whatnickname
Member
Feeling a bit reflective this morning. I’ve been around guns all my life. Shot competitively (rifles) for quite a few years. I understand the need and value of match grade guns. But, I must admit that shotguns have always baffled me just a bit. You can absolutely spend as much as you want on an O/U shotgun. Past some point, where the ultra high end guns are concerned, you’re buying a piece of art that is specifically fitted to you. I understand that too. What has always had me somewhat perplexed is the middle ground...the $2,000 to $15,000 price range. I have some Browning and Beretta shotguns that fit that range. Browning O/U shotguns used to dominate the competitive sport market back in the 1950s. Of course they were made in Belgium. Today they are made in Japan. But who can argue with the quality of the Browning shotguns made in Japan? And yet they are viewed as an entry level gun in competitive circles and regarded as guns of no “ real “ value...and yes, the term “real value” is relative.
Then there is the next step up, what I call the mid-range Beretta guns. I have some higher end 680 series Beretta guns with EELL wood that are as nice as a good many of the Perazzi and Krieghoff guns out there and, perhaps a bit nicer. That said these Perazzi and Krieghoff guns will always command substantially higher prices than my mid range Beretta guns. Are the Perazzi and Krieghoff guns better made, more durable or more accurate than the mid-range Beretta guns? I don’t think so. So then why are the Perazzi and Krieghoff guns worth so much more? What is there about these guns that justifies the price differential?
Then there is the next step up, what I call the mid-range Beretta guns. I have some higher end 680 series Beretta guns with EELL wood that are as nice as a good many of the Perazzi and Krieghoff guns out there and, perhaps a bit nicer. That said these Perazzi and Krieghoff guns will always command substantially higher prices than my mid range Beretta guns. Are the Perazzi and Krieghoff guns better made, more durable or more accurate than the mid-range Beretta guns? I don’t think so. So then why are the Perazzi and Krieghoff guns worth so much more? What is there about these guns that justifies the price differential?