Over/Under Shotguns

[Sundance]

I am interested in a field grade over/under shotgun. I don't want anything fancy...just a good working gun. I won't be shooting any formal trap, skeet, or sporting clays. Just looking for a good bird gun and the occasional clay pidgeon shooting just for fun. After you vote, give me a specific model of the brand you chose and your experiences with it. Thanks for any and all input.

 

[PJR]

You didn't specify whether the focus was waterfowl or upland game but assuming you want to shoot both I'd suggest the Beretta 686 Onyx in 12 gauge. I own a Beretta 682 target gun that is virtually identical to the Onyx and I prefer Beretta's handling over Browning in the 12 gauge. (I used the 682 for hunting before I purchased a sxs.) The Onyx is also available with 3-1/2" chambers if you want them. If there is a drawback to Beretta field guns it is that the usually come with automatic safeties. Some people love them, others don't. Up to you.

If waterfowl weren't in the plan, I'd go for a Browning Feather in 20 gauge. I own a Feather XS which is my small gauge sporting gun and my backup upland gun. It's very light and easy to carry. If I didn't shoot clays, I'd go with the Lightning Feather in 20 with 28" barrels. It's the same gun as mine without the target doodads and has 3" chambers.

 

[Alex Johnson]

I'd go with the 12 guage Browning Citori. If you are just going to be hunting upland game and shooting trap you can get buy with an older fixed choke model and pick them up sometimes around the $500 mark. If on the other hand you want to do some serious waterfowl hunting they make an overunder that takes the 3 1/2" 12 guage.