Weatherby SA-08 semi auto

[berettashotgun]

Seen a Weatherby SA-08 on the web earlier.
Where - what COUNTRY - is the thing made?
I was looking at the CZ 620 and when the factory tech told me it was made in "Turkey" I decided against.
All I'm looking for is a made in USA shotgun ( or Japan/Belgium/Italy) that doesn't cost as much as the 391- I don't want to scratch up quail hunting.
Semi auto 20ga is what I am looking for, don't want a remington, - nothing against remy, really want an win 1400, but the price went out of sight and I'd like a few more shots.

 

[Snarlingiron]

The SA-08 is made in Turkey. I have looked at one, and it is an almost identical clone of the Beretta 390.

The Beretta AL390 with synthetic stock can be had from WalMart, Academy or Bass Pro for ~$550.00. It is probably the best shotgun value available today. They are totally reliable, will handle most any load and with the synthetic stock you don't have to worry about taking it out to the field.

I have an older A390 with walnut stock that I use for Clay shooting, and one of the AL390's with synthetic stock that I bird hunt with.

I wouldn't take anything for either of them. They have shot thousands of rounds without incident.

 

[Pete409]

Gotta agree with Snarlingiron. There is no better shotgun value in semi-autos than the 390 Beretta from Wal-Mart.

If you would like a lightweight gun in semi-auto, I would recommend the Franchi 48-AL in 20 gauge. I've got one and it's not for sale (yet) although I haven't used it in almost 10 years.

 

[ArmedBear]

Franchi 48

I missed out on a nice used Franchi at a local shop a couple months ago for around $350 in 20 Gauge, perfect condition.

Very light, well-balanced. About the only thing that's tempted me (usually I use an old 26" Ithaca/SKB 20 Gauge O/U for fast birds and I had no plans to change that -- but Idaho allows unplugged guns for upland hunting).

 

[ArmedBear]

Also-

I believe the Mossberg SA-20 is a Turkish gun as well. Is it the same as the Weatherby? Sure looks similar.

It's cheap enough to be tempting ($400 retail).

http://mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=37&section=products

 

[Snarlingiron]

I can't remember where, and I am disinclined (read to damn lazy) to research it right now, but I did read somewhere that they are the same gun, just branded Mossberg and Weatherby.

If it follows the past patterns the Weatherby will have nicer wood and a bit nicer finish, and a bit heftier price tag than the Mossberg.

 

[ArmedBear]

The Mossberg is plastic, but a lightweight knockaround $400 semiauto is certainly intriguing if it's built worth a damn.

I'm thinking that a decent plastic $400 semiauto is a lot more plausible than a decent $450 O/U with walnut and polished blue. Therefore, Turkish or not, it has potential.

The question is: can the Turks make internals that don't break? And did they, in this case?

 

[berettashotgun]

Where are you guys finding a Wal-Mart that sells shotguns? Not around here they don't.
The part about a Turkish having a part break is so true, 3 buddies have had troubles with extractors/firing pins/trigger parts on Turkish shotguns.
Heat treating seems to be a highly overrated option on the internal stuff...............to them.
Been looking for the Franchi 620, it is cheaper and gas operated - had a few 48al 12ga and couldn't get used to the barrel movement -same as I cannot ever seem to shuck a pump while bird hunting. My bad.
I would love to get a Franchi 720 raptor, but it doesn't fit my budget for what I want, I think I'm going to have to find that walmart you fellas are referring to.

 

[Snarlingiron]

I've been to Bass Pro in OKC. They likely carry the Beretta AL390. That's where I bought mine (Bass Pro in Grapevine, Tx, that is).

Around here Wal Marts in smaller towns still carry guns. The stores in Burleson, Stephenville, etc. still have guns in stock. I was told by a store manager, that even in stores that do not stock firearms they will order whatever you want. Ask the store or sporting goods dept. manager to see the catalog.

Or go for the SA-08. Here is one on Gunbroker for $495.00.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=125961087

If you are worried about parts availability, how about the Mossberg 930? I've heard good stuff about it.

Good luck.