Description
There’s a moment in the field, just as the sun breaks over a Missouri ridgeline, when a shotgun isn’t just a tool—it’s an extension of your intent. You’re not thinking about mechanics; you’re focused on the flush, the swing, the connection. That’s the space a proper side-by-side is built for, and after putting a few boxes of shells through it, I can tell you the CZ Bobwhite G2 20 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″, Straight English Style Stock Black Chrome earns its place there. It’s a focused, traditional upland and clays gun that brings classic aesthetics and modern manufacturing together at a very approachable point.
So, what is it? The CZ Bobwhite G2 20 Ga is a boxlock side-by-side shotgun with 28″ barrels, 3″ chambers, and a straight-grip English-style stock finished in a durable black chrome. It’s designed for the walk-up hunter and traditionalist shooter who values handling and pointability over high-volume firepower. At $615.22, it offers a classic double-gun experience without the custom shop price tag, and it ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Handling is Where It Wins
Let’s be direct: the straight English stock and 20-gauge chambering are the heart of this gun’s personality. That stock design moves your hand back, promoting a more heads-up shooting style. It feels fast and instinctive in the hands—less about precise aiming, more about pointing. I’ve found it fits out of the box for a wide range of shooters, requiring no gunsmithing to get you on the pattern board. The 20-gauge chambering with 3″ shells means you have versatile payload options, from light 7/8 oz target loads for a pleasant day on the clays range to heavier 1 oz field loads for doves and upland birds. The 28″ barrels, with their fixed chokes (Improved Cylinder and Modified), provide a balanced swing and a practical pattern spread for most hunting scenarios within 35 yards.
Built for the Field, Not the Safe
Here’s the thing—CZ doesn’t pretend this is a hand-engered Purdey. It’s a working man’s classic. The black chrome finish is notably tough, resisting the scratches and moisture you’ll encounter in a briar patch or a damp blind. The action is clean and functional, with a single selective trigger and automatic ejectors that work reliably. Weighing in at a nimble 6.3 pounds, it carries all day without fatigue. That light weight, combined with the straight grip, makes it feel even quicker. It’s a gun that encourages movement and fluidity. While it’s a dedicated side-by-side, its manual safety and classic lines share a common spirit with other field-focused doubles like the older Stevens 555 or the CZ Sharp-Tail, though the Bobwhite’s straight grip sets it apart.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Chokes | Fixed (IC & M) |
| Stock | Straight English Style, Walnut |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.3 lbs |
| Trigger | Single Selective |
| Ejectors | Automatic |
Pros & Cons: A Clear-Eyed Look
Pros: The handling is sublime for its intended use—fast, light, and instinctive. The black chrome finish is incredibly durable for a field gun. The classic side-by-side aesthetics turn heads for the right reasons. The price point makes a traditional double-gun experience genuinely accessible. Automatic ejectors are a nice touch at this price.
Cons: Fixed chokes limit your versatility compared to screw-in systems. The straight stock has a learning curve if you’re used to a pistol grip. It’s a two-shot gun, full stop—not for waterfowl spreads or high-volume dove fields where a repeater shines. The manual safety requires a conscious push.
Who This Gun is For
This is the gun for the upland hunter who covers miles on foot for quail, woodcock, or grouse. It’s for the shooter who enjoys a round of sporting clays with a classic twist. It’s for the Missouri hunter who appreciates tradition but needs a tool that can handle real weather and wear. If your priority is a lightning-fast first shot on a flushing bird and you value carrying comfort over shell capacity, this Bobwhite is speaking your language. Look, it won’t replace your Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 for geese, but it might just become your favorite gun for everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the chokes really fixed? Can they be changed?
A: Yes, the chokes on this Bobwhite G2 model are fixed—Improved Cylinder in the right barrel, Modified in the left. They are not interchangeable. This is a traditional setup meant for simplicity and reliability. A competent gunsmith could potentially thread them for tubes, but that adds cost.
Q: Is the straight English stock hard to get used to?
A: It can be if you only shoot modern shotguns with pronounced pistol grips. The straight grip positions your hand further back, which changes the balance point and encourages a different mount. After a session or two, most shooters adapt and come to appreciate the fast, pointable feel it provides.
Q: What’s the difference between the Bobwhite G2 and the original Bobwhite?
A: The G2 (Generation 2) primarily features an upgraded, more durable finish—this black chrome versus a blued finish—and some internal refinements for smoother operation. The aesthetics and core design philosophy remain the same.
If the idea of a lightweight, fast-handling side-by-side built for real field work resonates with you, the CZ Bobwhite G2 20-gauge is a compelling option to handle. See its full details and availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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