a little stiff in the action when I got it, but it has broken in nicely.
They are about the same money wise.

I would just compare the two and see which has the best fit for you.

Good luck with your choice.

Patrick

I got hooked on SxS shotties about 2 years ago and use a 1947 Stevens 16 gauge almost exclusively now.

My first SxS was a Baikal, in 20 with slectable single trigger and 5 chokes. it was a great gun, although "chunky" as described.

I traded it to a friend for his Stevens 311h, in 12 gauge. Now, I'm looking for a 20 again, just to have.

I warn ya though, once you start to shoot SxS, it changes your aim in relation to the width of the sight field: what I mean is when you shoot the SxS, you aim [point] using your bead of course, but you also have the width of both barrels in that sight picture also. I've learned to use that picture to lead the birds.
When you go back to an O/U, or other single barrelled shotgun, I found it difficult to acquire my proper lead again.
I thought it might just be me, but an older shooter/hunter I know well said that he has experienced that feeling also.

There's just something so nastolgic about hunting a SxS. I have a guided hunt on Nov. 5th, and once again that trusy 16 will be winging chuckar and pheasants from the sky!;)

Here are two threads I was part of with the fine gents here that might lend some help.
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=14133
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=12423
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=3997

I got hooked on SxS shotties about 2 years ago and use a 1947 Stevens 16 gauge almost exclusively now.

My first SxS was a Baikal, in 20 with slectable single trigger and 5 chokes. it was a great gun, although "chunky" as described.

I traded it to a friend for his Stevens 311h, in 12 gauge. Now, I'm looking for a 20 again, just to have.

I warn ya though, once you start to shoot SxS, it changes your aim in relation to the width of the sight field: what I mean is when you shoot the SxS, you aim [point] using your bead of course, but you also have the width of both barrels in that sight picture also. I've learned to use that picture to lead the birds.
When you go back to an O/U, or other single barrelled shotgun, I found it difficult to acquire my proper lead again.
I thought it might just be me, but an older shooter/hunter I know well said that he has experienced that feeling also.

There's just something so nastolgic about hunting a SxS. I have a guided hunt on Nov. 5th, and once again that trusy 16 will be winging chuckar and pheasants from the sky!;)

Here are two threads I was part of with the fine gents here that might lend some help.
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=14133
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=12423
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=3997

Chris,
Am an avid pheasant hunter too and use only a Stevens 5100 12 ga. How do you know what year yours is? I'd like to know about mine?
Perry

Before you buy either, look at the CZ SxS gun. Imported from Turkey by CZ-USA, it's a much better balanced gun (to me) than either a Baikal or a Stoeger.

Perry,

PM me with the letter and # in a cricle either under the receiver, or inside when you remove the barrels.