NEW - CZ 712 G3 Shotgun Review: Best Bang for the Buck Semi-Automatic Shotgun?

[@davidbryan5203]

I own the CZ 712 G2 version. I've owned it for several years now and have put roughly 1000 rounds of light target loads through it with zero issues. Its also cycled a handful of buckshot and turkey loads flawlessly, so I really don't understand why the different gas pistons were necessary on the G3. The overall fit and finish is the only real reminder that it was a sub $700 semi auto 12 gauge. The bolt handle and loading gate are rather sharp, the barrel and receiver are coated in a matte finish that isn't quite as nice as a blued steel or Cerakote, and the wood is a little thin on the foregrip. Otherwise I have no complaints. I personally haven't had an issue with carbon buildup related failures either. The gun definitely gets dirty very quickly; yet in my experience, it doesn't care nearly as much as I do. It will continue cycling shells indefinitely with only the occasional light lubrication break (as in one or two drops every 300-500 shells). I love mine and it serves its purpose. It functions without complaint, and I don't have to feel bad about really using it due to the reasonable price point.

[@gemonic9103]

I have the G2 version, and for the price point and the purpose I had it for, it was a good gun. I got it to get started in clay shooting, so I put a lot of target loads through it. Initially, it didn't want to cycle heavy target loads, but eventually it got broken in and ran quite well. I will say though, it gets dirty fairly fast. Another thing I wasn't a fan of was the bolt handle because it was rather sharp. So sharp that it ripped a soft case I put it in one time, so I replaced it and the bolt release with the oversized parts that CZ sold directly. Overall, it has some quirks and downsides, but for the price and purposes it was made for, I think it works just fine. I would certainly be interested in trying out the G3 to see how it compares!

[@garyturner5706]

I have a 712 G3, the walnut version in 26”. I really like it so far. I have about 250-300 rounds through it and have had no problems at all. Most of those rounds were shooting clays with the light load piston. I took it pheasant and chukkar hunting with the heavy load piston and really enjoyed it. It is a great looking shotgun with great fit and finish.

[@raykettel1837]

CZ currently has rebates on many of their firearms including the 712 and 1012. Rebate period is 7/1/2023 through 9/30/2023.

[@rileyneufeld7001]

That rebate has seemingly extended to the end of the year!

[@chevyon37s]

I’d love to see some 1000+ round reviews on the shotguns!

[@rickbrown8865]

Won’t happen. They won’t run that long

[@Duran762]

@@rickbrown88651300 on mine and still running.

[@Noah_Trabeaux]

To me it’s crazy that you still have snow. Down here in south Louisiana it’s 85-90 degree’s and 80% humidity.

[@johnlavalette6035]

I have a TriStar TSA magnum that uses a two piston design.. The extra piston actually stores in a cutout in the fore piece just under the cap. Basically the same exact gun as this. I've had great luck with it for a number of years from sporting clays, skeet ducks and geese....

[@DtKnize]

I have a CZ 912, it's been ok for the money, it must be very clean and lubricated to cycle light target loads.

[@rayray9620]

Bout time!!! I have the G2. I took it pheasant hunting last year and mopped up. I bought a winchester SX4 last week. I will let you know if I like it better. Thanks for the review. Put some rounds through it it need some break in. :) Don't forget the Legend Tom Knapp shot a CZ 712 G2 for years!

[@wildernessjunky6056]

I'd love to hear some feedback looking to buy my first semi auto shotgun and was looking at the sx4, cz 712, and mosberg 940 pro waterfowl

[@rayray9620]

@@wildernessjunky6056 I have a cz712, cz912. and cz1012. Nice price good shooters. I have a Winchester SX4. I love it. If I was going to have 1 shotgun for everything, SX4 no hesitation. Shoots great, feels great, lite weight, great erogonmics and easy to clean. Nothing bad to say about it so far. I put the recoil pad steve uses on the SX4 for magnum loads, it was pricey but makes a world of difference. Make sure you feel each shotgun before you buy. You know the right one once you shoulder it.

[@wildernessjunky6056]

@@rayray9620 thank you so much for taking the time to provide a thoughtful and detailed response. I appreciate it alot beat of luck shooting!

[@rayray9620]

@@wildernessjunky6056 You too!

[@colethornberry3581]

I love my cz 1012 not a single issue and i don't have to worry about switching a piston.

