CZ Bobwhite G2
The CZ Bobwhite G2 earns a best-in-class spot for upland hunters who want modern handling at a keen price — it is praised for its light, balanced carry and straightforward reliability compared with heavier, more expensive competitors. Financially it undercuts premium Italian and Belgian options while delivering competitive fit-and-finish and pointability, making it an excellent practical choice for long days in the field.
Featherweight swing
Snappy handling
Featherweight swing
Snappy handling
Review Summary
"Owners praise the CZ Bobwhite G2 for its classic side-by-side handling, crisp single selective trigger and excellent value for the money; long-term users report reliable function and good balance for upland hunting with only occasional comments about average wood/finish. Overall buyers say it performs like a much more expensive gun for field use."
Czech-made grin
Designed for long days afield with a lightweight, well-balanced build for upland carries.
Czech-made grin
Designed for long days afield with a lightweight, well-balanced build for upland carries.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The CZ Bobwhite G2 earns a best-in-class spot for upland hunters who want modern handling at a keen price — it is praised for its light, balanced carry and straightforward reliability compared with heavier, more expensive competitors. Financially it undercuts premium Italian and Belgian options while delivering competitive fit-and-finish and pointability, making it an excellent practical choice for long days in the field.
Featherweight swing
Snappy handling
Czech-made grin
Designed for long days afield with a lightweight, well-balanced build for upland carries.
Available in popular upland gauges and supplied with a user-friendly choke system.
Featherweight swing
Snappy handling
Czech-made grin
Designed for long days afield with a lightweight, well-balanced build for upland carries.
Available in popular upland gauges and supplied with a user-friendly choke system.
$1,000-1,400 CAD
Stoeger Uplander
The Stoeger Uplander is the budget-minded workhorse on this list, offering rugged durability and dependable performance for hunters who prioritize value over luxury trimming. While it lacks the high-end woodwork and tight tolerances of the Browning and Beretta, its low purchase price and simple, serviceable design make it an economical option for shooters who want a reliable side-by-side without a premium outlay.
Wallet-friendly punch
Field-ready toughness
Wallet-friendly punch
Field-ready toughness
Review Summary
"The Stoeger Uplander is widely regarded as a budget-friendly, rugged side-by-side that handles well in the field; reviewers note very good reliability and durability for the price but point out entry-level fit-and-finish and heavier feel compared with higher-end guns. Many upland hunters accept the tradeoffs for the low cost and solid performance."
No-frills grin
Very affordable side-by-side option that doesn’t compromise basic upland function.
No-frills grin
Very affordable side-by-side option that doesn’t compromise basic upland function.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Stoeger Uplander is the budget-minded workhorse on this list, offering rugged durability and dependable performance for hunters who prioritize value over luxury trimming. While it lacks the high-end woodwork and tight tolerances of the Browning and Beretta, its low purchase price and simple, serviceable design make it an economical option for shooters who want a reliable side-by-side without a premium outlay.
Wallet-friendly punch
Field-ready toughness
No-frills grin
Very affordable side-by-side option that doesn’t compromise basic upland function.
Lightweight and easy to carry with practical field stock ergonomics.
Wallet-friendly punch
Field-ready toughness
No-frills grin
Very affordable side-by-side option that doesn’t compromise basic upland function.
Lightweight and easy to carry with practical field stock ergonomics.
$850-1,200 CAD
Browning B525 Game One
The Browning B525 Game One stands out for its refined balance and durable construction, positioning it between entry-level imports and hand-finished European guns in both price and performance; upland shooters appreciate its crisp handling and trusted Browning reliability. Technically it offers a level of fit, trigger feel, and parts support that justifies its higher cost relative to the Stoeger and CZ budget models while remaining more accessible than top-tier Italian offerings.
Hand-fitted balance
Silky follow-through
Hand-fitted balance
Silky follow-through
Review Summary
"The Browning B525 Game One is commonly praised for its refined handling, excellent balance and crisp trigger, with long-term owners highlighting reliable ejectors and fit ideal for upland walking; buyers say the higher price is justified by consistent out-of-the-box performance and longevity. A few note that premium-grade wood is optional at higher trim levels."
Game-bird wink
High-quality fit and finish with attention to balance and handling for upland shooting.
