Description
There’s a moment in the early season, maybe chasing woodcock in a damp Missouri bottom, when you realize you’ve been carrying your shotgun for three hours. That’s when you appreciate a gun like this. The CZ Upland Ultralight 12 Ga, 26″ Barrels, Turkish Walnut is exactly what it sounds like: a purpose-built, lightweight over-under designed to be your companion from first light to last, without wearing you out. It’s a field gun, pure and simple.
Here’s the thing—I’ve put a few hundred shells through one of these, and the first thing you notice is the balance. At just under 6.5 pounds, it swings naturally and comes up fast. That Turkish walnut stock isn’t just for show; it’s got a decent grain and a satin finish that feels right in the hand, not too slick. The 26-inch barrels are the sweet spot for this platform, giving you a quick, pointable package that’s still long enough for a smooth swing on crossing shots. It’s a no-fuss tool that fits out of the box, ready for a season of work.
Let’s talk about what makes it tick. The action is built on a scaled-down frame to save weight, but it doesn’t feel dainty. It uses a single selective mechanical trigger, which is reliable and crisp. The chrome-lined barrels are a nice touch for corrosion resistance, especially after a morning in the dew. The extractors are automatic, popping the shells up just enough to grab—perfect for the pace of upland hunting. It comes with five choke tubes (IC, M, IM, F, and Cylinder), so you can tailor it for anything from tight-holding grouse covers to open-field pheasants. For the price point of $690.04, that’s a solid package of features you’d often have to pay more for.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chambers) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 43.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
| Chokes | 5x (IC, M, IM, F, CYL) |
Pros & Cons
The pros are obvious: the weight is its biggest asset, making it a joy to carry all day. The walnut and finish are above average for the class, and the included choke set is comprehensive. It’s a simple, proven design. The cons? Well, it’s a light 12-gauge, so with full-power loads, you’ll feel the recoil more than with a heavier gun. It’s a trade-off you accept for the carry comfort. The action might be a bit tight when new, but a few open-and-close cycles smooth it right out.
Who It’s For
This is for the hunter who covers ground. The Missouri pheasant hunter walking CRP fields, the grouse hunter in the Ozark timber, the dedicated dove shooter who spends all afternoon on a stool. It’s not a target gun or a waterfowl cannon—it’s a specialized tool for upland birds and clays. If your priority is a reliable, lightweight companion that won’t break the bank, this CZ deserves a long look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this gun suitable for a beginner?
A: Absolutely. Its light weight and manageable size make it easy to handle and carry. The single trigger and simple safety are intuitive to learn. Just be mindful that lighter guns transmit more recoil, so starting with lighter target loads is a good idea for new shooters.
Q: Can it handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: The chrome-lined barrels are steel-shot compatible. However, its light weight and shorter barrels make it less than ideal for sustained waterfowl hunting where you’re shooting heavier loads repeatedly. It’s capable in a pinch, but it’s really optimized for upland use.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a more expensive over-under?
A: You’re primarily paying for fit, finish, and longevity. A $3,000 gun will have finer wood, hand-fitted parts, and an action designed for hundreds of thousands of rounds. The Upland Ultralight uses efficient manufacturing for a reliable hunting-grade tool meant for thousands of rounds—which is more than most hunters will ever put through it.
If you’ve been wanting a quality over-under that won’t weigh you down or empty your wallet, the CZ Upland Ultralight is a compelling answer. See the full details on our site.
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