[@pigsden7971]

I have a G2. First got it and it wouldn't more than a shot or two without jamming. Sent it back and they replaced a few parts and haven't had man, if any jams. As far as shells, I have only shot skeet loads, light and heavy dove loads and no issues at all. I really like the changes, especially the safety. The safety on the G2 is very tough to push, I feel like it should loosen up eventually, but it is hard enough I have thought about sending it back to them.

[@markbucher7609]

Good review Steve. Totally agree with you regarding the dual pistons. Shooting clays, light piston. Waterfowl, heavy. Seems to me that CZ had created a winner here.

[@ericthatcher3462]

Owned three Gen 2 712 Targets and shot a lot of trap and skeet with them. Certainly cheap enough to buy. My first broke after about three years. The second was junk right out of the box and I sent it back. The third was the best of the bunch. They are the dirtiest guns I have e er encountered with extreme carbon deposits accumulating after every visit to the range shooting 50 to 200 rounds per time. The carbon uild up was extreme and extended throughout the mechanism beneath the forerm requiring extensive cleaning after each trip to the range. If you are serious about Trap and skeet spend more money and buy something else. If you want a semi auto buy a Browning, Remington 1100 or a Beretta A400 which I own and like a great deal the Beretta may have the best and cleanest shooting gas operated system on the market. While these guns new will serve you ba k around three times the price of the CZ the difference in reliability, quality, comfort, fit and performance is worth it.

[@base72588]

Problem with CZ is the two camo guns they make they only offer in 28" Some people like myself just prefer 26" and are not comfortable with 28" almost 30 after you add the choke.

[@MrHubbard738]

Hey are you and your brother going to be south of Branson Missouri this spring. My son and I met you too doing a show at the Bass Pro shooting complex. And I enjoyed the visit. We go there often living in central Mo. Hope to see you guys again.

[@AJ-cn1xy]

I have the CZ 712 G2, jams like crazy shooting sporting clays. I'm shooting Federal 12gauge 1 1/8oz 1255fps 3 1/4 dram. Out of 50 birds, will fail to feed or extract or both about half the time. I keep it clean, lubricated, and o-ring in good condition.

[@twentyonehertz]

sounds like a really bad gun to use for that then, I couldn't be paying to shoot clays and deal with that, no way.

[@StephenSennett]

I picked up the G3 26” barrel last season. Great gun overall. But… Too heavy for quail/chukar days. Safety location doesn’t work for my preference. Bottom of the receiver has a sharp edge which rubs my finger raw. All minor issues, but enough to make me put it away for the season after 3 outings. Gun fits me the best of all my options. Packaging was top tier (hard plastic case, fabric bags instead of plastic). Long way around the barn of saying I wish this one worked out better for me, but still would recommend for others

[@duckbrian7973]

I would definitely agree. Very good for the price point. I was thinking, excellent for a good first semi auto, might have a tight budget b/c of current situation.

[@rowdytitan]

CZ makes damn good shotguns, I've had my 1012 for two seasons of dove and it absolutely rips. What other gun maker will also include 5 chokes for under 1k and shoot that well?

[@stevencaldwell838]

Lookin like you’ve been enjoying the CZ line of firearms? I must say, your video on the CZ Sharptail 20 gauge sold me… I’m gonna keep my eye on the CZ lineup for sure! I hear the All Terrain under over is a winner too!

[@Gunrunner223]

The late great Tim Knapp shot CZ at the end of his career. He smoked with it!

[@scottwinkle5503]

Great video. Looks like an interesting gun. I am a big fan of my CZ Drake 20 gauge. It is not fancy, but it is light weight and very handy.

[@Ranger.Vt.]

For the $ it’s pretty hard to beat the Beretta A300 Ultima when it comes to gas operated shotguns.

[@vincebelmonte7710]

All the way 👍

[@underthetrees4780]

I saw SX4s going for $769, that's a legit competitor.

[@kemalersintektas6585]

Hello from England 🇬🇧

[@ChristCast777]

I wish y’all had rights over there brother, it hurts my heart to see y’all at the point of cops showing up at peoples houses for memes

[@TheFlyingFatMan]

Good review. Love the details, and adding the drop and grip references as it sits. I've seen a number of guns way off of manufacturer's advertised specs.

[@sprayandprayhunting5711]

love the vids. vids ideas 20vs 20g inertia vs gas, 12g vs 20g and review of huglu veyron 🔥🔥

[@Gettysburg2013]

The Retay Gordion is the best bang for the buck out there. Need to see a review on it!

[@thetraveler5798]

Good Accurate and Honest Review Not bad @ all, for d range price 😎👍👍👍

[@tipfro2]

I’d like to see you do a Belgium Browning A12. Not by any means new obviously but interested to see your thoughts.

