First, one and only O/U shotgun

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Katitmail

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Not sure if it's doable or not.. I want shotgun which I can carry in a woods, do some casual skeet or trap shooting. Do wing shooting. Kind of hunting/sporting.

I'm set on 26-28" O/U just by reading all I can.

Thats why I posted topic: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=765582

My rationale was to have something, go out and see how it works. Then I can get some experience, meet people, see what works, etc. Even knowing what "fits" me will be possible after I have some experience. Correct? I was thinking that buying cheap-er gun I can practice, figure out what I need if I ever need it and move up. I can always sell, and even if I loose couple hundred dollars - no big deal, it's a practice..

On the other hand - I'd like to have nice shotgun. Decent looking, reliable, etc. I can spend closer to $2k on one. Hopefully this money can get me something...

I can't "handle" them all to see if they fit me. Yes, I went to Dick's, handled Beretta, Browning O/U, they have some other brand for $650. Yes, might look not as fancy but to me it feels similar. Again, no experience, I can't tell by holding if "thats it"

I can't buy used cheaper. I don't have time to drive around and see if I can find something. I'd rather pay extra for exact new model online...

So.. The question is. Should I go and buy CZ ultralight and practice with it. Or should I go with better one that will work for sure? I can spend up to $2k new, what O/U for that price might be good?
 
Hard to go wrong with a "B" gun (Browning/Beretta) Find the one that fits you the best and never look back. I chose the Beretta cause it fit me better. O/U guns are easy to clean and good ones work flawlessly. Now I own two of them. One is a Silver Pigeon and the other a White Onyx. My advice is to go to a large enough gun store to see both brands. A Dick's or other large retailer will not have a seasoned and experienced person to help you. Such a person can show you what "fit" means and how to achieve it. Handle both brands and several models. It is worth the extra $100 you might pay one way or the other if you get the RIGHT gun that you love and keep. Good Luck!
 
If you can go to around $2k, you really can't go wrong with a Beretta Silver Pigeon. If you need to spend less, check out the new Ruger Label.
 
A few years ago I had a Franchi Renaissance and I paid less than $1000 for it new. Great balance and handling, this lighter weight shotgun was every bit as well built and as reliable as my first O/U, a Beretta Model 682, I had a number of years ago. The Renaissance was my do-it-all shotgun and performed quite nicely in every role I asked of it. I think the Instinct L has replaced the Renaissance in Franchi's line-up but it looks to be the same capable performer that the Renaissance was.
 
Second "Red Label" vote.

26/28 or 30 inch.
Under $2,000
Steel compatible.
Screw in chokes.
Pretty gun made in USA by US'ns.

Sling and a game bag - you're off.
 
My vote is to buy a Valmet 412...

They are one heck of a BETTER O/U shotgun than the Ruger and can be bought used for under 1K... Better yet, it has an interchangeable bbl system, so you can buy different bbls for it later, for different uses! (including rifle bbls)

The Valmets are VERY reliable long lasting guns, MUCH better than anything in it's price range!

DM
 
I bought the most beautiful gun a couple of years ago....a brand new Citori Lightning Maple 12 gauge. I love to look at, hold it, and I've even taken a few pheasant with it. At the end of the day though, I grab my Beretta Autos for work and sport. Make sure it really fits you. Again, I have no regrets about owning it...I just don't love it as a shooter.
 
First things first - what type of hunting?
Waterfowl? upland preserve/planted quail? Wild pheasants?
Except for waterfowl, I'd be going with a 20 gauge
ASSuming however you meant a 12, you REALLY need to go to some clubs and try several out by actually shooting them.
You stop at Dick's or wherever, and buy a flat (10 boxes) of GOOD ammo like Winchester AA or Remington STS and take them with you. Pleading ignorance and looking for sympathy, you convince some shooters into letting you actually SHOOT their guns. Try cheap to middle to really expensive. That way you WILL be able to tell the differences in quality, wood to metal fit, swing dynamics, handling, etc. Shoot a half box and give the owner the rest of the box. You'll make lots of new friends and will get to try lots of guns. That way you'll determine what fits and handles best for YOU

