Ok, I think I have the brittanny puppy stuff figured out. I plan on using my new (9 months old) brittany to pheasant hunt in the fall. I take her out in the woods now and she has a ball, as do I. So after 35 years of golf, I'm taking up hunting. Three people I trust, who have all hunted for years and years have all given me different advice. My accountant swears by Winchester auto's, brother in law loves his Franchi 20g o/u and wishes he never gave it to his son, and salesman friend says the Remington 870 Wingmaster or even the 870 Express combo is my best bet! My heads gonna pop. I have $1000 burning a hole in my pocket. I fondled the Franchi Diamond at Dick's the other day, $899 I think, but now I'm having second thoughts. The 870 Wingmaster is calling to me. I'm not sure, come deer time if I didn't want to give that a try, or turkey maybe? The o/u was what I was originally thinking. I'm hoping the collective wisdom here can point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance!
Shotgun/Brittany Help!
- Thread starter PVP
- Start date
oneounceload
Moderator
IMO, it's going to depend on what you're hunting, where you're hunting and what type of hunting. - I.E - standing in a field waiting for doves is one thing, trekking up and down steep mountainous terrain after chukar is something else; walking miles of prairie after pheasants something different yet again. All are good guns, all different. While an 870 is a jack of all trades and does decently, IMO, it masters none of the hunting aspects as well as other guns built for a purpose
The best 'bird gun' to carry when hunting with a dog is always going to be a double IMHO. SxS is what I prefer, but I learned this stuff a long time ago and my clutch of 'old men' frowned on those newfangled O/Us. Now the O/U is a lot more common... and all my elders and mentors are occupying space in the churchyard. Things change.
I say a double is best because it gives you (a proper one with two triggers or a single selective does anyway) an instant choice of two chokes as need dictates. If need be it's even possible to carry a different load in each barrel- a different shot size or charge weight if circumstances call for it. One barrel = one choke. A tubular magazine is no advantage IMHO, two shots is enough for birds. And the ease of clearing the gun when occupied with other things- even if only breaking it open across your forearm- is a good thing too.
Hunting with a dog is all about the dog IMHO, not the hunter. You reward the dog by killing a bird over it, and weighing down a hunting coat is not the main order of business. It's about enjoying a day afield. A nice SxS carries easily, points quickly and IMHO is the best possible bird gun.
Mine is an old Savage/Fox Model B that belonged to my dad, a 20 gauge 26" choked IC and MOD, a plain American made boxlock. Not fancy, but it works.
Of course, YMMV. But Spotter says tell you your Brittany will like you better if you carry a SxS.
lpl (Spotter is my Brittany)
I say a double is best because it gives you (a proper one with two triggers or a single selective does anyway) an instant choice of two chokes as need dictates. If need be it's even possible to carry a different load in each barrel- a different shot size or charge weight if circumstances call for it. One barrel = one choke. A tubular magazine is no advantage IMHO, two shots is enough for birds. And the ease of clearing the gun when occupied with other things- even if only breaking it open across your forearm- is a good thing too.
Hunting with a dog is all about the dog IMHO, not the hunter. You reward the dog by killing a bird over it, and weighing down a hunting coat is not the main order of business. It's about enjoying a day afield. A nice SxS carries easily, points quickly and IMHO is the best possible bird gun.
Mine is an old Savage/Fox Model B that belonged to my dad, a 20 gauge 26" choked IC and MOD, a plain American made boxlock. Not fancy, but it works.
Of course, YMMV. But Spotter says tell you your Brittany will like you better if you carry a SxS.
lpl (Spotter is my Brittany)
Well, you know what opinions are like, and everybody has one, me included. I agree with Lee on a number of points. There is really little need for more than 2 shots when bird hunting, in my experience. However, I really prefer a dependable auto loader for my hunting.
It is true that you have only one choke, but the reality of the situation for me is that my brain doesn't work fast enough to make the switch between barrels before the shot is missed, so two chokes is pretty much a moot point. Certainly less so with a double with 2 triggers, but even so.
That is the problem with posing a question such as yours, there are about as many opinions as there are shotguns. None of them are right or wrong. For Lee the double is the right one, and for me it is my Beretta 390. For others it will be something else.
