The Enduring Elegance and Performance of the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun

Are you searching for a shotgun that seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern reliability? Do you desire a versatile firearm capable of excelling in both challenging upland fields and competitive clay courses? For hunters, sport shooters, and firearm enthusiasts who appreciate timeless design coupled with robust performance, the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun stands as an exemplary choice. This comprehensive guide will explore every facet of this remarkable firearm, helping you understand why it's a preferred option for diverse shooting disciplines and a valuable addition to any collection. When considering your next firearm acquisition, you'll find the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail and a wide array of other quality firearms readily available at DEGuns.com.

Discovering the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail: A Harmony of Tradition and Precision

The CZ-USA Sharp-Tail is more than just a firearm; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of the side-by-side shotgun configuration, refined with contemporary manufacturing techniques. This shotgun is designed for individuals who value the quick, instinctive pointing and classic feel that only a double-barrel can offer. It’s particularly suited for:

• Upland bird hunters: Whether you're pursuing swift pheasants, elusive quail, darting grouse, or fast-flying dove, the Sharp-Tail's balance and responsiveness make it an ideal companion. Its 20-gauge chambering offers a perfect blend of power and reduced recoil, making long days in the field more enjoyable.
• Sporting clays, skeet, and trap shooters: The shotgun's intuitive handling and included set of interchangeable chokes provide the adaptability needed to break a variety of targets across different disciplines.
• Collectors and enthusiasts of classic firearms: For those who appreciate the beauty and heritage of traditional shotguns, the Sharp-Tail's color case hardened receiver and Turkish walnut stock offer an undeniable visual appeal and a tangible connection to the past.
• Shooters seeking a versatile, easy-to-handle firearm: The 20-gauge platform is often recommended for new shooters due to its manageable recoil, while experienced shooters appreciate its agility and effectiveness for specific applications.

This shotgun solves the problem of finding a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and adaptable firearm that doesn't compromise on performance. It’s an answer to the question: "What shotgun offers a classic look with modern functionality for both hunting and sport?"

In-Depth Exploration of Key Features

The CZ-USA Sharp-Tail boasts a suite of features meticulously designed to enhance its performance, durability, and visual allure. Each component contributes to its overall excellence, setting it apart in the competitive shotgun market.

The Iconic Side-By-Side Barrel Configuration

The heart of the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail's classic appeal lies in its side-by-side (SXS) barrel configuration. This design, a hallmark of traditional shotguns, offers several distinct advantages:

• Exceptional Pointability: The wider sight plane provided by the side-by-side barrels can feel more natural for many shooters, leading to instinctive pointing and quicker target acquisition, especially on fast-moving game.
• Classic Aesthetics: The SXS design evokes a sense of nostalgia and elegance, harkening back to a golden age of wing shooting.
• Quick Follow-Up Shots: With two independent firing pins, a side-by-side allows for rapid successive shots, crucial when dealing with flushing coveys or multiple clay targets.
• Enhanced Field of View: The absence of an action block above the barrels, as seen in over/unders, often results in a less obstructed view of the target.

The Sharp-Tail's barrels are precisely machined to ensure consistent patterns and reliable performance, shot after shot.

The Versatile 20 Gauge Chambering

The selection of a 20-gauge chamber for the Sharp-Tail is a deliberate choice, catering to a broad spectrum of shooting needs. What are the benefits of a 20 gauge shotgun?

• Reduced Recoil: Compared to the larger 12 gauge, the 20 gauge produces significantly less felt recoil, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, especially for younger shooters, those sensitive to recoil, or anyone engaging in high-volume shooting like sporting clays.
• Adequate Power for Upland Game: The 20 gauge is more than sufficient for most upland birds, including pheasant, quail, grouse, and chukar, as well as dove and rabbit. Modern ammunition technology ensures effective payload delivery.
• Lighter Weight: 20-gauge shotguns are generally lighter and more nimble than their 12-gauge counterparts, reducing fatigue during long hunts and improving handling responsiveness.
• Excellent Balance: The Sharp-Tail's 20-gauge barrels contribute to its superb balance, allowing for smooth swings and precise follow-through.

The shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells, providing the flexibility to use a wider range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavier magnum loads for larger birds. The capacity of 2 rounds (one in each barrel) is standard for this type of firearm, emphasizing deliberate, accurate shooting.

Optimal Barrel Length: 28 Inches

The 28-inch barrel length is a popular choice for all-around shotgun versatility. How does barrel length impact shotgun performance?

• Improved Balance and Swing: A 28-inch barrel provides an excellent balance point, making the shotgun feel lively in the hands and promoting a smooth, controlled swing on moving targets. This is particularly beneficial for wing shooting where fluid motion is key.
• Enhanced Sight Radius: A longer barrel offers a longer sight radius, aiding in precise aiming and consistency.
• Sufficient Muzzle Velocity: While modern propellants minimize the need for excessively long barrels to achieve velocity, 28 inches is ample to ensure full powder burn and consistent muzzle velocities for effective range.
• Versatility: This length strikes a perfect balance between maneuverability in dense cover and stability for open-field shots or long-range clays.

