Anyone have any advice/knowledge about some of the less expensive (under $500) double guns on the market. I have seen several models from Stoeger, EAA, and Savage, but haven't heard much about them. I am looking for a good strdu field gun, and don't much care aboutfancy etching and inlays. I am kind of partail to the side by side guns.

Bill, the only experience I've had with the cheaper doubles is the Silma. It's an Italian made gun, nothing fancy, and it doens't have barrel selectors or auto ejectors (it will extract empties just far enough for you to reach them and pull them out yourself). Everyone I've talked to likes them. Academy used to sell them for about 525.00.

I raised this question on another forum and a respected 'smith did a elaborate run down on many of the cheaper double guns. Basically, you get what you pay for. There's a reason the better doubles run 1,000.00 and up. My advise to anyone would be to save up as much money as you can, and hit some of the better, bigger gun shows. I picked up a brand new in the box Franchi Veloce 20 gauge o/u (exquisitely made gun) for $900.00. It goes for 1300.00 + at the dealers.

I just don't buy into that "you get what you pay for" thing. There are values to be had and the Stoeger Uplander is one of them. Nothing fancy but it shoots good and it is put together well. What more do you want in a shotgun?

I have a Stoeger over under 12 guage shotgun that I am absolutely in love with. It is extremely easy to point and is a quite light to carry around in the field all day with. It hasn't helped me at bagging more grouse but it shoots wonderful. I would definitly take a look at what Stoeger has to offer. The blue finish on the gun seems to show fingerprints and streak badily unlike any other firearm I have ever had. All else aside the gun is built very good, and is not fancy but will definitly get the job done. And the gun uses Winchester choke tubes, so that is even more of a plus in my book. I think I paid around 320 dollars for mine new and I love it.

KYLE

thanks to all for your input...Kyle3 I think I will look at the Stoeger Uplander, I have heard good things about them. Thanks