Description
I remember the first time I shouldered a CZ UPLAND REDHEAD. It was a crisp October morning, the kind where you can see your breath and the leaves crunch underfoot. I was looking for a field-proven over/under that wouldn’t require a second mortgage, something I could trust to swing smoothly on flushing birds without worrying about babying a museum piece. That’s exactly what I found.
The CZ UPLAND REDHEAD is a 12-gauge over/under shotgun built for the serious upland hunter. It’s a tool of fine engineering, featuring a 28-inch barrel for swift maneuverability, a 3-inch chamber, and classic Turkish walnut furniture. At 7.7 lbs., it balances beautifully in the field. This is a no-nonsense hunting companion that fits out of the box and is ready for the season.
Let’s talk about what makes this shotgun work. The 28-inch barrels are the sweet spot for a 12-gauge field gun—long enough for a clean, consistent swing on crossing shots, but not so long it gets hung up in thick cover. The chrome-lined bores and 3-inch chambers give you versatility, handling everything from light 2¾-inch target loads for clays practice to heavier field loads when you need them. The single selective trigger is crisp, and the automatic safety is where it should be, right under your thumb.
The Turkish walnut stock is where this gun really shines for its price point. It’s not just a slab of wood; it’s got a well-defined pistol grip and a classic field contour that settles right into your shoulder. The finish is durable, meant to handle the knocks and scrapes of a day spent pushing through briars and brush. Look, you’re buying a hunting tool, not a safe queen, and the Redhead understands that assignment perfectly.
| Gauge | 12 GA |
| Action | Over/Under |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs. |
| Finish | Turkish Walnut |
Pros & Cons
The balance and pointability are immediate pros—this gun wants to be mounted and fired. The fit and finish for a shotgun at this $1418.39 price point are hard to beat. It’s also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket chokes using the common Mobil style thread pattern, so you can tailor your constriction for dove, pheasant, or grouse. On the downside, it’s a two-shot gun, so if you’re chasing high-volume dove or waterfowl (where plugs are required anyway), you’ll need to make those shots count. The weight is solid, which helps with recoil management but might feel a bit much after miles of walking for some hunters.
Who is this for?
This is for the hunter who appreciates the simplicity and reliability of an over/under but has a practical budget. It’s for the Missouri pheasant hunter, the walk-up quail shooter, or the weekend sporting clays shooter who wants one gun that can do it all without fuss. If you’ve been eyeing the classic European brands but balk at the price, the CZ Upland Redhead is your answer. It’s a working gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It typically includes a set of Mobil-style choke tubes (often Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), giving you great flexibility for different game and distances.
Q: Is it suitable for a beginner?
A: Absolutely. The over/under action is simple and safe, making it an excellent first shotgun. Its inherent reliability and straightforward operation let a new shooter focus on fundamentals.
Q: How does it handle steel shot?
A: With the appropriate aftermarket choke tubes rated for steel shot (which are readily available), it handles modern non-toxic loads just fine for upland and waterfowl hunting. Always check your choke tube’s specifications.
If the idea of a dependable, classic-styled over/under that gets straight to work appeals to you, the CZ Upland Redhead deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full specs and get yours ordered.
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