The combination of the 20-gauge chambering and 28-inch barrels results in a shotgun that is both powerful and exceptionally manageable.

The Distinctive Color Case Hardened Receiver

The receiver of the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail is a true work of art, featuring a striking color case hardened finish. This traditional finishing process is renowned for both its durability and unique aesthetic appeal.

• Unmatched Beauty: The color case hardening process creates a swirling pattern of blues, purples, browns, and grays, making each Sharp-Tail receiver truly one-of-a-kind. It's a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its production.
• Enhanced Durability: Beyond its beauty, case hardening imparts a very hard, wear-resistant surface to the steel, protecting the receiver from corrosion and abrasion.
• Historical Significance: This finishing technique has been used on firearms for centuries, linking the Sharp-Tail to a rich tradition of gunmaking artistry.

This feature is a significant draw for those who appreciate firearms as functional tools but also as objects of beauty and heritage.

The Rich Turkish Walnut Stock

Complementing the color case hardened receiver is a beautifully figured Turkish walnut stock. What makes Turkish walnut a premium material for firearm stocks?

• Exquisite Grain Patterns: Turkish walnut is prized for its stunning and varied grain, ranging from straight lines to intricate burls and swirls, adding to the shotgun's visual appeal.
• Exceptional Strength and Durability: Despite its beauty, Turkish walnut is remarkably strong and stable, capable of withstanding the rigors of recoil and environmental changes without warping or cracking.
• Comfortable Ergonomics: The stock is designed with a right-hand (full size) configuration, ensuring a comfortable and intuitive fit for most shooters, promoting consistent shouldering and aiming.
• Classic Feel: The natural warmth and texture of wood provide a tactile experience that synthetic stocks cannot replicate, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

The checkering on the grip and fore-end ensures a secure hold, even in damp conditions, contributing to both safety and performance.

The Advantage of 5 Included Chokes

The CZ-USA Sharp-Tail comes standard with a set of five interchangeable chokes, providing unparalleled versatility for various shooting scenarios. How do shotgun chokes work, and why are multiple chokes beneficial?

• Controlling Shot Pattern: Choke tubes are devices placed at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel that constrict the shot pattern, controlling how tightly the pellets spread as they exit the barrel.
• Adaptability for Different Targets: The ability to change chokes allows a shooter to optimize their pattern for different types of game or clay targets, varying distances, and ammunition loads.
• The Included Choke Set: The Sharp-Tail typically includes a comprehensive set of choke tubes, commonly Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder.
  • Full Choke: Tightest constriction, ideal for long-range shots on tough birds like geese or for breaking distant trap targets.
  • Improved Modified (IM): A slightly more open pattern than Full, good for slightly closer shots where a dense pattern is still desired.
  • Modified (M): A versatile middle-ground choke, effective for general hunting and sporting clays.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Provides a more open pattern, excellent for close-range flushing birds like quail or for skeet shooting.
  • Cylinder (C): No constriction, provides the widest pattern, best for very close-range shots or shooting situations where a wide spread is needed.

This array of chokes empowers the shooter to fine-tune their shotgun for peak performance in any situation, from dense brush hunting to open-field shooting.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge is built to perform in a variety of real-world shooting contexts, proving its worth for both utility and enjoyment.

Upland Bird Hunting Excellence

If your passion lies in chasing upland birds, the Sharp-Tail is an exceptional choice. Its lightweight design and superb balance make it easy to carry through fields and brush all day. The 20-gauge power is ideal for most upland species, ensuring clean ethical kills without excessive recoil. The quick handling characteristics allow for rapid adjustments to unexpected flushes, making it a favorite for pheasant, quail, grouse, and dove hunts. The ability to select different chokes quickly means you're prepared for anything from a close-flushing bobwhite to a high-flying pheasant.

Sporting Clays and Skeet Performance

For the clay target enthusiast, the Sharp-Tail offers a rewarding experience. The smooth swinging characteristics of the 28-inch barrels help maintain rhythm on challenging sporting clays presentations. The reduced recoil of the 20 gauge is a significant advantage during high-volume shooting sessions, allowing shooters to stay focused and comfortable. With the array of interchangeable chokes, you can fine-tune your pattern for varying target speeds and distances, ensuring consistent breaks whether on a skeet field or a demanding sporting clays course.

A Reliable Companion for General Shooting

Beyond specialized pursuits, the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail serves as a highly capable general-purpose shotgun for recreational shooting, pest control, or simply enjoying time at the range. Its robust construction ensures long-term reliability, while its classic aesthetics make it a pleasure to own and admire.

Why Choose the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail? Unpacking Its Unique Value

When navigating the vast market of shotguns, several factors elevate the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge as a standout option.

