There’s one thing inherently nostalgic about chasing grouse with a side-by-side shotgun and traditional lead masses. Taking the CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate 20 gauge into the northern woods of Minnesota for an early season grouse hunt felt like stepping again in time – albeit with some fashionable conveniences like interchangeable chokes. Whereas CZ markets this as a scaled-down shotgun for smaller shooters, three days within the thick stuff revealed it’s actually a purpose-built brush gun masquerading as an “intermediate” possibility.
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Specs: Bobwhite G2 Intermediate 20 Ga SxS
Let’s discuss what makes this gun particular for the grouse woods. At its coronary heart, the Bobwhite G2 Intermediate is a traditional side-by-side with some considerate fashionable touches. The 26-inch barrels may elevate eyebrows amongst traditionalists, however spend a day pushing by way of thick cowl and also you’ll recognize each inch saved. What actually units this gun aside is one thing you hardly ever see nowadays – a 20-gauge double gun with brief barrels and fashionable choke tubes.
- Chamber: 20 gauge (3-inch)
- Barrel Size: 26 inches
- Chokes: 5 Interchangeable
- Total Size: 42 inches
- Weight: 6 kilos
- Inventory: Conventional walnut
- Configuration: Facet-by-side with twin triggers
- Security: Handbook tang
The $699 price ticket places this CZ in an fascinating spot. You’re not simply shopping for one other shotgun – you’re getting a purpose-built software for critical brush searching. Certain, there are cheaper doubles on the market, and loads of pricier ones too. However discovering this particular mixture of options, particularly with interchangeable chokes, will get surprisingly tough while you begin procuring round.
“2019 noticed the introduction of our first ‘intermediate’ mannequin on the request of Pheasants Eternally – the CZ Quail over/below. This 12 months we add one other mid-sized shotgun in our side-by-side line with the Bobwhite G2 Intermediate. With the barrel size of 26″, it merely reduces the size of pull to 14″, simply sufficient to offer youngsters and people of average stature a greater match.”
The Hunt: CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate 20 Ga SxS
Early autumn in Minnesota’s north woods brings its personal set of challenges. The climate ran true to kind – overcast and drizzly with temperatures ranging between 50 and 60 levels. My searching grounds consisted of outdated logging trails reducing by way of thick slashings, finally resulting in pine stands round small lakes – traditional grouse nation that calls for a gun you may maneuver shortly.
Working solo over three days, I actually got here to understand the Bobwhite’s nimble dealing with. These 26-inch barrels made all of the distinction when threading by way of thorny undergrowth and dense cowl. Anybody who’s shouldered an extended gun in thick brush is aware of precisely what I’m speaking about – each inch issues while you’re pushing by way of slash.
My hen got here on the finish of an outdated deer path reducing by way of some significantly nasty cowl. The grouse was working away at about 30 yards, simply seen sufficient within the thick stuff to current a shot. I used to be carrying some outdated Remington 6 shot lead masses – not the most recent and biggest, however someway good for the traditional double gun expertise. The twin triggers may appear old-school to some, however while you’re making split-second selections within the woods, that easy barrel choice makes numerous sense.
Chook numbers performed out as you’d anticipate for the early season – noticed two, acquired one respectable shot alternative, and put one within the recreation bag. The thick early-season foliage sometimes forces shut encounters, although this explicit shot proved an exception.
A phrase to the clever about searching these areas: Your gun selection issues, however so does your preparation. Put on garments that may deal with thorns, use loads of tick spray, and verify your self recurrently. The nastiest a part of grouse searching shouldn’t be the ticks you discover later.
Closing Ideas: Grouse Looking with the CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate 20 Ga SxS
After three days within the brush, the CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate confirmed its true colours. Overlook the “intermediate” advertising – this can be a purpose-built brush gun that simply occurs to have a barely shorter inventory. The mixture of 26-inch barrels, fashionable choke tubes, and traditional double gun dealing with creates one thing particular for critical grouse hunters, no matter their dimension. In case your searching takes you into the thick stuff after artful birds, this CZ deserves a tough look – simply don’t overlook your brush pants and tick spray.
In closing, I wish to say thanks to CZ for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate 20 Gauge SxS. That’s enormously appreciated. Additionally, we wish to know what all of you guys and gals assume? Would this be your go-to upland gun? Have you learnt a smaller one who may gain advantage from the intermediate design? Tell us within the feedback under!
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