Personally, I would opt for 30" barrels no matter what bore size, but if the gun is for mostly uplands, a 20 that also weighs between 6 and 6.5# is the ticket. If I have to take a 12 in the uplands, it is going to weigh no more than 7# and those are few and not typically under $2K

Don't rush into this because if you buy something you regret, especially something under $1K you'll lose your butt in the resale - cheap guns are cheap for a reason - all of the necessary handwork has been minimized or not done resulting in barrels poorly regulated, crappy wood-to-metal fit, horrible triggers, etc.
 
First things first - what type of hunting?
Click to expand...

Turkey not out of question. Rabbit, etc. I want to err on bigger side, therefore 12Ga. I want it to be able to handle anything. Well. Except deer hunting, I have rifle for this, so no slugs will be fired out of shotgun.

and buy a flat (10 boxes) of GOOD ammo like Winchester AA or Remington STS and take them with you
Click to expand...
Would be nice if you specified size/weight as well, I'm total newbee with all shotgun stuff..
 
12 gauge, talking about a trap/skeet/5-stand/sporting clays type of club, look for 1 or 1-1/8 oz loads running about 1200 or so and give those nice empties to the gents for reloading.

Winchester makes several levels of shotgun ammo - the best is the AA
Remington does as well, their best is the STS
A flat will run about $80 +/-, not cheap, but if you are seriously going to drop upwards of $2K, a cheap investment to avoid being disappointed buying something blind.

Most guys, if you ask, will usually let you fire 1-2 shots, but by offering them a half box of good stuff in return for letting you fire a half box or so, that gives you a better idea on how the gun fits and feels to you..

There are lots of good guns by loots of makers, but they are not all the same in size, dimensions, weight, balance point, etc. Only YOU can determine how that is, not anyone here.
 
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If I could drop $2k on a shotgun it would be a Beretta Silver Pigeon. Instead I've had to settle for skeet shooting with my do-it-all 870 until I can save up enough.

Beautiful guns, excellent feel, incredible quality. If you can get your hands on one you won't be disappointed.
 
I figured I want to get something better. I have couple handguns in my safe which I don't shoot and don't need, that should cover a cost :)
 
I've got a bunch of shotguns but I always take out The Browning Citori Gran Lightning. Gorgeous shotgun and it happens to fit me perfectly. When I shoot trap I leave my dedicated trap gun at home and take my 28" barreled Citori instead... I should sell that trap gun. My vote is for a Browning Citori.
 
Visited Cabela's. Browning Citori vs Beretta Silver Pigeon - Beretta wins for me. Don't know why, just holds better. Doesn't mean I will shoot it better, right?

In their used gun section I've seen some other 12 O/U (can't even remember brands) that felt really good and were priced closer to 1200 or so.

Will be getting in touch with MD in our club in charge of clay shooting and see if I can try some different ones.

I checked online instructions on "fitting" shot guns. It sounds like any gun can be fitted, right? Add/remove stock, raise, etc. So, main thing is to make sure I like it, right?
 
Correct and depending on how much "fitting" is required and whether or not you add devices to it like adjustable butt plates and different recoil pads, it might change the balance and how it feels to you so take that into consideration.

There are LOT of clubs in your area:
http://www.claytargetsonline.com/list.php/MO

You might call around to see if any of them know of a good fitter - this is not necessarily a gunsmith - and see what he/she recommends
 
Katitmail said:
Visited Cabela's. Browning Citori vs Beretta Silver Pigeon - Beretta wins for me. Don't know why, just holds better. Doesn't mean I will shoot it better, right?

I checked online instructions on "fitting" shot guns. It sounds like any gun can be fitted, right? Add/remove stock, raise, etc. So, main thing is to make sure I like it, right?
Click to expand...
Don't get to radical with the "fitting" until you try several phases of shooting/hunting. What fits in short sleeve weather is too long when you are wearing clothes for super cold weather. I tend to lean towards a shorter stock for most of my shooting.

