New CZ All Terrain series: Shotguns for real-world hunting

Looking for a classy bird buster? The new CZ All Terrain series of shotguns could fill the bill. The line includes a classic side-by-side double, as well as an over-under and a semi-auto, with modern anti-corrosion coating. There's only one problem: They're still hard to find in Canada, although that's changing.

The All Terrain line is based on existing CZ shotguns: The 1012 semi-auto (introduced in early 2020), the Bobwhite G2 side-by-side, and Drake, Redhead and Upland over-unders. The 1012 comes in 12 gauge, while the doubles are available in 12 gauge or 20 gauge. All shotguns come with 28-inch barrels, except the Redhead Premier All Terrain, which comes with 28-inch or 30-inch barrels. The doubles come with rare earth magnets in the extractors, to keep shells in place even if the shotgun is turned upside down. All these shotguns come with walnut stocks, as well as sling swivels fore and aft.

These should be hunting-friendly features. However, the most noticeable feature on the new shotgun series is the Cerakoted barrel. All the CZ All Terrain shotguns feature a OD Green Cerakote coating in the metal, for keeping rust at bay. It might not fit in at a snooty trap and skeet club, but that's the sort of practicality that keeps your firearm in top shape in the field. If you're worried about glare in the duck blind, with gun metal glinting and flaring birds, the Cerakote finish is also useful there.

For an overview of the individual features of each firearm in this line, visit the CZ-USA website here.

CZ-USA gave the Cerakote treatment to side-by-sides, semi-autos and over-unders.

Canadian availability?

It seems the CZ All Terrain shotguns were originally intended for sale in late 2020, but widespread distribution was delayed. Given the global supply chain issues through 2020, that's certainly no surprise. They're a CZ-USA product (not through CZ's European arm), and during the 2020 hunting season, it was difficult to find one for sale in Canada. Even now, it's hard to get US-sourced firearms into Canada, with American demand so high.

But now, the All Terrains are starting to appear on Canadian firearms retail websites. If you want one, you'll pay a premium, but the weather-resistant finish should mean these sporting shotguns should last you for years of field use.