The CZ Redhead Premier 12 gauge over/under shotgun has quickly gained a reputation as a strong contender in its price range, offering a blend of elegance, performance, and affordability. This in-depth review will delve into its features, performance characteristics, and overall value, helping you determine if it's the right over/under for you.
Design and Features: A Blend of Classic and Modern
The Redhead Premier embodies a classic over/under design, showcasing elegant lines and a refined aesthetic. CZ's renowned craftsmanship is evident in the careful detailing and robust construction. Key features contributing to its appeal include:
- Turkish-made barrels: While not traditionally associated with high-end shotguns, CZ's Turkish manufacturing facilities have consistently produced quality barrels known for their accuracy and reliability.
- Selected walnut stock: The Redhead Premier features a beautifully figured walnut stock, contributing to both its aesthetics and handling characteristics. The wood is carefully selected for grain and overall quality.
- Engraving: Subtle, yet tasteful engraving adds a touch of class to the receiver.
- Single selective trigger: This allows for precise shot selection, crucial for bird hunting or sporting clays.
- Automatic ejectors: These efficiently eject spent shells after firing, speeding up reloading times.
- Adjustable comb: This feature allows for customization, improving the gun's fit and resulting in better accuracy. This is a particularly welcome feature for shooters who require a precise stock adjustment.
Performance: On the Range and in the Field
The Redhead Premier delivers consistent performance, exceeding expectations for a shotgun in its price range. Its balanced design contributes to comfortable handling, while the accuracy is generally praised by users. The relatively light weight makes it suitable for extended shooting sessions, whether in the field or at the range. However, individual experiences may vary depending on ammunition and shooting style.
Pros:
- Excellent value for the money: The Redhead Premier offers impressive features and performance at a significantly lower price point compared to some competing models.
- Reliable performance: CZ has a reputation for reliability, and the Redhead Premier lives up to this expectation.
- Aesthetically pleasing: The classic design and quality wood make it a visually appealing shotgun.
- Comfortable handling: The balanced design and adjustable comb contribute to a comfortable and manageable shooting experience.
Cons:
- Not a high-end model: While it performs well, it lacks some of the finer features and refinements found in more expensive over/under shotguns.
- Turkish manufacturing: Some shooters may have preconceived notions about Turkish-made firearms, although CZ's reputation mitigates this to a large extent.
Who is the CZ Redhead Premier For?
The CZ Redhead Premier is an excellent choice for several types of shooters:
- Budget-conscious buyers: It provides exceptional value for the price, offering features and performance that rival more expensive shotguns.
- Beginner over/under shooters: It's a user-friendly shotgun ideal for learning and developing shooting skills.
- Hunters: Its reliability and handling make it suitable for various hunting applications, including upland bird hunting.
- Sporting clays enthusiasts: Its accuracy and comfortable handling make it a capable option for this discipline.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for the Price
The CZ Redhead Premier 12 gauge over/under is a compelling option for shooters seeking a well-built, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing shotgun without breaking the bank. While not a top-of-the-line model, it delivers exceptional performance and value, making it a strong contender in its class. Its combination of classic design, modern features, and competitive price point make it a worthy consideration for a broad range of shooters. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the CZ Redhead Premier is right for you is to handle it and shoot it yourself.
