Description
You’ve been there. The sun’s just breaking over the Missouri timber, your boots are soaked with dew, and a covey flushes. You shoulder your gun—a heavy, old clunker—and by the time you’re on target, the birds are gone. That moment of fatigue-induced hesitation is exactly what the CZ Upland Ultralight 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, Blue Finish, Turkish Walnut Stock, 5 Choke Tubes is built to eliminate. This isn’t a luxury item; it’s a practical tool designed to give budget-conscious hunters a serious advantage in the field without a serious hit to the wallet.
So, what is it? The CZ Upland Ultralight is a 12-gauge, over-and-under shotgun built for the walking hunter. It combines a lightweight alloy receiver with a 28-inch barrel set, a classic blue finish, and a hand-checkered Turkish walnut stock to deliver a reliable, well-balanced shotgun that won’t wear you out by noon. It comes with five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) for versatility across game and clays, all for a price that makes quality over-and-under performance surprisingly accessible.
Key Features: Where the Value Shows Up
Let’s talk weight—or the lack of it. The alloy receiver is the key here, shaving crucial pounds off the scale. Weighing in at just about 6.3 pounds, this gun feels lively in your hands. That lightness translates directly to less arm fatigue during long walks and faster, more instinctive swings on crossing shots. You carry it all day, you shoot it better. It’s that simple.
The Turkish walnut stock is a standout at this price point. While it’s not exhibition-grade, it offers genuine wood with hand-cut checkering, providing a secure grip that synthetic stocks often lack. Paired with the deep, traditional blue finish on the barrels, the Upland Ultralight presents a classic aesthetic that belies its sub-$700 price tag. Here’s the thing—you get a gun that looks and feels like a serious hunting companion, not a disposable tool.
Versatility is baked in with the five included CZ (Huglu-pattern) choke tubes. From tight patterns for late-season geese to open spreads for close-in quail, you’re covered. The 28-inch barrels are a sweet spot, offering a smooth swing for wing shooting without being unwieldy in a blind. The single selective trigger and automatic safety are drop-in ready and function reliably, requiring no gunsmithing to get you from the box to the field. This shotgun is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including chokes and cases from brands like Carlson’s and Briley that support the common Huglu/CZ thread pattern.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chambers) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.3 lbs |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
| Chokes | 5 (C, IC, M, IM, F) |
| Action | Over & Under |
Pros & Cons: The Honest Trade-Offs
Pros: The obvious pro is the weight-to-price ratio. Finding a sub-6.5 lb over-and-under for under $800 is rare. The inclusion of five chokes adds immediate value. The fit and finish, particularly the wood-to-metal fit, are consistently good for the class, and the classic looks are a big plus for traditionalists.
Cons: To hit this price and weight, CZ uses an alloy receiver. While perfectly strong for decades of standard hunting loads, it may not have the heft or perceived durability of a steel receiver for someone who puts down tens of thousands of target rounds a year. The gun is designed for hunting, not the skeet range marathon.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the ideal first over-and-under for the upland hunter or the waterfowler who does a lot of walking. If you’re moving up from a pump or autoloader and want the balance and simplicity of a break-action without a four-figure investment, this is your candidate. It’s also a fantastic dedicated gun for Missouri pheasant, quail, and dove hunters who value a light carry above all else. At $697.09, it sits in a compelling spot between budget pumps and high-end European imports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this gun suitable for clay sports like skeet or sporting clays?
A: It can certainly be used for casual clay shooting, and the choke tubes allow for it. Its light weight is a benefit for hunting but can lead to more felt recoil with high-volume target loads compared to a heavier target-specific gun. For a few rounds a week, it’s fine. For a 500-round weekend, you might want something heavier.
Q: What is the barrel regulation like? Do both barrels shoot to the same point?
A: CZ’s quality control on barrel regulation is generally good for hunting purposes. Most users find the point of impact between the two barrels to be consistent enough for reliable field shooting at typical upland and waterfowl ranges.
Q: How does the finish and wood hold up to rough weather?
A: The blue finish is decent but can show wear with heavy use. The walnut stock benefits from a regular application of a good stock wax to protect it from moisture. It’s a hunting gun meant to be used, so expect it to develop honest character—it’s not a safe queen.
Ready to lighten your load? The CZ Upland Ultralight offers a clear value proposition for the active hunter. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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