I'm considering buying a youth shotgun for my daughter and figured I'd just by another Stoeger Condor for her (she's been shooting her sister's) but I ran across the Yildiz youth SPZ ME and for the same price it looks pretty nice. I know there are probably better shotguns I should be considering but on a teacher's salary, I have to pinch pennies. Any of you had any experience with the Yildiz?

I have no first hand experience with Yildiz, however, I have a buddy that has shot an O/U for the last dozen or so years (dove/quail hunts) and has had zero issues.

I have used both. The Stoeger felt better to me, still own it.

I’ve had one in 28 ga. for about 15 years and it has never given me any problems.

I would count on having an issue with a inexpensive o/u. If you have a problem with the Yildiz you just drop it off at the Academy counter to be shipped to Briley. Then you go pick it up when it's done.

Stoeger was heavy as hell and I did not like it. The Yildiz was a much nicer firearm for the price point. My cousin loves the stoeger but it just did not fit me right.

I had a Yildiz sxs and just traded it off for a carbine 44. I did like the gun and had bought it for a project. I shot it a few times, but never had any issues out of it. I’m pretty sure you’d be fine with either one. The Stoeger are a little heavier, but they seem well made also.

Had a Yildiz on a duck hunt last year. Lower barrel would not fire. Figured out it was some gunk frozen up in the firing pin hole. Other than that incident, it's been flawless.

Sounds like the Yildiz would be worth trying out. Thanks!

Take a look at CZ. It is better than either yildiz or stoeger, Price point is only slightly higher.

TriStar has several models that are good entry level shotguns as alternatives to Yildiz or Stoeger.

The Stoeger/Yildiz shotguns are around $450, and the CZ is $1005. I know I shouldn't be so tight fisted but her interest level is just not high enough to justify the cost.



I see the Viper G2 Synthetic is only a couple hundred more and is a semi rather than a double barrel. It has a 26" barrel vs the 22"/24" barrels and is 6.2 lbs vs the 5.5/5 lbs for the Stoeger/Yildiz. If I were a big shotgun guy I could analyze those differences to death but honestly my interest only involves a few bird hunts a year myself. I'd probably just be content to let my youngest keep using her sister's until she decides to take it to Massachusetts but I'd like to take them both bird hunting in December when she comes to visit. Being semis, have you had any issues with the Tristars? If so, how was the warranty?

If you get yourself a Beretta A300 Ultima you can just take the stock spacer out when you want her to use it. Those Beretta will run on lite recoil shells.

That's an idea.

Think long and hard before you buy the A300 Ultima in 12 gauge. A Google search will show non functioning issues for many buyers. A problematic gun from the start and still has issues. Beretta’s customer service on this model leaves a lot to be desired. One buyer even made a YouTube video of its issues. I unfortunately bought one for my daughter thinking if it was a Beretta it would be good to go. Wouldn’t function correctly from the start. Sent back to Beretta who kept it over 3 months before returning it. Research is your friend, buyer beware. Good Luck.

The Franchi is the Benelli's illagentament twin brother, inertia operating system and about priced with the Beretta, I own the 12 and the 20 and both have funtined flawlessly

CZ Bobwhite/Drake are 670$. I've only heard good things about them and plan on getting one in 20 gauge one of these days.

Thanks for the heads up.

I have a Stoeger 12, a Tristar 20 and a yildiz 20.

No problems with any mechanically however I am disappointed in the Tristar finish as it is a hard urethane type finish and it chips and dings with use

I have found all 3 to be practical and fun guns in the field

Look at Stevens model 555. Think it's a better option that the other two mentioned.

If you are going to carry it a lot and shoot a little, then the Yildiz is the ticket. I've had a couple over the years and still have a little 28 gauge. You cannot beat them for the price, especially with Briley's handling the warranty work if needed. Buy the Yildiz with confidence. They are a pretty renowned brand in Europe and would be here if they had more distributors other than Academy.

I have a Yildiz .410 O/U that I need to break in at our club's skeet range. I bought it because it fits me so well, and based on the running commentary on these guns in the Yildiz forum on Shotgun World.

I use CZ over/unders for field guns. I own a 28 ga. and a 12 ga., I've had the 28 for years. Better finish and fit than either of the other two mentioned.

Before you buy, go look at a CZ.


https://czusafirearms.com/cz-woodcock-g2-o-u-shotgun-12ga-28-case-hardened-blem/

Another great value is the Charles Daly synthetic -

https://www.charlesdaly.com/product.php?id=412

I'll agree with the Savage/Stevens, bought one in 20 gauge and really like it.

I have a Yildiz 410 OU. I bought it in 2006 to bird hunt with. Between skeet and bird hunting it has over 10,000 rounds through it now. Surprisingly I have not had any problems with it. Can’t really say how robust it is built. 1/2 ounce 2 1/2” shells are all I load for it. I have to say I really like shooting it.