Best O/U

[Feldhege]

OK After all the traffic on the topic of SXS shotguns, what are the opinions of Over/Unders? I just want one for general use. Trap, Skeet, fun, etc.

I have seen a couple of Ruger Red Labels, and Stogers that have caught my eye (and are in my price range). What about those?

I saw a BEAUTIFUL Kreighoff (?) at the gun show in Charlotte that came with replaceable barrels and a custom case. Only about $50,000.

Before you ask, I didn't pick it up.

 

[TrapperReady]

There are lots of good ones out there.

In these parts, you see more Browning Citoris than anything else. Berettas are also popular.

At the high-end, Perazzi, Kolar, Krieghoff, Kemen, etc... are all excellent guns.

In my experience, the fit of an O/U is more important than with most any other kind of gun. I've got a very nice Browning 425 which is in semi-retirement until I can have someone very knowledgable work on the stock... since my attempts at making it play nice with my face have all failed.

HSMITH swears by the Red Labels. I shot a couple rounds of trap on Tuesday with a friend who was using a new Stoeger. Next time we're out I'll see if I can run a couple boxes through it.

BTW, another "cheap" O/U that might be worth looking at is the EAA/Baikal. I have a couple friends who are serious trap and sporting clays shooters who picked them up just to see if they were any good. Both have been quite happy with how they shoot. They won't use them for extended clays shooting (since they both have $$$$$ in other guns already), but they often use them in the field. IMO, the Baikals are a little heavy and roughly finished, but seem solidly built and functional.

 

[sm]

TrapperReady is correct - try the gunfit for YOU.

I have a soft spot for Citoris , since I used a 3 bbl set for years. These fit ME.

Do NOT shoot the 28 ga Red Label ....it WILL follow you home. I am NOT responsible if this happens.

I win the Lottery - I want a Perazzi.
Someone gives me a LLBean - I'll test it.

 

[Border]

The Weatherby Orion II fit the best for me and I thought it was a great value!

 

[Border]

The Weatherby Orion II fit the best for me and I thought it was a great value!

 

[FullClip]

Have 2 Red Labels 12 and 20 guage that work fine for me. May be just luck, but when I picked up a Black Eagle semi, couldn't hit anything with it until I adjusted the stock to mimic the Red Labels.

I'm a little worried about SM's remark about the dangers of trying the Red Label in 28 guage. Have always wanted one so I'll be careful at the gun store next time.

 

[sm]

See that bunch of folks over there - yeah them. Those are folks I gave the same admonition to. See the ones with the long faces and empty wallets [ raise your hand folks - thanks] Those are the guys I specifically said in very clear concise words repeatedly - DO NOT let the wife/ Fiance/ GF shoot a 28 ga.

I " tried to told them"....see....they are nodding, not smiling .....just nodding.

I really like the Red Label 20 ga, it has a feel about it. This from a guy whom like the way the Citori fit him mind you. So a friend of mine , like yourself , has the 12 and 20 ga. One of the old gang I used to shoot with gets a 28 ga. Brings it to the range....whoosh....I run off with his gun. [ I do that]. Oh I shoot it, let others shoot it, I MAKE some folks shoot it, I get the womenfolk to shoot it.

Was not long before I got a bunch of *ahem* how shall we say ? "Dang You Steve" phone calls . I think that might be my personal best on one make/ model/ gauge ....NINE of them suckers appeared at the range.

Do I have one - heck no. Why? I had 10 folks that had 'em....if I could get in good graces I could shoot one. Usually it was a Wife or GF that would let me...the men...were still a bit upset with me.

I had a Citori 3 bbl set anyway....but still....

I am not allowed to ....err...help some folks shop for gun stuff. I help ....boy do I help .

 

[Red Label]

Believe it or not I shoot a Red Label. 12ga, 30" sporting clays version and I cant shoot it enough. I tend to have a choppy swing and those long barrels smooth me out. It looks like there are quite a few Ruger fans here but don't let us keep you from trying others out. a gun that fits is like a good pair of work boots. It will either make your life pleasant or miserable and O/Us seem to be more prone to fit than other styles simply because they are thrown to the shoulder in sporting clays unlike trap or skeet where most guys start with a mounted gun. Please try a Red Label, You can't go wrong unless it just doesn't feel right

 

[45auto]

28 gauge O/U should be mandatory in every shotgun household. If not, a pump, auto or sxs will do.

Best O/U is like talking about religion and politics at a party...when you are drinking.

But, I'll start with a big IMHO and just assume every sentence has it.

In the higher end shotguns with all things considered; quality, design, service, durability, confiqurations, availability, etc, etc...out of 10, I'd give the Perazzi-- (10) Kreighoff-- (8) Beretta DT10/ASE90-- (6-7 ) Kolar...not sure.

In the mid range.... Browning--(9) Beretta(s)-- (7-8). Rugers are quite a bit cheaper and could be a best buy. In the lower priced category, Rugers are a (9).

There are a myriad of O/U's that I think will give Browning/Beretta a run for their money if they can invest in marketing, etc. Like the Rizzini/Caesar and others. Time will tell.

