Old school O/U today?

[Inthealders]

Just an old salt looking for a traditional deep blued and walnut, small gauge over under for upland birds. I am relying on my 1928 VH which should tell you the era that I come from. I’d like a small gauge o/u but will not buy the finish or horrible machine engraving that B and B offer as standard on their field guns. The closest I’ve found is the current Winchester 101 but it is available only in 12 gauge and I have it already. If this model were available in a 20 or 28 it would be perfectly fine. I’m not averse to spending money but it would need to be a manufacturer with a strong presence in the USA for parts and service. I’m asking because I’d prefer not to go swim in the used swamp if I can avoid it. If it must be used, there are plenty of options (Superposed/Citori, Weatherby Orion, Charles Daly, Beretta BL…, blued Red Label, original 101,…) but I’d like to first ask if I am unaware of anything I can buy new.
So far, at under $4K I am aware of the Guerini Woodlander which is fine if that's all there is.
Thanks everyone,
Ed

 

[Bill M.]

Me, I shoot the B or B guns and do not worry much about the chicken scratching on the sides.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Make mine a Browning. I like being able to get easily order parts from more than one source.

 

[rust collector]

Have you checked out Rizzini? https://www.rizziniusa.com/collections/field-guns-1/products/aurum-light There are many flavors from which to choose.

 

[HowieG]

Browning is still making brand new Citoris in 20, 28, and 410.

 

[Milkmaster]

My favorite O/U in the smaller gauge is my Beretta Onyx Sporting 28ga. 28ga has become my favorite as I get older.

 

[entropy]

I agree with rust collector; Look into a Rizzini or FAIR (Fabbricca Armi Isodoro Rizzini) 20 or 28 gauge.

I personally would be just fine with a Beretta 686 Onyx in either gauge.

Weatherby Orion

You mean Athena, right?

So far, at under $4K I am aware of the Guerini Woodlander which is fine if that's all there is.

Nothing wrong with them, either.

 

[Lo-Profile]

Lots of good sub gauge choices from Beretta and Browning.
I wouldn't be afraid of used guns by either manufacturer.
GunBroker might be your friend looking for one

 

[tactikel]

My Grouse group, 5 guys who get together for 3-4 days to hunt grouse in October, we shoot O/Us. 3 shoot “B” Onyx’s, I shoot a CZ, all in 20 gauge. One Browning 12 ga. All are great platforms, no problems, no failures.
IMHO, handle all of them, buy whatever fits you best. I think a Citori is a better gun than my CZ, but the CZ fit me better and it was $900 cheaper.

 

[HowieG]

My Grouse group, 5 guys who get together for 3-4 days to hunt grouse in October, we shoot O/Us. 3 shoot “B” Onyx’s, I shoot a CZ, all in 20 gauge. One Browning 12 ga. All are great platforms, no problems, no failures.
IMHO, handle all of them, buy whatever fits you best. I think a Citori is a better gun than my CZ, but the CZ fit me better and it was $900 cheaper.

Yep, fit is the key. My Citori White Lightning fits me like a glove. If CZ had been available then, and fit better, I would own a CZ. Too many people by shotguns based on looks, or price, not fit. That is a mistake. Of course, you really do have to be able to afford it. Good O/U shotguns ain't cheap.

 

[Bill M.]

I do not know if they still offer them or what it would cost but...one of my friends shoots a field 20 gauge Perazzi that I am sure would meet your requirements. A very nice deep blued receiver and barrels with no or at least very little engraving. It is as old school and pretty as I have seen. The Browning Superposed in 20 gauge is pretty old school but does have hand cut engraving. I think the new Citori is pretty plain in the receiver too.

 

[Barnfixer]

No engraving but gold lettering. I just shouldered one and really liked it. I also shoot sporting clays with a couple guys that have it with no complaints.

 

[Laphroaig]

Franchi makes some nice shotguns. The Instinct L comes in 20 ga.

 

[eastbank]

i have a older browning upland special 20 ga(only 2-3/4") with straight grip and 26" barrels with standard invecta choke tubes, i bought it at a very good price under 700.00 in ex condition. very easy to carry and it has killed a ton of small game with one oz #5 or #6 shot. i also have a rem 870 in 28 ga that i like and shoot one oz #6 win high base shells bought four flats on close out, (65.00 a flat).