[@tipsyrippers]

I didn’t know CZ shotguns where so affordable only really familiar with there rifles. Great video keep them coming !!

[@tomswan3805]

The shotguns are re-branded Huglus out of Turkey. Not anything close to the quality of their rifles and pistols

[@paulwhite216]

I've had 2 cz 920s and I think that they are nothing but scrap iron,had trouble with the first one not ejecting shells and now the second one is doing something but there is one thing that cz has Goin for them is the warranty dept,it is great.the first cz 920 I had they replaced with a new gun but now the new gun has the same problem, needless to say I think cz and I are done

[@wwisaacson4807]

One one of my grandsons has a G2 and he loves it for turkey, and waterfowl. He shot it today at clays and didn't have any failures to feed.

[@parkerm2752]

Loved the video waiting for the 3020!

[@ThatGuy-kf7fo]

Nice review. Makes me wanna try one of these.

[@tomswan3805]

I have the G2 Utility version. Very dirty shooting and a paint to put back together after cleaning. Doesn't look like that changed with the G3

[@jpuck1238]

I’m looking to buy a browning cynergy wicked wing Id love to see a review of that if possible

[@johnmarkharris]

How about a review of the 720?

[@redsteam1]

Remington V3, two pistons, shell determines the amount of gas to send them. Sad it's all over. I love my walnut V3!

[@losethealtitude7730]

What happened to the v3? Discontinued?

[@redsteam1]

@@losethealtitude7730 production stopped when Remington was broken up and sold. RemArms hasn't brought it back to life yet.

[@scottmclemore7034]

The V3 is back

[@redsteam1]

Thanks Scott!!! I hadn't heard yet

[@BradleyGarnes-q8e]

Awsome gun love mine

[@jimjulius7802]

Thank you for doing this review! Very helpful. Is it true that the shell capacity is only 3+1?

[@miklm]

Most are. You only load 1 for trap, 2 for skeet/sporting, and 3 max for any bird hunting. The only time you would use more is conservation goose and you’d need a big extension tube anyway for that. So what’s the issue with 3+1?

[@jimjulius7802]

@@miklm I have always had 4+1. Nice to have for pheasant hunting when you get into a large group of birds.

[@birkanalismibulamadim]

Up to 7+1 magazines available

[@arthursmits2706]

I’d really like to see a review on the Browning superlight. I know you have a browning 725 26 in barrel. The real question is the straight English stock faster then the standard pistol grip??? Tennessee quail hunters wanna know hook a group of vets up. We are big fans

[@Enjoylife-2000]

What’s the difference between this gun and the g2 1012?

[@Checo1]

Is this a good option for clay shooting and dove hunting?

[@antondahl8945]

hey ive enjoyed mine on doves! looking forward to duck and deer season. it patterns buckshot so well

[@antondahl8945]

i have the 712 g2

[@antondahl8945]

which i prefer over the g3

[@danlanan5105]

Any reviews coming up on the Retay

[@vincebelmonte7710]

Beretta 300 A

[@Checo1]

I am new to shotguns, I know that with bolt rifles when the trigger is not very good there are aftermarket options to replace or improve it, is this also possible with shotguns?

[@dave_724]

Looks good i wander who makes it a step up rib would be nice a lot of the guns you get in the USA are just turkish rebranded guns

[@miklm]

Pretty sure they used to be made by Huglu (in Turkey for sure), not sure if that’s still correct.

[@danwong1023]

Think your right. Huglu Renova semi inertia shotgun is basically a CZ 1012!

[@seansmith2744]

I have the 712 utility g2. I like the gun. Use it for predator hunting and upland. It doesn't always cycle the light loads. I have better luck with Federal. The Winchester ammo doesn't cycle in a couple of my autos

[@mitchelljimenez7124]

Bought one a year ago to many problems.. sold it .

[@jss8494]

What happened to scoring the guns?

[@mikediridoni8855]

Would like to see the grisan mc312 let's goooooooooo

[@Gunnut10mm]

Hard to compete at that price range. I have 3 main questions still that you may or may not be able to answer. 1. How does it hold up over time? In terms of wear from shooting and wear from just being used. I remember finishes that would wear off quickly on budget guns it's a big place money is saved traditionally. After a few years use a Remington express finish from back in the day would start very minor rusting from rain or snow on the gun before I had time to clean it after getting home from a hunt in the matter of a few hours. 2. Does it keep going even though it gets dirty quickly? Will it need cleaned up some every 100 rounds or so or will power through 5 cases of shells just fine? 3. It looks like it's going to need cleaning after most trips out how easy is it to clean the needed components? Can you pull the forend and wipe it down with just the forend off? Does gas residue get back into bolt and receiver and build up there as well? How does that relate to finish and metal quality in the gas system many gas guns now only need really simple cursory cleaning regularly guns like the A400 comes to mind here. Where the older gas guns like the Remington 1100 and 11-87 and Mossberg 9200 need to be cleaned fastidiously on a regular basis to keep them going well.

