O/U Suggestions

[vantheman]

I am contemplating the replacement of my Remington 870 with an O/U to be used for upland (45%), waterfowl (35%) and skeet (20%). I want a high quality gun that is light, well balanced, accurate, long-lasting, fun to shoot etc. I don’t particularly care about the appearance, as long the quality is there.

Here comes the tough part: I don’t want to spend more than $1000. In fact, I’d love to spend a great deal less than that if possible. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[greylynx]

A used B-gun (Browning or Berreta) would probably be the best.

Be very careful about a used SKB which are good, but extremely difficult to get replacement stocks for.

[Pudelpointer]

Quality and <$1000 do not really go together with O/U's.

GreyLynx is right, find yourself a used Beretta (my preference of browning for O/U). Expect to pay more then that, though not by much, and it will likely last you your lifetime, and your children's if you have any.

You can look around for a used CZ, or a new Mossberg or ?? for under $1K, but I would suggest that you will be disappointed with it in time.

[Got Juice?]

For what you want, you can find an autoloader of good quality for around 1K Browning etc.

But for an O/U 1K is unrealistic.


There is a couple Brownings on Canadiangunnutz for sale. A Citori26" and a Cynergy 30" for 2500.00


Personally, I love my Cynergy, would not trade it for anything. LOP is adjustable and the features and shootability are fantastic for upland or trap/skeet/sporting.


I have shot Mossburg's O/U and for a 1000 gun... it ain't worth it. Sloppy reciever (my Cynergy is still tight after 50,000 rounds) , poor extractors, weak firing pins (buddy has replaced them again) and it just feels cheap and tinny when you fire it.

[snetzer]

Maybe also look at Yildiz...great guns for the money.

[catnthehat]

I am a firm believe in searching out deals and then striking while the iron is hot!
Decent O/U's can be had for $1,000, but you have to look .
There are several used ones at Shooters Choice at the moment, Ellwood epps has some also.
There are many fine guns made in Italy, Spain, and other countries, the problem is knowing what ytou are looking at.
The Cortona O/U for instance, can be had right now , brand new at Lac La Biche swports for under $1,000 , and is a super Italian made O/U.
the sticker is that many people do not realize that this gunis an OEM FAIR, and equivelent to thier LX 600, a shotgun worth quite a bit more.
parts? No sweat, FAIR parts fit IF you need them.
The FAIR/ Rizzini guns are not known nearly so well in north America as the are in Eruope, where they enjoy a reputation that is right up there with the Cesar Guerinnis, Berretas, etc.

Every now and then you will run into an older BL3 or BL4 Berreta, and these guns are SUPER deals for what you pay for them, although they are older, as are the Charles Daly guns, which will swap barrels with a Japanese Citori, no sweat! The Chas daly will cost MUCH less than a Citori, BTW.

So, look about , find something on the 'net you like or in a shop, and PM me if you wish - I would certainly give Albert a call at Lac La Biche sports however!
His number is
(780)623 4145
ALSO, Pud at Bashaw Sports has a very good deal on a used Franchi Alcione, IIRC he wants about $950 for it.
his number is (780) 372 4440.
Cat

[saskbooknut]

Buy a used Browning Citori, seek a bargain, and you can come close to the price you indicate. Buy a modern one with replaceable chokes and you can shoot steel shot.
I just came in from shooting a box of miscellaneous old shells at clays with the old f**ts club, retired guys at the range on Wednesday - broke most of 'em.
For a gun that is reliable, easy to sell again, or pass down to your grandchildren - a Browning is a good choice.
Remember that if you choose the lightest weight gun, it will punish you more with heavy loads.
So now you are in for another gun for lightweight upland hunting - .... perhaps. Sounds like more fun to me.

[Alta_Redneck]

If you decide to go used. have a look at the action release leaver On a new gun the leaver is offset to the right slightly as the gun gets worn in it will move towards the center. Just something to look at so you dont buy Worn out gun.

I love my cynergy Sporting but I payed over 3x what your wanting to spend. Browning are beautiful guns though.

[Got Juice?]

Originally Posted by Alta_Redneck

If you decide to go used. have a look at the action release leaver On a new gun the leaver is offset to the right slightly as the gun gets worn in it will move towards the center. Just something to look at so you dont buy Worn out gun.

I love my cynergy Sporting but I payed over 3x what your wanting to spend. Browning are beautiful guns though.

I have the same gun. And it sure spoils you.

PS, good advice would be to go to a trap skeet 5 stand range and ask some of the fellas with different guns to try them. See what fits you when you bring it up to shoulder. Many members would be thrilled to let you test drive their over and under shotguns.

Then when you find one you like, get the model, serial number etc, and get one. Fit is the #1 most important issue with O/U shotguns. if the LOP or cast does not fit you, whether the gun is 1000.000 or 5000.00 you will not shoot it well PERIOD!

I lucked into a Cynergy Composite Sporting clays, and since I shoot either hand, it works well because the stock has almost 0 cast off! The LOP was adjustable, as is the trigger position, and it fits me like a dream. Because of the fit, I do not miss much. Poor Fitment will equal poor shooting. I find that the Citori has too much cast off for me, and I cannot shoot them well. But the Cynergy is a dream come true. (and the ported barrels make for less barrel rise between shots)

Someone mentioned Yldiz. Another great shotgun with very little cast off. I can shoot these well too. Remington 1187's make an excellent starter gun, and can be found in decent condition for 650-800.00 and also have a straight stock. I love mine and use it for Trap. It's too darn slow (swing) for skeet and sporting clays though because it's center of mass is too far forward when shooting targets that are not 'in the air' .

Yup... go find a shooting club, talk to the guys there, and they will darn near throw their guns at you to try out. Trappers are very friendly and are more than willing to help you out. And as a bonus, most of them will have more than 1 gun to try, and better still, some might mention one they might sell you if it works for you. You can find a lot of bargains that way as well.

[Faststeel]

For less than 1000.00 Yildiz is your best bet. FS