Uplander

I have wanted an over & under shotgun for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my dad had a beautiful 12 gauge Browning Citori that I had always admired. Similarly, Uncle Rob a stunning 12 gauge Beretta. I recently got the shotgun bug and went down a deep rabbit hole of gun shopping that inevitably we have all dove-in head first on numerous occasions.

My search led me through many brands and guns, and with it came a something I never previously considered. The classic side-by-side. Generally thought of as a tougher gun to shoot, the side-by-side over the years gave way to the new and improved over & under in nearly every market. A favorite of the early 18th century, the side-by-side became a favorite among bird hunters for the double barrels allowing hunters two shots at game.

By the early 20th century, the over & under gained popularity. With a single sight plane, it was thought to be much “easier” to shoot, and therefore more accurate. While this may be true, the look of the side-by-side grew on me with every picture I viewed.

After hours (understatement) of research and contemplation, I opted for the new CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate (26 inch barrels). While the standard has 28 inch barrels, I liked the idea of the shorter barrels in the thick Pennsylvania woods swinging for shots at flushing grouse.

I spent many hours searching the internet for the perfect gun, planning to have it shipped to the local FFL dealer. Somehow, the “perfect gun” seemed to fall into my lap. Early one week, I found one just a few hours away in St. Mary’s, PA. I called and had it reserved that afternoon. My friend Brandon and I drove down Friday to pick up the gun on our way to camp, both of us eager to see what the stock and gun looked like.

When I arrived and pulled the gun out of the case, I was immediately impressed with the beauty of the wood stock. For a hunter grade piece of English Walnut, I instantly thought it was impressive. It had deep, dark veiny swirls near the butt of the stock.

I loved it, and taking it out to shoot clays for the fist time only made me love it more. It shouldered perfectly, something that I was mildly worried about as a taller guy with a short(er) gun.

Here it is, basking in the sun in all of its beauty. A true uplander. With dove season right around the corner, I can’t wait to take it afield.