Baikal shotguns

[PI Rob]

Hi,
I need some opinions and/or experiences about these shotguns. I was looking at a 12ga O/U today (thinking about shooting clays with it)and it seemed nice, but I haven't heard anything about them. Also, are there any benefits to O/U vs. side by side or is it just personal preference?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Hoser]

A guy I shoot IPSC and Sporting Clays (here in Colorado) with has one. He really likes it and never misses an opportunity to say "My gun cost four times less what yours did...." But then again, parts and screws dont just fall off mine either.

I think they are blockers. They look good from a block away.

Here is a link to some discussion. http://brianenos.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=15759

 

[461]

My Trap gun is a Baikal, and I've been putting a few hundred rounds a week through it for the better part of a year with no problems or malfunctions at all.

Fit and finish are indeed rough, but I really don't care as long as the birds break.

 

[Smoke]

I fondled a Baikal O/U last Sunday at the local gunshop. Then they handed me a Stoeger O/U.

THere wasn't $20.00 difference on the price but the fit and finish on the Stoeger was miles above the Baikal.

Handle both see what you think. Neither compared to higher end guns, but between the two I'd pick the Stoeger.

Smoke

 

[PI Rob]

Thanks everyone for the responses. What about the O/U vs. SXS issue? I think I like the O/U better, but I don't want to miss out on anything. Any help?

 

[Okiecruffler]

Once again, if God would have meant for us to shoot an O/U, He'd have put our eyes that way.

 

[sm]

Damn - I knew Okie was gonna say that...

please pass the paper towels ....

 

[Okiecruffler]

Sorry, I'm getting predictable

At least I refrained from suggesting which SXS he should get.

 

[Smoke]

I'm kinda with Okie on that issue. I just like the look and feel of a SXS better. Oddly I can shoot mine better too. No reasoning other than fit.

If My O/U fit better, I'd probablylike it equally if not more.

Smoke

 

[Dave McCracken]

First, despite the proclamations of the Side By Side Mob and/or the Over/Underistas, neither style shows a clear all around advantage. I've owned and shot wonderful examples of both, and neither made me miss resistant.

SxS shotguns make wonderful field guns, but few survive in the bright lights of registered competition.The narrower line of the O/Us in our peripheral vision may lead to more precise pointing.

Baikals have the rep of being tough but ugly. IMO, they just do not worry about esthetics, kinda like Ziv cars.

For heavy use, I don't think either the Baikals or the Stoegers will hold up under the pounding a clays gun gets.OTOH, one shotgunner I know slightly replaces a few parts on his Beretta every 80K rounds whether they need it or not.

Of course, shooting a $400 gun to pieces over say, 20K rounds then buying another $400 gun beats buying a Kolar for $10K and sending it back to the factory every 25K shells, at least economically.

 

[anapex]

I have a Baikal O/U in 12ga that does pretty good for me. It doesn't get out as much since I picked up my Win 1200 in 20ga but it does good when I do shoot it. I have a couple hundred rounds through it and so far nothing has fallen off yet (It probably will now though since I just jinxed myself).

 

[sm]

The old saying is - O/ U for registered birds and SXS for eating birds.

ME - I have proven time and time again - I can miss with any of them. They ever start giving style points for missing - watch out !

I have handled and shot a few of these guns like Bakail and such... one hits what pointing at - stuff falls.

I am a hopeless , sentimental ,Relic ... ya'll knew that already - huh?

 

[PI Rob]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Which ever gun I buy won't see alot of use in the immediate future. My work load is insane and the only trap club in town doesn't have an answering machine and I can't get anyone to answer the phone, if that tells you anything. I'm just learning how to shoot clays, so I can't see forking over a ton of moola right now. I'm still trying to handle a variety of guns around town, but I'm still leaning toward an O/U. The few that I've handled have felt pretty good. The popular concensus around here is the O/U. They seem to be plentiful in some gun stores. I'll let you know what I finally buy.
Thanks,
Rob