Description
The CZ Sharp Tail is a modern, American-made side-by-side shotgun built for the field. It’s an evolution of the classic Ringneck, featuring a completely redesigned, robust action with coil springs, a CNC-machined receiver, and a fast-handling 20-inch barrel. Priced at $995.39, it offers classic aesthetics with reliable, no-fuss performance right out of the box.
Key Features
- Redesigned, Robust Action: A new one-piece CNC-machined receiver with independent floating firing pins and coil springs for durability.
- Fast-Handling Coach Configuration: Features a 20-inch barrel with fixed cylinder and cylinder chokes, perfect for quick, instinctive shooting.
- Mechanical Selectable Trigger: A reliable, user-serviceable trigger system for consistent pulls.
- Classic American Craftsmanship: Turkish walnut stock and color case-hardened receiver provide timeless looks.
- Complete Package: Ships in a fitted plastic case with all the essentials—no gunsmithing required to get started.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Weight | 6.7 lbs |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Action | Side by Side, Box Lock |
| Choke | Fixed Cylinder & Cylinder Tubes |
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of target and field loads through this shotgun, and the action has smoothed out nicely. The 6.7-pound weight balances perfectly in the hands, making it feel lively and quick to mount. That said, the manual safety is a feature you’ll either appreciate for added security or find you need to practice with to disengage instinctively under pressure. The single extractor is simple and effective, though it doesn’t kick the shells out like an ejector would—you’ll be plucking them. The color case hardening on the receiver has a genuine, old-world look that pairs beautifully with the Turkish walnut.
Who It’s For
This is for the shooter who values tradition but demands modern reliability. It’s ideal for the upland hunter who covers miles and wants a fast, pointable shotgun for flushing birds, or for the shooter who enjoys the classic feel of a side-by-side for sporting clays or as a trusted truck gun. If you’ve handled older designs like the Stevens 311 or the original CZ Ringneck and wanted a more robust internal system, this is your answer.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The new coil-spring action is a significant durability upgrade over leaf-spring designs. The fit and finish are excellent for the price point, and it comes with a usable case. The 20-inch barrel makes it incredibly maneuverable in thick cover or for home defense scenarios. It’s a simple, straightforward firearm that works.
Cons: The manual safety isn’t automatic when you open the action, which is a departure from many classic doubles. At just under a grand, it sits in a competitive space. The fixed cylinder chokes limit its versatility for longer-range shots—this is a close-quarters tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the CZ Sharp Tail a good choice for a beginner’s first shotgun?
A: It can be, due to its simple operation and manageable recoil with standard loads. However, the manual safety and double triggers require dedicated practice to master safely and effectively compared to a single-trigger pump or semi-auto.
Q: What ammunition is best for this shotgun?
A: With its cylinder bores, it performs best with standard field loads (2 ¾” #6-#8 shot) for upland hunting or larger shot (#4 Buck) for defensive use. It’s not designed for high-velocity steel shot or 3-inch magnum shells. Stick to lead or quality bismuth.
Q: Can the chokes be changed?
A: No, the Coach model reviewed here comes with fixed cylinder and cylinder chokes. This makes it ideal for fast, close-range patterning. CZ may offer other Sharp Tail models with interchangeable chokes, but this specific 20-inch configuration is built for immediacy, not adjustability.
Look, if you want a no-nonsense, modern side-by-side that honors a classic form, the CZ Sharp Tail delivers. It feels solid, points naturally, and that new action inspires confidence. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, where an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. See if its blend of old-school charm and new-school engineering fits your needs.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.