Description
You’re walking the edge of a Missouri cornfield at first light, the air crisp and the promise of a flush in the wind. When that moment comes—when wings beat the air and instinct takes over—you need a shotgun that’s an extension of your will, not a complex machine. That’s the domain of the CZ Sharp-Tail. This is a classic side-by-side shotgun built for the field, not the safe. It’s a 16-gauge over-and-under with 28″ barrels, a stunning color case hardened receiver, and a hand-fitted walnut stock. It holds two rounds of 16-gauge ammunition, offering a pure, instinctive shooting experience that modern repeaters can’t match. At $966.40, it delivers heritage-grade craftsmanship at a practical price point.
Here’s the thing—the Sharp-Tail’s beauty is functional. The color case hardening isn’t just for show; it’s a traditional, durable metal treatment that protects the receiver. The 28″ barrels provide a smooth, consistent swing for tracking crossing shots on upland birds or waterfowl. The hand-rubbed walnut stock isn’t merely pretty; it’s shaped for a quick, natural mount. This shotgun is designed for the hunter who values the process as much as the result, where every ounce and contour has a purpose. Weighing in at approximately 7.5 lbs, it balances forward of the hinge, promoting a fluid follow-through.
Key Features
The heart of the CZ Sharp-Tail is its simplicity and reliability. The boxlock action is robust and time-tested, with a crisp, single selective trigger. You choose which barrel fires first—typically the more open choke for a closer shot, the tighter for the follow-up. The automatic safety engages when you open the action, a critical feature when navigating thick cover or a blind. The 16-gauge chambering is a brilliant compromise, offering significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge with more payload and reach than a 20-gauge. It’s a gentleman’s bore that handles everything from dove to pheasant with authority.
This isn’t a safe queen. The finish and furniture are built for the field. The walnut is oil-finished to withstand the elements, and the metalwork is resilient. It fits out of the box, with a length of pull and drop that suits most shooters, requiring no gunsmithing to get into the field. It’s a tool that honors tradition while being completely ready for a modern hunt. Its 2-round capacity keeps you focused on making two shots count, a discipline that often leads to cleaner, more ethical harvests.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge (2 3/4″ Chambers) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Finish | Color Case Hardened Receiver, Blued Barrels |
| Stock | Hand-Fitted European Walnut |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Timeless, instinctive pointability. The 16-gauge offers a superb balance of power and shootability. The color case hardening and walnut provide exceptional aesthetics for the price. The single selective trigger and automatic safety are premium features. Its simple design translates to extreme reliability in harsh conditions.
Cons: The two-shot capacity demands precision. It’s not a high-volume waterfowl gun for modern regulations. The 16-gauge, while excellent, has less ammunition variety than 12 or 20-gauge. Like any break-action, reloading is slower than a pump or semi-auto.
Who This Is For
The CZ Sharp-Tail is for the traditionalist and the practical hunter. It’s for the upland hunter who covers miles and values a lightweight, fast-handling companion. It’s for the shooter who appreciates the artistry of a firearm and the discipline of making two shots matter. If your hunting style is more about the quality of the experience than the quantity in the bag, this is your shotgun. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable FFL transfer requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 16-gauge obsolete or hard to find?
A: Not at all. While less common than 12 or 20-gauge, 16-gauge ammunition is readily available from major manufacturers like Federal, Remington, and RIO. It enjoys a dedicated following, and quality target, game, and non-toxic loads are produced every year.
Q: What chokes does this model come with?
A: The CZ Sharp-Tail typically comes with a set of interchangeable choke tubes (often Improved Cylinder and Modified), providing versatility for different game and ranges. Always verify the specific choke system included with your purchase.
Q: Can this shotgun handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: Yes, with the correct choke tubes. Modern CZ shotguns are built for steel shot. You must use choke tubes rated for steel (usually not tighter than Modified for these barrels) and always use ammunition that complies with federal and state non-toxic shot regulations.
Ready to experience a classic? The CZ Sharp-Tail represents a return to focused, intentional hunting. See this 16-gauge side-by-side in our current inventory.
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