• Exceptional Value Proposition: CZ-USA is renowned for offering firearms that punch above their weight class in terms of quality and features relative to their price point. The Sharp-Tail provides the elegance and performance typically associated with much higher-priced European doubles, making it an accessible premium option.
• Proven CZ-USA Reliability: CZ-USA has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing durable and dependable firearms. The Sharp-Tail is built to rigorous standards, ensuring years of trouble-free operation and consistent performance in the field or at the range.
• Timeless Appeal Meets Modern Precision: It successfully bridges the gap between traditional shotgun design and contemporary manufacturing techniques, offering the best of both worlds – classic beauty with modern reliability and accuracy.
• Versatility in Application: From various hunting scenarios to multiple clay target disciplines, the Sharp-Tail's adaptable design and choke system make it a truly multi-faceted firearm.
• Comfort and Ergonomics: The thoughtful design of the Turkish walnut stock, combined with the manageable recoil of the 20 gauge, makes for a very comfortable shooting experience, reducing fatigue and improving accuracy.
• Investment in Craftsmanship: The color case hardened receiver and high-grade Turkish walnut are not merely functional; they are artistic elements that enhance the shotgun's character and make it a cherished heirloom.

For those seeking a firearm that delivers on performance, beauty, and long-term value, the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail found at DEGuns.com is an astute investment.

Maintaining Your CZ-USA Sharp-Tail

Like any fine firearm, the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail benefits from proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and continued performance. Here are some essential tips:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially if exposed to moisture or corrosive ammunition, thoroughly clean the barrels, action, and choke tubes. Use appropriate solvents, brushes, and patches.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of quality gun oil to all moving parts and pivot points in the action to reduce wear and prevent corrosion.
• Wood Care: The Turkish walnut stock should be periodically treated with a quality gun stock oil or wax to protect the wood and maintain its luster. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
• Choke Tube Care: Always keep your choke tubes clean and lightly greased to prevent them from seizing in the barrel threads. Check them regularly for tightness before shooting.
• Proper Storage: Store your Sharp-Tail in a clean, dry, and secure location, ideally in a climate-controlled gun safe. Use a silicone-treated gun sock for added protection against dust and moisture.
• Professional Inspection: Consider having your shotgun professionally inspected every few years, especially if it sees heavy use, to address any potential wear or issues.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your CZ-USA Sharp-Tail remains a reliable and beautiful firearm for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Side-by-Side Shotguns

As you explore the world of classic shotguns like the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail, you might have some common questions.

Q: Is a 20 gauge sufficient for hunting pheasants?
A: Absolutely. With modern ammunition, a 20 gauge is highly effective for pheasants and most other upland game. Its lighter recoil and nimble handling make it a preferred choice for many experienced pheasant hunters.

Q: What is color case hardening, and why is it desirable?
A: Color case hardening is a traditional metal treatment process that creates a hardened, wear-resistant surface on steel, while also producing a distinctive, swirling pattern of colors (blues, purples, browns). It's desirable for its unique beauty, durability, and historical significance, harkening back to classic firearm craftsmanship.

Q: Can I use steel shot in the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail?
A: Generally, the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 gauge model 06403 with interchangeable choke tubes is rated for steel shot through Modified choke (M) and more open constrictions (IC, C). Always consult your owner's manual for specific ammunition recommendations and limitations, or contact CZ-USA directly if uncertain. Using steel shot with tighter chokes like Full (F) or Improved Modified (IM) can damage barrels.

Q: How do I know which choke to use for different hunting situations?
A: Your choice of choke depends on the distance to your target and the type of game. For close-range flushing birds (e.g., quail, woodcock) or skeet, an Improved Cylinder (IC) or Cylinder (C) choke is often best. For medium ranges (e.g., pheasant, sporting clays), a Modified (M) choke is versatile. For longer shots (e.g., late-season pheasants, trap), a Full (F) or Improved Modified (IM) choke may be appropriate. Experimentation at the range will help you determine what works best for your shooting style and chosen ammunition.

Q: Where can I purchase the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge?
A: The CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge, known for its superb craftsmanship and performance, is available at reputable firearm retailers. You can find this specific model, the CZ-USA 06403 Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge, along with a wide selection of other high-quality firearms, readily available for purchase at DEGuns.com. They offer a comprehensive inventory and expertise to assist with your firearm needs.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence in Your Hands

The CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun (Model 06403) represents a perfect synthesis of heritage, artistry, and modern shooting performance. It is a firearm built to be both admired and utilized, offering a classic shooting experience without compromise on reliability or versatility. Whether you are an avid upland hunter, a dedicated clay target shooter, or simply a connoisseur of fine firearms, the Sharp-Tail offers an unmatched blend of features that deliver tangible benefits in the field and at the range. Its beautiful Turkish walnut stock, the unique color case hardened receiver, the precise 28-inch barrels, and the adaptable 5-choke system all contribute to a firearm that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. This is a shotgun that will not only perform flawlessly but also connect you to the rich tradition of double-barrel shooting. Discover the timeless appeal and practical advantages of the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail by exploring its availability at DEGuns.com, where quality firearms meet dedicated customer service.

Product Specifications: CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge Shotgun (06403)

Feature	Description
Model	Sharp-Tail
Manufacturer	CZ-USA
Gauge	20 Gauge
Capacity	2 Rounds
Chamber	3"
Barrel Length	28"
Barrel Type	Side By Side
Receiver Finish	Color Case Hardened
Stock Material	Turkish Walnut
Hand	Right Hand (Full Size)
Chokes Included	5 (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Imp. Cyl., Cylinder)
UPC/EAN	0806703064035