[@thaddeusmedvedich]

I am planning on buying a stoeger m3020 and I like do see your review on it cuz your reviews are very accurate

[@martinpm5353]

Try the ATA NeoX

[@njcranes]

vs the Stoeger M3020 (or 12ga version)?

[@tjs792]

Keep an eye on the Benelli they will make better guns in the future,

[@valveneul3958]

I want to buy this for my first gun, I have fond memories of acts and proving this firearm a couple months ago. Look forward to go duck hunting with it

[@rayray9620]

Save up and get a winchester sx4. I have both and I prefer the winchester.

[@jasonhovland1274]

Gotta spend some money at Reeds in a couple weeks.

[@winterlounge]

Aren't CZ shotguns made in Turkey? Wonder who makes this one for them. Their 612 is made by Akkar. It's been a good pump gun.

[@rayray9620]

Huglu of Turkey makes them.

[@michaelbettencourt7392]

Remington v3 review please

[@TargetFocusedLife]

It’s already filmed. Coming soon!

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Please note: "Verse" is a noun. "Versus" is a comparative adverb.

[@hydro1581]

I wish it had a 3.5 chamber

[@DoItYourselfRC]

I’d really like to see 500-1000 shells put through these guns and see how they hold up…TFB tv has proven that most of these cheap Turkish guns don’t hold up well to real world round counts. I have a tri star raptor that was great for about 500 shells and now has developed a crack in the receiver.

[@CCH-R]

The new CZ shotguns are good for the money. I have a redhead over under with 4000 shells and it’s been perfect

[@DoItYourselfRC]

Oh yeah I’m sure CZ wouldn’t put out junk, I just think it would be interesting to see how different guns hold up to the abuse and see what common failures could be expected from the guns

[@joshuameade8953]

My 1012 was absolutely garbage hopefully this one is better

[@Medical.Technical.Engineer]

Super magnum or magnum❤

[@brianmiller2739]

Seems like your scrutinizing this gun a little more than others....dont remeber going through different ammo with 940 pro or other guns

[@Macdaddy22713]

Kinda weird how a gun coming out in 2023 needs two pistons for high power and low power loads when other systems have cycled both for decades

[@RaininDrakes]

Charles Daly 601

[@takuroshinji2445]

Could you do a video on which is best for competition and trick, a tang safety or a rear button safety or a forward button safety. Thank you.

[@pedrojsanchezalvarado5569]

Muy elegante arma belleza

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

Sx4 is

[@pedrojsanchezalvarado5569]

Q arma para belleza

[@alexandercluster3003]

Who wants a gun you need to change pistons between uses? CZ has it going on with the doubles. I personally wouldn’t touch one of their semi auto offerings. Nothing worse than being in the duck blind with a dud gun. We all been there also. I can also think of a grey area. That would be Pheasant hunting. Depending on the birds sometimes you like heavy loads sometimes you can get away with lighter stuff. Like to carry both options on me. Like Steve says though just my opinion.

[@Zat77]

Avoid CZ shotguns. Bought one brand new, it was defective, CZ CS told me it would take 10-12 months to replace. You can't be serious !

[@rickvann3489]

Just a Stoger

[@theblishknovk]

Huglu

[@Nathanpnw]

top 15th comment

[@صقرالجاسم-س7ش]

♥️♥️

[@pedrojsanchezalvarado5569]

🇪🇨🇪🇨👍🤝

[@صقرالجاسم-س7ش]

liLvyo

[@rickvann3489]

Another gun from Turkey... I'll take American made

[@rayray9620]

Tell me one that is American made? Most are made oversees and assembled here.

[@rickvann3489]

@@rayray9620 mossberg 500

[@rayray9620]

@@rickvann3489 Pump not an auto.

[@rickvann3489]

@@rayray9620 mossberg 940

[@rayray9620]

@@rickvann3489 940 is a nice gun. One thing stopped me from getting it. Safety Position. I just couldn't love it. I'm picky. Winchester SX4 is my go to.