Description
I was walking a cut soybean field last October, the sun just starting to warm the frost off the stalks, when a pair of woodcock flushed from a wet corner. The swing was instinctive, the gun came up smooth, and the first shot connected. That’s the kind of memory the CZ Drake 20 Ga, 28″ Barrel, Over/Under, Turkish Walnut is built for. It’s a no-fuss, reliable field gun that gets you out there without overthinking it.
So, what is it? The CZ Drake is a 20-gauge over/under shotgun built for hunting. It features a 28-inch barrel set, a single selective trigger, automatic ejectors, and a handsome Turkish walnut stock. At $605.73, it’s a purpose-built tool for upland birds, clays, and waterfowl that balances quality and value—and it ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Here’s the thing—I’ve put a few hundred shells through one of these, mostly target loads and some heavier 3″ waterfowl stuff. The action was tight out of the box, but it broke in nicely after the first 50 rounds. No gunsmithing required. The 28-inch barrels give you a smooth, consistent swing that’s perfect for pass-shooting doves or breaking clays on a sporting course. The chrome-lined bores clean up easily, which is a blessing after a long, muddy day in a duck blind. The weight, right around 6.7 pounds, is a sweet spot. It’s light enough to carry all day without wearing you out, but with enough heft to absorb recoil and maintain momentum in your swing.
The Turkish walnut on the stock and fore-end is a real highlight for the price point. It’s got a decent oil finish and some actual figure to it, not just a bland slab of wood. The checkering is clean and provides a solid grip, even with damp gloves. The single selective trigger is a must-have feature, letting you choose which barrel fires first. I prefer the bottom barrel for the first shot on close-flushing birds, as its tighter pattern comes into play a split-second later. The automatic ejectors are strong and positive, tossing empties clear every time.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Action | Over/Under |
| Chokes | 5 Included (C, IC, M, IM, F) |
| Trigger | Single Selective |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5 Inches |
Let’s talk pros and cons. The pros are clear: it’s a proven, simple design that works. The five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) give you incredible versatility. You can hunt everything from quail to geese with the right tube and load. The price is accessible for a true over/under with these features. On the downside, it’s not a lightweight Italian gun—it’s a bit more robust. The finish is durable but not fancy. Some purists might want a more hand-fitted feel, but that comes at triple the price.
Who is this for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who wants a step up from a pump or autoloader without breaking the bank. It’s for the new shooter looking for a first quality over/under that will last for seasons. It’s also a fantastic backup gun or a dedicated waterfowl piece you don’t mind getting dirty. It pairs perfectly with standard 20-gauge loads from Federal, Winchester, or Remington. Think of it as your go-to for dove fields, pheasant preserves, and clay ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chokes does it come with and are they compatible with other brands?
A: It comes with a full set of five flush-mounted choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F). They use the common Mobil-style thread pattern, so you can use aftermarket tubes from brands like Briley or Carlson’s if you want specialized constrictions.
Q: Is the stock length adjustable?
A: The stock is a fixed length of pull, which is fairly standard for guns in this class. It fits most shooters well off the rack, but a competent gunsmith can easily add a pad or shorten it if needed.
Q: Is it suitable for steel shot for waterfowl hunting?
A: Absolutely. The 3″ chambers and modern steel-compatible choke tubes (the Improved Cylinder and Modified are great starting points) handle steel shot without issue. Just avoid using the Full choke with steel.
If you’ve been considering a dependable over/under that focuses on performance over pretension, the CZ Drake deserves a close look. Check its availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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