Of course, if you like a certain gun in it's category, differences of 2-3 points mean nothing.

 

[Tom Held]

Red Labels

I like my Browning OUs but am very partial to my Rugers as well. I have a 12 Woodside Sporting Clays, a 20, and the 28. I took the two little guns to Argentina this spring and put 3,500 rounds through them in three days, had one misfire. The second day out I "harvested" 815 dove with the 28. I bought it with the 28" barrels and the straight stock. I also bought the full length 410 inserts from Briley. These are very solid guns for the price. Not as pretty as the Brownings or Berettas but very serviceable.

Tom

 

[Dave McCracken]

That's quite an endorsement, Tom. Any pics from the trip?

I've maybe three friends with 28 gauge Red Labels, and all are quite happy with theirs.

 

[Tom Held]

Will Do

Dave, I'm on the road right now but will post some photos when I get back later next week. The Argentina dove shoots are something every shotgunner should try to do one time in their life. It is literally spectacular, non-stop, dawn to dusk shooting or as much as your wallet can bear for the ammo.

Tom

 

[Onmilo]

I gotta add my choice of the Browning Citori as the best over/under ever made.
Good, reliable trigger system.
Tight, long wearing lock-up.
Excellent ergonomics.
Finish that is impeccable.
Every one I have ever fired hit where it was pointed, no mean feat in my opinion.

One of the best buys on the market right now are the Russian Baikal over/unders that are imported by European American Armory.
Reliable but heavy triggers.
Excellent selective ejectors.
Tight, efficient, long lasting lock-up.
Decent Turkish Walnut stocks.
Most are equipped with American Colonial choke tube system.
Good but not spectacular pointability.
Well regulated barrels.
A price that is half that of any comparable gun on the market right now.

 

[PJR]

Okay, freshly back from a quick visit to the Grand where I saw more over/unders in one day than I will in the rest of the year I remain convinced the best o/u made in the world today carries the name Perazzi.

Over the years I have bought, traded, swapped and sold a variety of over/unders and shot dozens of others owned by friends including some VERY high end stuff. I have owned Brownings, Berettas, Winchesters, a Krieghoff and finally when all the debts and obligations were met and I had some money left over, a Perazzi.

It is a simple 31-1/2" MX8 with no engraving, a fistful of Briley chokes and a custom fitted piece of upgraded wood.

Since getting this gun I have wanted no other. I can walk through any display of fine shotguns and not desire any of them (well almost ). The only problem with my P-gun is that after getting it, every other shotgun in safe didn't get out much. When the other guns were shot and I struggled I would ask myself why I was shooting this gun when there was a Perazzi in the safe. Suddenly a lot of former favorites were up for sale.

FYI, at the Jaqua's outlet at the Grand there is a matched pair of used Purdey over/unders carrying a price tag of $100,000. Purdey didn't/doesn't make many over/unders and they made darn few pairs. It was a special treat to handle them. They were on the rack with all the other guns. But to me they seemed nose heavy and didn't feel as good in my hands as the gun I have at home that cost a lot less.

Best o/u? Perazzi.

Paul

 

[Dave McCracken]

Awaiting pics with interest, Tom. As for Argentina, I have to admit that as much as I love wingshooting, after harvesting a wheelbarrow full, I'd have to stow the shotgun and grab a fly rod for a while.

 

[Skirmisher]

I love my Browning Citori O/U. When our grandson wanted to shoot skeet with us, I bought him a Stoeger O/U because of the price. He loves it and shoots better than me. The stock is beautiful and works every time.

 

[auschip]

Not as experienced with the O/U as a lot of the guys on here, but my father in law has a Wichester 101 that fits me perfectly. Not sure if the LOP is different then the others, but I feel like I can't miss when shooting it.

They even made a rule that you had to shoot your own shotgun, because I was taking everyone's money. Now, if I could find one just like his (and had the $$$ for it).

 

[Berg01]

I have a Beretta 686e Sporting that I like a lot, and I like to think I'm making some progress shooting singles trap with it. I understand that this one is being replaced by the White Onyx Sporting. I f you have a little more money to spend (@$2,700.00) the Beretta 682 e Gold is an awesome gun that I've used for Sporting Clays.

 

[TJC]

My vote goes for the Browning Citori Feather.

Although I am kind of partial to my 40 year old Winchester 101 Pidgeon grade in 20 ga.

 

[Onmilo]

OK,,,,You really can't go wrong with a Beretta, a Winchester 101 or a, God that's expensive, Perazzi.
Man those Berettas are nice.,,,,no, no, no!
I'm sticking to the Browning Citori.
Less money than an Italian gun and less clunky than a 101.

 

[BJPARKER]

Citori

I have not had much experience with many O/U. The 2 in my gun safe are a Browning Citori 12ga and a Beretta Silver Snipe 12 ga , both bought used and both pattern great. The Citori fit me to a T, has a tight lock up and just feels great to shoot- gets my vote. A note though, the Silver Snipe has less recoil, and that's a big plus.