Starter O/U's??

[kev778]

What would be some good options for a starter O/U shotgun for clay sports? I also would like to avoid paying a "small fortune" if possible. $1000 or so would be doable.

I currently use a REM 870 Wingmaster. It does great, but I am just curious since 95% of the shooters are O/U shooters.

Thanks!

 

[Stover954rr]

I would pick up a used Browning Citori or Ruger red label..... You can get either used for $1000 (or less depending on fixed chokes or not). I love shooting O/U and when you find one that fits you it is a great feeling.

Handle a bunch of them and pay attention to the LOP and what feels best to you.

 

[Old Unc']

a nice used Browning, Beretta or SKB would do you fine. I have all three and couldn't be happier...

 

[451 Detonics]

Go to trap meets and such and try some different guns for feel, shoot them if folks are willing. Big chain shoots will often have a number of venders on hand. Find a shop near you that really specializes in shotguns and see how different brands fit you. Do some good research then don't get in a hurry to buy. Watch local firearm classified and shops for a deal on what you want. Last O/U I bought was an ANIB Valmet 412 for $600.00...found it while browsing the Indiana firearms classifieds. For example here is a nice deal from PA'a Armslist... http://www.armslist.com/posts/115531/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-shotguns-for-sale-weatherbyorion-ou

 

[wgp]

I have purchased several used but very good condition O/Us for less than
$1,000. Recently bought a nearly-perfect Winchester 101 12 ga, 3" chambers, choke tubes, from a dealer (so this was no fire sale) for $950. I have bought SKBs for $600 to $700. Go to some shows, find a dealer with a large inventory, ask around. You can have a lot of fun w/o an extremely expensive gun as long as it fits you.

 

[clang]

Last gun show I was at had a Beretta BL3 for $695 and a Beretta Silver Snipe for $650. No ejectors, no screw in chokes, no selective trigger, but you really don't need them either. I like Berettas, but there ar elot's of other good choices - Browning, Ithaca/SKB, Winchester 101, old Charles Daly (B C Miruko made). Make sure you buy something that will get you most your money back if/when you decide to upgrade. The B-guns (Browning & Beretta) tend to hold onto their value best in this price range.

 

[ms6852]

You can get one of these shotguns. For the money they are very beautiful and a joy to shoot. My $500 O/U shoots as many clays as any $2000 O/U . Academy Sporting goods sells this type of shotguns. They are made in Turkey and have beautiful wood.http://www.yildizshotgun.com/maineng.html

 

[Chance55]

ms6852, Pretty interesting. I am going to have to look them up. I am pretty happy with my wifes Turkish made CZ/Huglu. Thanks for the post.

C55

 

[oneounceload]

IF you want a long-lasting, well-made, properly-balanced gun with half-way decent triggers, then look at the Browning/Beretta/SKB used guns. Anything less will not have those qualities or have the duration...................if those were that great, you would see them in the winner's circles at trap, skeet, and sporting clays - fact is, you don't for a reason - they do not last, and do not have the balance, fit, finish, and quality needed to go the distance

 

[Chance55]

oneounceload, I surely agree with the quality aspect, and I doubt if my wifes new CZ will outlast my 26 year old Citori, also it dosen't look near as pretty. My wife shoots maybe two boxs of shells every other week, so maybe I should take back the outlast part. I will shoot my Citori from open till close every Sunday. I have no doubt that her CZ will last her a life time. What I had in mind for the Yildiz would be for my two teenagers that would maybe shoot 50 to 100 rounds a month. And it would keep them off my Browning or the CZ for that matter. And I know at $399.00 you get what you pay for.

kev, sorry for stealing your thread, I have just gotten back to shooting trap after 40 years, having a blast. Get what ever your pocket book allows you to. oneouncelead is right, if you are going to get serious about shooting dig a little deeper in the pocket in the begining and buy something that will last.

C55

 

[1KPerDay]

I got my lightly used basic Beretta 686 for about $900 and see them going for around that frequently. Good choice IMO

 

[MrBill120]

I just picked up a Lanber Sporting from CDNN. I think it looks a lot nicer than the Stoeger's. I had it out for the first time today, all in all I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[mr.trooper]

I will second Valmet.

I haven't shot many OUs, but even the used Valmet I have seen still lock up CRAZY solid - even those that are well loved.

 

[winchester '97]

Valmet makes one hell of a shotgun, but more in the beginners price range i would say the Remington/Baikal O/U. Mine has performed flawlessly and I really haven'e come across another shot gun that feels quite like it.

 

[AndyC]

Look into 2nd-hand Miroku O/Us - made in Japan and they actually made the shotguns for many respected names eg Browning, Winchester, etc.

I have one made for Charles Daly by Miroku - an inexpensive Venture model, but it outshoots me.

 

[frankge]

+1 on the Lanber at CDNN, so far after thousands of rounds going strong. Lets see if it can to 10's.

 

[RUT]

>>I just picked up a Lanber Sporting from CDNN<<

One of the best kept secrets as far as low cost, high quality shotguns go.