Silver Eagle SE17

The Silver Eagle SE17, on a South Dakota pheasant hunt.

Overview

Growing up in a premier bird hunting state, shotguns were a part of everyday life. As my taste for bird hunting developed over the years, so did my interest in the shotguns carried in the field. After being introduced to duck hunting in college, I emphatically determined that the trusty pump-action of my youth was entirely too slow. I needed to get my hands on a semi-automatic.  

My enthusiasm was quickly tempered, as I realized that the semi-automatic shotgun market wasn’t particularly accessible to a broke college student. Regardless, I made my way to the only sporting goods store available in my small college town. There, sitting beneath a large red “SALE” sign, was the Silver Eagle SE17.

The Silver Eagle brand was unfamiliar to me, but the incredible price point had me signing paperwork before the day was through. My Benelli toting roommates winced when I told them I had picked up a $300 sale shotgun from a company they’d never heard of, and they warned me that I was destined to have a bevy of issues.  Their vote of no confidence had me seriously reconsidering my decision, but after almost a decade of hard use, I couldn’t be any happier with my purchase. As I begin to carry this shotgun into yet another South Dakota pheasant and duck season, I decided a review of my favorite shotgun was far overdue.

Manufacturer Details

Silver Eagle shotguns are made accessible domestically through a company called TR Imports. As referenced in the Silver Eagle catalog, “TR Imports is the only true Turkish-American joint venture manufacturer” – a feature that sets them apart from other U.S. importers. What started as simplistic entries into the Turkish shotgun world, has now developed into a full field of U.S. offerings, including: semi-automatics, pump-actions, single shots, double guns, and tactical shotguns. From competition to the duck blind, Silver Eagle likely has an option for you.

The shotgun I own, the Silver Eagle SE17, is the brands economical entry into the world of gas operated semi-automatic shotguns. Listed on the Silver Eagle website for $417, it falls firmly into the budget shotgun category. As was the case when I originally purchased it, the SE17 can be found on sale at participating dealers for as low as $350. To be able to offer the SE17 at this competitive price point, Silver Eagle “simplified components” and utilized a “plainer Turkish walnut stock” in their manufacturing. Despite these cost saving measures, I find the SE17 to be an incredibly attractive gun that consistently draws attention and compliments at the skeet range. As one acquaintance stated, the SE17 “looks and feels like a premium shotgun”.

What’s more, I can attest to Silver Eagle’s customer service. After many years of use and abuse, well past the point of any sort of manufacturer warranty, I developed a crack in my forend. I made one call to Silver Eagle and was promptly sent a replacement forend, no questions asked. In a world of automated machine menus, this kind of interpersonal customer service and attention to detail was particularly appreciated.               

Fit & Feel

Weighing only 6lb 10oz, the SE17 swings to the shoulder effortlessly, and is a dream to carry in the field. Swivels on the butt stock and magazine cap also provide the option for a sling. Despite its light weight, the recoil is hardly noticeable, especially when compared to harder hitting inertia driven counterparts. I’ve cycled boxes of shells through it at the range without ever experiencing fatigue. If this doesn’t put your mind at ease, than the 20 gauge offerings just might.

The SE17 comes in a variety of gauges and barrel lengths, including:

-       20 gauge youth model with a 24-inch barrel

-       20 gauge with a 26-inch barrel

-       12 gauge with a 28-inch barrel

The red fiber optic at the end of the barrel offers a clear picture of the target without becoming overbearing, and the 5 included choke tubes (Full, Improve Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder) allow for owners to change their patterns based upon their field application.

As previously referenced, a plainer Turkish Walnut is utilized as a cost saving measure in production of the SE17. The forend and stock have a checkered pattern that offers both an aesthetic appeal, and a texture that helps provide extra grip in sweaty or slippery conditions. It’s not the intricate detail work of a custom shotgun, but for the price point, I appreciate its simplistic elegance.

When closely inspected, I am also pleasantly surprised at the crisp trigger break on the SE17. Trigger sponginess is often an issue I have with shotguns in the budget or mid-level price points, but it isn’t a concern here. In my eyes, the clearest indicator of the SE17s price point might be the action. When compared to shotguns at two or three times the price point, the SE17 has stiffer and more staggered bolt retrieval. I can understand the consumer appeal of a buttery smooth action, but as long as the shotgun cycles consistently, this is not a make-or-break feature for me (and one that shouldn’t realistically be expected in a budget shotgun).  

Functionality  

The most impressive part of the SE17 in my eyes has to be its functionality and reliability. I can honestly say that across the length of time I’ve owned the gun, it has never failed to cycle. When I say this, I mean it literally. After thousands of rounds and years in the field, I have never had so much as a failure to eject. From the lightest of trap loads to magnum turkey loads, the gun has never left me stranded. This is especially impressive when considering the intense conditions its faced throughout South Dakota hunting seasons. When higher end guns have refused to function, my SE17 hasn’t skipped a bit (much to the surprise of my Benelli toting roommates). This reliability has turned more than a few heads, and I have both friends and clients that have purchased their own Silver Eagle shotguns at my recommendation.  

In summary, it’s not often that you’re able to find a shotgun at this price point, with this functionality, and Silver Eagles customer service. I can whole heartedly give my recommendation and stamp of approval to the Silver Eagle SE17.

Interested in learning more about Silver Eagle, and the SE17? Hop on over to the Silver Eagle website:

Link: https://www.trimports.com/product/silver-eagle-sporter-se17-semi-automatic-shotgun-20-ga-2/