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CZ 712 G3 Target 12ga Semi-Auto Shotgun Review

shotgun review Aug 03, 2023
CZ 712 G3 Target 12ga Semi-Auto Shotgun Review
                           

In the first part of this year, we reviewed the brand-new 712 G3 and today, we're looking at the target version, which is designed for your sporting disciplines. What are the differences between this target model and the other 712 G3 shotguns? Is it a good shotgun for the money? Let's go! 

If you have experience with the CZ 712 G3 Target, please let us know on the TFL COMMUNITY!      

CZ 712 G3 Target: 

The CZ 712 G3 Target is the latest addition to their 712 lineup, featuring several upgrades from its predecessor, the 712 G2. 

QUICK SPECS

  • 12 gauge
  • Gas-Operated - Included Gas Pistons: Light (for target loads) and Heavy (for heavier hunting loads).
  • Barrel Length: 30 inches.
  • Weight: Approximately 8 pounds.
  • Adjustable Comb: Easy-to-use feature for a personalized fit.
  • Length of Pull: Fixed at 14.5 inches (aftermarket options available).
  • Choke Tubes: Comes with five extended choke tubes. But of course, we'd recomend switching out for some Carlson's Choke Tubes
  • Comes with shims to adjust drop and cast.

TRIGGER

  • Our first impression of this trigger was that it felt crisp and good. Very minimal pre-travel.
  • Trigger pull averaged at 5lbs 8oz.

ERGONOMICS

  • Cross-bolt safety in front of the trigger.
  • Stepped-up rib with a mid-bead.
  • Adjustable comb for a personalized fit.
  • Medium-sized grip with right-hand palm swell.
  • Well-balanced but feels a little front-heavy (not a bad thing).
  • The grips are checkered with a cool-looking design on the forend grip - feels good.
  • The forend cap has a very ergonomic design for easy use.

RECOIL/RELIABILITY

  • Impressive recoil management and balance, especially with lighter target loads
  • Handles a wide range of loads, from light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads, assuming you're using the correct piston. If you're not, it will not cycle as reliably.
  • Cycles smoothly with various loads, exhibiting good reliability
  • Excellent recoil management.
  • As we shot various rounds through it, we noticed that it points and shoots very naturally.
  • Overall, everything worked fine for us - If you have experience with this gun, we rely on you to share how reliable it's been! Chime in on the TFL COMMUNITY!    

BREAKDOWN/QUALITY OF BUILD

  • Gas-operated design with a relatively standard layout
  • A few extra steps are involved in the breakdown.
  • One-pin design for the trigger group.
  • Bolt reassembly might be tricky when putting it back together, but once you get it, it's fairly easy.
  • The biggest issue is getting the bolt handle out. You have to line it up in just the right spot to get it out. Not a big deal once you figure it out.
  • Tight tolerances result in a solid build.
  • Like every gun, this one has quirks and a couple of extra parts. I trust you'll figure it out :)

SPEED SHOOTING THE G3 712 TARGET

  • Before getting into speed shooting, we took a couple of sporting clay-type shots to get a feel for this gun. This gun points and shoots very naturally like in our recoil test.
  • After speed-shooting through a couple of boxes of Federal, we came up with some speedy splits. While hand-throwing and shooting at 3 clays, our fastest time was a 1.03! We determined that Steve may have thrown a hair early, but his splits between shots were still 0.16! 
  • Notably, the point ability was super impressive for a gun at this price point.

In conclusion, the CZ 712 G3 Target shotgun is a reliable and well-balanced firearm that caters to shooting enthusiasts, especially those interested in target shooting and sporting clay courses. Its adjustable comb and other features enhance overall performance, providing a smooth and precise shooting experience. When using the appropriate gas pistons, the gun's impressive recoil management and reliability further solidify its appeal. With an affordable MSRP of $799, this shotgun offers excellent value for the money. Overall, the CZ 712 G3 Target is a valuable choice for shooters seeking a dependable target shotgun for a reasonable price.

Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we will only hit what we are focused on, so live the #targetfocusedlife 

Stay Target Focused,

Steve