My Custom Fit Shotgun: The CZ-USA Supreme Field

This past September, I wrote the article titled “How to Fit a Shotgun with CZ-USA and Dave Miller.” I’ll admit, in the beginning I wasn’t convinced a custom fit shotgun would help my clay target shooting game (which is really bad.) As a pistol and rifle shooter, I often find myself aiming while shooting clays … a huge no-no in the shotgun world. 

Sponsored by CZ-USA

Creation of a Custom Fit Shotgun

Once Dave Miller had the measurements for my custom shotguns, he wrote up a work order and sent it off to be built at the Huğlu Cooperative in Huğlu Turkey. CZ-USA and Huğlu Firearms Cooperative have had 16-year partnership in the building of shotguns.

Huğlu Cooperative
Huğlu Firearms Cooperative

The factory chose beautiful pieces of Turkish Walnut for the creation of the stocks for my shotguns. They almost look like a matched set.

cz shotgun stocks Custom Fit Shotgun CZ-USA Supreme Fields Huğlu Firearms Cooperative

A craftsman engraves the fine scroll work on receiver by hand, a detailed work of art. 

Custom Fit Shotgun Huğlu Firearms Cooperative

When my shotguns arrived, Dave and I met up at the Polecat Creek Shotgun Park in Harrisonville, Missouri. Here, he fine-tuned the shotgun (which he expected to do) by adjusting the comb. He moved it about a millimeter back toward my face. This adjustment lined my eyes up with the barrel, which is important in shotgun shooting. Think about your eye as the rear sight of the shotgun.

Custom Fit Shotgun CZ-USA Supreme Fields

Since my shotgun is custom made, it has quite a cast-off at the toe and heel. This allows me to mount the shotgun in my shoulder pocket and keep the barrels lined up for the shot. The amount of cast-off needed for my shotgun makes it almost look like a hockey stick.

Custom Fit Shotgun CZ-USA Supreme Fields
Michelle’s shotgun looks almost like a hockey stick.

As mentioned above, a custom shotgun properly fit keeps the top and bottom barrels lined up while shooting. This is important because when the barrels are not lined up, the shot stream will be off, more than likely causing a missed shot. 

Custom Fit Shotgun
The bottom and top barrels perfectly line up.

Shooting My CZ-USA Custom Shotguns

At first, I wasn’t quite sold on the benefits of shooting a custom shotgun … well, until now. We’ve often said in our firearms training classes, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” In the past I had no idea how much I struggled to get my pupil lined up with the shotgun barrel. Shooting wasn’t easy and it certainly wasn’t pleasant. 

CZ-USA Supreme Fields

Now that I have a shotgun fit for me, I’m able to anchor my cheek against the comb in the same spot every time, providing a prefect pupil alignment with the center of the shotgun’s rib. I’m able to now trust what I see and get the shots. 

Shotgun Care

Now that I have these beautiful custom shotguns, I need to make sure I take care of them properly. Dave offered these suggestions:

The bearing surface – from the forend to receiver, trunnion pin and ejector cam – should be greased every other time it’s shot. And yes, use a lot of grease; you should be able to see it. 

The action of the shotgun is like an engine; it needs oil. Also, the top lever latch and lever axle can use a shot or 2 of oil, especially after rain or sweat is introduced. 

Custom Fit Shotgun CZ-USA Supreme Fields

In my opinion, a custom shotgun makes all the difference in the world when shooting clays or birds. Thanks to Dave Miller, I’m thrilled to finally be able to easily see what I need to see and hit the clays I want to. My new CZ-USA Custom Supreme Field Shotguns have truly upped my game. I cannot wait to spend more time shooting clays or in the field. 

CZ-USA Supreme Fields

Find more about the CZ-USA Supreme Field Shotgun here

  • About Michelle Cerino

    Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore.