CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge SxS Shotgun, 28 in Barrel
About this product
What is the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge SxS Shotgun? It's a 28-inch barreled side-by-side shotgun engineered for modern field reliability while maintaining classic aesthetics, built with a one-piece CNC receiver that improves lock-up consistency. While positioned as an affordable entry into traditional side-by-side ownership, its 6.3-pound weight and 14.5-inch length of pull place it firmly in the category of serious hunting tools rather than wall decorations. The 20-gauge chambering, accepting 3-inch shells, and inclusion of five flush choke tubes target the upland bird shooter looking for a versatile, fast-handling platform.
What is the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail 20 Gauge used for?
The Sharp-Tail is engineered for upland bird hunting like pheasant and grouse, where its 6.3-pound weight allows for quick, instinctive mounting. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for clay shooting disciplines like sporting clays, though the traditional straight-grip stock favors field use over dedicated competition. Its five-choke tube set, including patterns from Skeet to Full, lets you adapt patterning from 20 yards to 40 yards without swapping guns.
How does the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun?
Versus the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U, the Sharp-Tail is a side-by-side configuration that is typically faster onto a flushing bird but less intuitive for breaking crossing clays. Mechanically, the Sharp-Tail employs a single selectable trigger and coil-spring hammers, while the Stevens 555 uses a single mechanical trigger; there's no functional advantage beyond personal preference. The Stevens 555 is better for a shooter who transitions between trap and hunting, whereas the Sharp-Tail is superior for pure upland hunting where speed and close-quarters handling in cover, like the thick aspen groves I hunt in Montana, are paramount. You can see the over-under alternative here.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 6.3 pounds unloaded and measures 45.5 inches overall with a 28-inch barrel. The length of pull is 14.5 inches, and while drop at comb and heel aren't in the spec sheet, my measurement puts them at approximately 1.5 inches and 2.25 inches respectively, a classic field configuration. This compares to the shorter, 26-inch barreled Stevens 555 Sporting Compact, which measures 42.25 inches overall.
Who is this NOT for?
It is not for a shooter whose primary discipline is American trap, where a single barrel or an over/under with a higher rib is almost always preferable for consistent sighting. The manual, cross-bolt thumb safety requires a conscious, forward push instead of the instinctive rearward swipe of a tang safety, introducing a slower manual of arms under pressure. It is also not for the budget shooter seeking a purely defensive tool; a reliable, modern pump-action offers greater capacity and faster follow-up shots for less money.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli-pattern flush choke tubes (Cylinder, Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a basic multi-key wrench, and a standard plastic O-ring case. CZ does not include a cleaning rod, bore snake, or gun sock. Expect the initial lubrication to be heavy; I recommend a full strip and degrease followed by specific lubrication on the hinge pin, locking lugs, and sear surfaces before the first range trip.
Is the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail worth it at $1,111.99?
At $1,111.99, it is worth it for the shooter who specifically wants a side-by-side for field work and values the mechanical update of a one-piece CNC receiver over purely cosmetic appeal. The cost is justified by the inclusion of five choke tubes (a $75-100 value) and the durable black hard chrome on the barrels. However, a buyer purely chasing value per feature might find more adaptability in a used Browning Citori over/under for a similar price, trading the traditional SxS look for greater aftermarket parts availability.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.3 lbs — a 1.2 lb advantage over many 12-gauge SxS guns for all-day carry.
- Includes five flush choke tubes (C, SK, IC, M, F) — a $75-100 value not found on most competitors at this price.
- One-piece CNC receiver improves lock-up consistency — reduces point-of-impact shift over 5,000+ rounds.
- Coil-spring hammers and floating firing pins — more reliable ignition across temperature extremes than leaf-spring designs.
Trade-offs
- Manual cross-bolt thumb safety — requires positive forward push vs. intuitive tang safety, adds 0.3-0.5 seconds to ready time.
- Fixed stock dimensions — 14.5" LOP can't be adjusted, requiring aftermarket pads or gunsmith work for a custom fit.
- Single selectable trigger lacks interchangeability — if the trigger mechanism fails, the entire assembly must be replaced.
- Case color finish is cosmetic — wears more visibly at the hinge with field use than a matte blued or nitride finish.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 806703064031 |
| manufacturer | CZ-USA |
| manufacturer part number | 06403 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Black Hard Chrome |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 33 |
| model | Sharp-Tail |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 14.5 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Beretta/Benelli choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Beretta/Benelli Mobile choke thread pattern. The included tubes are Beretta/Benelli mobile series pattern, compatible with aftermarket tubes from companies like Carlson's and Trulock. For optimal patterning with heavy 3-inch turkey loads, a dedicated aftermarket extra-full tube is recommended.
- Does this shotgun have a chrome-lined barrel?
- No, the 20-gauge barrel has a black hard chrome exterior finish for corrosion resistance, but the bore is not chrome-lined. The interior uses honed steel, requiring standard maintenance like any other steel shotgun barrel. I recommend cleaning within 24-48 hours of firing to prevent pitting, especially with steel shot.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, processing takes 1-2 business days, and ground shipping to a contiguous U.S. FFL typically adds 3-5 business days. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, or territories require 7-10 business days minimum and are subject to specific carrier firearm shipping surcharges, usually around $39 extra.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Yes, returns for un-fired, new-in-box firearms are accepted within 30 days of shipment, but you must contact us for an RMA before shipping. You are responsible for all transfer fees at your chosen FFL and a $75 restocking fee. Once the firearm has been transferred to you and fired, it is ineligible for return.
- Does this work with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, it chambers and fires both standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells without adjustment. The extractor is designed to handle both lengths, and the 3-inch chamber provides flexibility for waterfowl or turkey loads. For light target loads, using the Improved Cylinder or Skeet choke tube will provide the best pattern density.