We might earn income from the merchandise obtainable on this web page and take part in affiliate packages. Learn More ›
Relying in your tastes, shotgun costs can run sky excessive — however you don’t must drop a paycheck (or a few them) to drop geese. Within the spirit of affordability, I went duck and dove looking with Spandau Arms to check out their first semi-automatic shotgun: the Spandau Arms S2. This inertia-driven scatter proved to carry first rate reliability and efficiency at a bargain-bin value.
Spandau Arms S2 Specs and Key Options
Specs
- Gauge: 12
- Motion: Semi-automatic (inertia-driven)
- Barrel Size: 24 or 28 inches
- General Size: 44.5 or 48.5 inches
- Weight: 6.2 or 6.5 kilos
- Entrance Sight: Fiber optic
- Worth: $400 (black), $500 (Realtree APX and MAX-7)
Reliability
The S2 is the primary semi-automatic from Spandau Shotguns, a division of SDS Imports. It’s manufactured in Turkey which retains these shotguns inexpensive. High quality is maintained by a boots-on-the-ground Spandau engineer. One miss within the reliability division is the grip cap; mine fell off in the course of the first hunt and is probably going nonetheless sitting within the swamp grass someplace.
I put about three containers of shells although the S2 and didn’t have any points with feeding, biking, or ejection. The S2 is available in 4 configurations: two turkey weapons, one waterfowl, and one upland. The 2 turkey weapons are available in 24-inch barrels and the waterfowl and upland variations are available in 28-inch barrels.
Fortunately for turkey hunters seeking to seize their gun and go, the Spandau Arms S2 will begin transport in April, simply in time for many turkey seasons. It ships with 5 chokes, a plug, and a lock within the field. The S2 additionally accepts Benelli’s sample extensions and choke tubes.
Controls
The enlarged loading gate and simple to function controls make this gun easy and environment friendly to make use of even while you’re gloved up in chilly climate. The textured grip retains you in management in moist and slimy situations.
I additionally appreciated the fiber optic entrance sight, which was straightforward to identify in low mild situations.
Testing the Spandau Arms S2 within the Area
I wasn’t tender with the S2 as I mucked by some mud and moist grass towards the bow of the boat that was barely-there within the morning moonlight. The artificial inventory is available in black, Realtree APX, and Realtree Max, which suggests it’s nice at hiding grime, and simple to scrub off. It was late September in Louisiana so I didn’t hassle with gloves, however the loading gate’s additional house meant I wasn’t pinching my fingers to lodge three shells of Hevi-XII into the journal tube within the low mild both.
Lower than a minute after the information threw out the decoys, a gullible hen landed amongst his pretend pals. Although a bit lengthy for my body, I used to be in a position to shoulder the S2 shortly and line up behind the crimson fiber optic bead to make a straightforward shot.
After getting my first-duck jitters out of the best way, I used to be in a position to bag my first doves and extra waterfowl throughout my time on the plush but rustic Honey Brake Lodge, situated in Jonesville, Louisiana. I notice that one of many best duck lodges within the nation is an odd place to check a cut price semi-auto, however I figured if the shotgun can slot in right here, it could actually slot in anyplace. Straightforward to amass, assemble, and shoot, the S2 is an easy answer to getting after recreation. It’s sturdy, but not too heavy to lug round or shoulder repeatedly for clays.
I took the trusty S2 for a spherical of taking pictures clays in between hunts; it felt manageable and I didn’t have any points moreover my very own purpose. When it was time to take down some doves, the S2 carried out admirably as soon as once more, firing Federal’s HOA target loads.
What the Spandau Arms S2 Does Finest
The S2 is an inexpensive, no frills shotgun that can get you afield quick. The fiber optic sight is a good characteristic for birds arriving simply as taking pictures mild breaks. I additionally loved the straightforward to make use of controls and expanded loading gate for loading in dim mild.
The place the Spandau Arms S2 Can Enhance
Whereas this gun actually grounded some doves and geese for me, the match was finally fallacious for my 5-foot, 7-inch feminine body. The size of pull was too lengthy and it took some adjusting to shoot precisely. A bigger-bodied shooter might need higher luck. Whereas the semi-automatic provides a lighter recoil than Spandau’s break actions, I used to be nonetheless wincing on the latter half of the sporting clay’s course due to the gun’s less-than-optimal match. Hunters in my group continued to return to the lodge with out their grip caps, indicating that mine falling off wasn’t a fluke and it probably wants a stronger connection. This brings into query the general high quality of the gun’s construct. Will this gun survive a season of great duck looking in moist, frigid, muddy situations? Solely time will inform. However hey, it’s a $500 Turkish-made shotgun, you get what you pay for.
Learn Subsequent: Best Affordable Pump-Action Shotguns
Remaining Ideas
In the event you’re anxious to get looking and desire a finances gun that performs reliably, this can be a strong possibility. Girls, nonetheless, would possibly battle with the out-of-box match.