Game-bird wink
High-quality fit and finish with attention to balance and handling for upland shooting.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Browning B525 Game One stands out for its refined balance and durable construction, positioning it between entry-level imports and hand-finished European guns in both price and performance; upland shooters appreciate its crisp handling and trusted Browning reliability. Technically it offers a level of fit, trigger feel, and parts support that justifies its higher cost relative to the Stoeger and CZ budget models while remaining more accessible than top-tier Italian offerings.
Hand-fitted balance
Silky follow-through
Game-bird wink
High-quality fit and finish with attention to balance and handling for upland shooting.
Refined action and reliable trigger feel suited to fast follow-up shots in the field.
Hand-fitted balance
Silky follow-through
Game-bird wink
High-quality fit and finish with attention to balance and handling for upland shooting.
Refined action and reliable trigger feel suited to fast follow-up shots in the field.
$1,800-2,400 CAD
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I represents the market leader for upland-oriented shooters seeking classic Italian craftsmanship and the smoothest action; its premium fit and long-term resale value set the standard against which the other guns are measured. Although it carries the highest price, its refined ergonomics, proven reliability and widespread aftermarket support make it a long-term investment for serious upland hunters who want the best handling in the field.
Iconic Italian style
Velvet-smooth action
Iconic Italian style
Velvet-smooth action
Review Summary
"The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I consistently receives strong reviews for its light, graceful handling, dependable action and longevity in the field; owners appreciate its classic ergonomics and reliability, though some mention the entry-level wood and finish compared with higher Silver Pigeon variants. Overall it is considered a trustworthy upland workhorse."
Clay-sculptor smile
Classic Italian craftsmanship and ergonomics prized by upland hunters for years.
Clay-sculptor smile
Classic Italian craftsmanship and ergonomics prized by upland hunters for years.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I represents the market leader for upland-oriented shooters seeking classic Italian craftsmanship and the smoothest action; its premium fit and long-term resale value set the standard against which the other guns are measured. Although it carries the highest price, its refined ergonomics, proven reliability and widespread aftermarket support make it a long-term investment for serious upland hunters who want the best handling in the field.
Iconic Italian style
Velvet-smooth action
Clay-sculptor smile
Classic Italian craftsmanship and ergonomics prized by upland hunters for years.
Balanced handling and smooth action that excel on fast-moving upland birds.
Iconic Italian style
Velvet-smooth action
Clay-sculptor smile
Classic Italian craftsmanship and ergonomics prized by upland hunters for years.
Balanced handling and smooth action that excel on fast-moving upland birds.
$1,700-2,300 CAD
CZ Sharp-Tail
The CZ Sharp-Tail offers a traditional, polished aesthetic and a balance of workmanship and value that appeals to hunters who want a more classic presentation than the Bobwhite provides. It often sits at a modest premium over basic imports but under the high-cost European leaders, delivering superior wood selection and finish for upland shooters who care about both performance and looks without stretching to Beretta-level prices.
Upland-tuned fit
Lightning handling
Upland-tuned fit
Lightning handling
Review Summary
"The CZ Sharp-Tail is favorably reviewed as an affordable, lightweight side-by-side with good balance and a pleasant trigger for upland hunting; long-term users report dependable function and easy carryability, while noting the economy-grade wood and finish and occasional need for minor fitting. It is seen as strong value for regular field use."
Tailored grit smile
Traditional side-by-side profile optimized for easy carry and fast pointing in cover.
Tailored grit smile
Traditional side-by-side profile optimized for easy carry and fast pointing in cover.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The CZ Sharp-Tail offers a traditional, polished aesthetic and a balance of workmanship and value that appeals to hunters who want a more classic presentation than the Bobwhite provides. It often sits at a modest premium over basic imports but under the high-cost European leaders, delivering superior wood selection and finish for upland shooters who care about both performance and looks without stretching to Beretta-level prices.
Upland-tuned fit
Lightning handling
Tailored grit smile
Traditional side-by-side profile optimized for easy carry and fast pointing in cover.
Value-focused build that delivers dependable field performance for upland hunters.
Upland-tuned fit
Lightning handling
Tailored grit smile
Traditional side-by-side profile optimized for easy carry and fast pointing in cover.
Value-focused build that delivers dependable field performance for upland hunters.
$750-1,200 CAD