O/U Advice

T

turkeytoes

Inactive
I am interested in getting my first O/U, but I know little about them. There were 3 in particular that fit my price range and seem to be of decent quality. Please help me decide. It will probably used used about 50% for very informal clays and 50% for hunting, often over dogs.

Will ported barrels be a problem for the dogs? How will 26" barrels effect me? I think the Benelli Franchi has the features that I'm looking for as far as bbl length and porting goes, but I need your opinions. Which is the more durable of the three? I've been told that the Win is made in the same plant as Browning, so that's a plus. Let me know what you think and if the prices are in line with where they should be.

1. Traditions/Fausti Sporting Clays II $760 used
12ga, 28" barrels, 3" chambers, box lock, 5 extended chokes, ported. (forearm is ever so slightly loose but other wise 98%)

2. Winchester Supreme Field $850 new
12ga, 26" barrels, 3" chambers, not sure of the locking system or the number of included chokes, unported.

3. Benelli/Franchi Diamond $800 new
12ga, 28" barrels, 3" chambers, box lock, chokes and hard case included, unported.

Another dealer that I consulted recommended a Charles Daly or Mossberg O/U for the use that it would see even though he had some of the more expensive guns that I was inquiring about. Still another thought I should look at the CZ lines. What do you think?

Thanks for your help.

Mike
 
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TT... I've been interested in getting one myself... ( not alot as of late though ) I had been looking ar the Ruger over under "red label " ??? what all is out there in a decient yet reasonably priced O/U ???
 
the winchester is a great over under. by buddies dad just purchased one and loves it. it came with the locks hardcase and three chokes (mod, full, improved) the barrel will have to be up to you. some people the differance is alot between a few inches, others it dosnt bother them. the locking system is the standered o/u lever release. one trigger with a barrel selctor on the top. id tell you more about the others but i dont know anything about them, personally im a auto and pump guy:D
i know guys with the redlable nice guns i dont think you will find it in that price range though
 
The barrel length is certainly up to you, but there is little call for 26" barrels any longer. You would be better with 28". And as far as porting goes, it is a waste of money,, it doesn't really work in shotguns as there is not enough high pressure gas to make a difference.
 
I'd pass on the porting if you can. They do make the gun louder and that's about it. Also, harder to clean the barrel. Other than that, they are pretty good. ;)

28" barrel would be minimum IMHO.

Just an observation: I shoot a "clays" type gun for hunting. They are generally heavier with longer barrels. But I usually only hunt for a couple of hours and shoot many more clays so it's okay.

If I was "really" a hunter and worked fields all day and hunted a lot, I'd buy a lighter gun because they get heavy. Or, I'm just getting old. ;)

Meaning, they can be mixed, but they are different guns IMHO so choose wisely.

Good luck.
 
I picked up a Franchi Alcione Classic Field a while back and thus far it looks to be a well-made gun. I have not shot it yet, but it's put together well and looks good. I think anything in the Beretta family (Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger, etc.) will be a good firearm. I also have a Stoeger Condor and it has never given me a seconds trouble. Its plain though with a non-selective trigger. On the other hand, if you could find a Browning Citori or Superposed at a good price, I would not look back. After this last weekend I would say no to a Ruger Red Label. I was shooting with a friend who owns one and shells kept sticking in the top chamber. To make a long story short, we both probably needed stitches in our fingers. One of his, three of mine! :rolleyes:
 
I have owned a Citori since 1978, and cannot say enough good things about it. It has fired about 10,000 rounds and it still locks up as tight as 28 years ago. Others I know who own Citoris really love them. Used ones run aroun $800 or so.

I have owned one other O/U over the years, a Beretta 686, and would not recommend those. People love them because they are lightweight, but they shoot loose.

The Ruger is very nice, and is very slim through the receiver area, which would make it nice for a full day of lugging it around. Pricey though.

The Benelli should be good, haven't handled one.

The Mossberg O/U I would be interested in seeing. It is Turkish made, I believe, and a good value for the money. Anytime someone says good for the money I get leary, though.

Of the shotguns you named, I would likely go with the Winchester.
 
Thanks for all of the input! I went to Dick's to check out the Verona LX502. It sure is nice at the price. It followed me home! I got the 12ga, 28" barrels. It comes with Full, Modified, and Improved tubes. They also had a couple of extra tubes on clearance so I picked up one Improved Modified and one Skeet tube for $5.00 each. Total out the door was $580. They also had a Verona LX500 on sale for $699. I couldn't tell a lick of difference other than slightly different engraving between the two. If you're in Pittsburgh, Dick's at the Waterfront has one more 12ga left and Dick's at Century III has at least one 20ga. The action is pretty stiff so I put a little Militec grease on the mating surfaces. Anything else I should get/do?

Thanks again for your help.

Mike
 
Congrats on the new o/u! I have a red label that I got used...nicest shotgun I have ever owned. I have always owned pump shotguns in the past, but got this one for a song. I really like mine, hope yours treats you well!
 
Scorch, did you just seriously put a red label in the same catagory as a beretta/browning? wow, that browning must have shaken something loose on your last outing.

Also, could you explain this "shoot loose" concept? I have a 686 and while it is very light (it's a field gun, it's supposed to be) I have had no problems with anything being loose besides the occsional choke tube. any info would be appreciated.

-Scott
 
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