Oneounce and I could share guns. I shoot my 20 gauge Beretta about 75% of the time and my 28 gauge Verona the other 25%. My 12 only gets called up for ducks and turkeys. However, the 20 will work on ducks over decoys very well.
 
Visited Cabela's twice. Handled all I can. With my zero experience I like Beretta the best. When I mount it quickly it goes in a right spot on my shoulder quickly, just right. Browning for some reason mounts high, where stock bottom corner goes against shoulder.

Ruger holds OK, but it's smallish, doesn't feel quite right, but points good. Also, Ruger is kind of heavy for it's size.

I'm 6 1, 220lb. Recoil doesn't bother me much, 12Ga will work. However, I checked 20ga Berettas and they feel just excellent.

Talked to MD from my club, their next match in beginning of December, I asked what ammo to bring and he said 12Ga, so it looks like most guys shooting 12Ga at my club (trap)

Not sure I will have chance to shoot different guns, but just from handling Beretta looks good. Baikal 310 also points good for me, it's just little bulky.
 
No question about it. Especially that I already "confirmed" budget :) And I really like nice things.

I also decided on 30 inch barrel, in O/U gun is not that big, so no problem there.

I will shoot before I buy anything, but talks about 20ga got me little confused. 20ga looks much more friendlier to carry, thats for sure. I just don't know how much I will use it in a field vs range. It may happen that range time with a gun will be primary use.

I'm thinking that if I like to walk woods with a gun - I can always get another one or replace one I will get. Or just treat it as excersize :)
 
I was just in your boat and picked up the Beretta Silver Pigeon 28". I have to say I love this gun! I took it out pheasant hunting without shooting it. I was a bit nervous, but ended up having one of the best days hunting ever. I went 5 for 5 with eight shots on the pheasants and fell in love with the gun. It carried light and fit perfect. I can't wait to get back out there and do some more hunting. I am waiting on some snow to help with the chuckar, but will be able to sneak out for some quail soon. I would give a hard look at this gun.

Good Luck with your choice.
 
Today I was able to try couple guns at a club. Our MD gave me a lesson on skeet range. I learned some stuff about shotgun shooting.

I bought AA 1oz 7 1/2 ammo

So. I shot one round with 1100. I liked it. Very soft recoiling. Hit couple birds with it :)

2 more rounds I used Browning citori made for sports, it had this adjustable cheek piece.

I can say that unfortunately I will have to go with what I _like_, not what fits me. Because it's hard to tell what fits me if I can hardly hit any birds...

I didn't know that, but Browning have service center in my area, so if anything happens - just drop the gun and pick up when they done...

Unfortunately - after shooting and handling them at the store - it's just not something I like. I like form factor, wood and overall weight/handling of Beretta better. Hell, I really like how Baikal O/U handles.

I guess I will be getting Silver Pigeon I for Christmas and try to make it work. After I shoot for some time and get better - will work on fit and other details.. At least now I know how I should stand, hold and what it should feel like..
 
I have handled the citori, silver pigeon, Baikal, and the yildiz.

after handling them I liked the silver pigeon the best and the Baikal second best.

I have shot the silver pigion and loved it, but didn't like the price tag. I shot the yildiz and didn't like the way it handled and shot. And it is too light for me.

I just bought a Remington Spartan (Baikal). I found it used in great condition for $299. I will be picking it up in a couple days.

I think you are making a good decision with the silver pigeon. If I find a good deal on a used one in the future I will buy it.
 
I just bought a Remington Spartan (Baikal). I found it used in great condition for $299. I will be picking it up in a couple days.
Click to expand...

I only see $550 Baikals, if I had a chance to buy one for $300 I would, even as a spare or loan shotgun..
 
yep that's why I bought it. I like the way it handled, but if I don't shoot it well it can always be a backup.
 
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