Description
The Moss Silver Reserve II Side by Side EXT 20ga 26″ CT5 3″ Black Walnut Finish is a modern, budget-conscious side-by-side shotgun designed for upland hunting and sporting clays. It offers classic double-barrel aesthetics and handling with contemporary manufacturing for reliability, all at an accessible price point of $877.10. I’ve put a few hundred target and field loads through one, and it’s a solid entry into the side-by-side world without the custom shop price tag.
Key Features at a Glance
- Classic Side-by-Side Configuration: Twin 20-gauge barrels for fast, instinctive pointing and a timeless profile.
- Black Walnut Finish Stock & Forend: Provides a handsome, traditional look that stands out from synthetic.
- 26-inch Barrels with 3″ Chambers: A nimble, quick-handling length ideal for woods and fields, handling everything from light 2.75″ target loads to 3″ magnums.
- Manual Safety & Selective Single Trigger: The single trigger lets you choose which barrel fires first—ideal for pairing different chokes.
- Five Choke Tube Set (CT5): Includes Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes, giving you versatility for different game and ranges.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 42.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs |
| Chokes | 5 (IC, M, F included) |
| Trigger | Selective Single |
| Stock | Black Walnut Finish |
Who This Shotgun Is For
Look, this isn’t a bespoke London gun. It’s for the hunter or shooter who appreciates the elegance and handling of a side-by-side but needs a practical, working firearm. It’s perfect for the Missouri grouse or quail hunter working tight cover, the new shooter wanting a classic first double, or the clay shooter looking for a fun change of pace from their over-under. The manual safety and simple mechanics make it a great choice for those who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss firearm. At just under 7 pounds, it carries all day without fatigue, a real benefit when you’re covering ground.
Pros & Cons From the Field
Pros: The price is the biggest win—getting into a new side-by-side under $900 is rare. The walnut has a decent finish for the class, and the 26-inch barrels make it incredibly fast and lively in the hands. The included choke system is a huge value-add. I found it to be drop-in ready—no gunsmithing required to start shooting. It’s a simple, honest tool.
Cons: The action won’t be as silky-smooth as a high-end double out of the box (a little dry-fire cycling helps). The single trigger is a plus for some, but purists might miss double triggers. The 20-gauge is versatile, but if your primary use is waterfowl with heavy steel, you might want a 12-gauge model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chokes does it come with, and are they interchangeable?
A: It comes with a set of five choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full are standard). They use a common thread pattern, so aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson’s or Trulock will fit if you want specialized constrictions.
Q: Is this a good shotgun for a beginner?
A: Yes, with a caveat. The side-by-side platform is simple and teaches fundamentals well. The manual safety is clear, and the single trigger is less complex for a new shooter than a selective trigger on some over-unders. That said, its lighter weight means recoil with heavier loads is more noticeable than with a heavier gun.
Q: Can it handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: With the provided Modified or Full choke tubes, it is rated for steel shot. Always check the choke tube itself for markings. For sustained waterfowl use, I’d recommend dedicated steel-compatible tubes, but for occasional use, the factory tubes are just fine.
So, is the Moss Silver Reserve II the one? If you’ve been wanting the classic feel of a side-by-side without a five-figure investment, this Turkish-made workhorse is a compelling option. It brings tradition into a practical, shootable package that won’t gather dust. You can find the Moss Silver Reserve II Side by Side EXT 20ga 26″ CT5 3″ Black Walnut Finish available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See if its balance and classic lines speak to you.
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