It is a question that only you can answer and it is best answered by taking some of your generous friends hunting and trying out different shotguns so you will know what suites you best.
It is true that you have only one choke, but the reality of the situation for me is that my brain doesn't work fast enough to make the switch between barrels before the shot is missed, so two chokes is pretty much a moot point. Certainly less so with a double with 2 triggers, but even so.
That is the problem with posing a question such as yours, there are about as many opinions as there are shotguns. None of them are right or wrong. For Lee the double is the right one, and for me it is my Beretta 390. For others it will be something else.
It is a question that only you can answer and it is best answered by taking some of your generous friends hunting and trying out different shotguns so you will know what suites you best.
I would focus on training that Brit rather than which shotgun yo are going to shoot over it. Any of the shotguns you mentioned will do the job nicely, pick one that fits you well and you can pack all day. I shoot a Browning Citori or an A5 over my Brittanys, but I grudgingly allow my brother to shoot his 870 over them occasionally.
I have been priveledged to hunt behind a couple of fine Brittanies,when the birds are co-operating,a Brit hunts close and holds point.Flush and bust!!!
*I am a double sort of guy.SXS has the aesthetic,but it happened someone said "Here,use this today" and he handed me a Berretta O/U.There was a closeout special on 686 Essentials for about $600,and so that is my shotgun.
I think CZ offers some doubles.I don't know them.Seems like they had some real pretty SXS shotguns that might be close to your price.as I recall,there were even 16 ga.
One thing wonderful about a double with a dog.Sometimes the dog requires your attention.No one likes looking into a muzzle of a repeater.It is so easy to just break a double and render it obviously safe.That can be priceless.
Good for you!!!!
*I am a double sort of guy.SXS has the aesthetic,but it happened someone said "Here,use this today" and he handed me a Berretta O/U.There was a closeout special on 686 Essentials for about $600,and so that is my shotgun.
I think CZ offers some doubles.I don't know them.Seems like they had some real pretty SXS shotguns that might be close to your price.as I recall,there were even 16 ga.
One thing wonderful about a double with a dog.Sometimes the dog requires your attention.No one likes looking into a muzzle of a repeater.It is so easy to just break a double and render it obviously safe.That can be priceless.
Good for you!!!!
oneounceload
Moderator
As others have said (and I should have mentioned in my first response), I also prefer a double. While I love SxS's, my budget prefers O/U's. Either way, especially when hunting in a group, an open action is easy to spot and makes everyone feel a little easier and safer
RoscoeC + 1
As the years have passed, I have gone from SXS, in 12GA, to 870 Wingmaster in 12GA. Then 1100 in 12GA and currently a 1100 Upland in 20GA.
Have hunted with or behind German Shorhairs and Brits. One thing about the Brits, is that they are all heart and will keep working even when they are hurt or bleeding. Don't let that pretty face and big eyes fool you, Brits are tough and can be great hunters. They are also small enough to lift over a fence.
Be Safe !!!
As the years have passed, I have gone from SXS, in 12GA, to 870 Wingmaster in 12GA. Then 1100 in 12GA and currently a 1100 Upland in 20GA.
Have hunted with or behind German Shorhairs and Brits. One thing about the Brits, is that they are all heart and will keep working even when they are hurt or bleeding. Don't let that pretty face and big eyes fool you, Brits are tough and can be great hunters. They are also small enough to lift over a fence.
Be Safe !!!
Last edited:
another option.....
would be to buy an 870 and the O/U. You should be able to get into a Stoeger O/U for around $400-500 and an 870 with an extra barrel for the remainder. It sounds as if you may doing some hunting other than birds and the 870 would fill that need nicely........my $0.02
would be to buy an 870 and the O/U. You should be able to get into a Stoeger O/U for around $400-500 and an 870 with an extra barrel for the remainder. It sounds as if you may doing some hunting other than birds and the 870 would fill that need nicely........my $0.02
LanceOregon
Moderator
The Franchi Diamond at Dicks is probably the best deal one can find on a new quality O/U shotgun under $1,000 It is a fine Italian made firearm. While the wood and checkering are not up to the grade of Franchi's normal grade shotguns ( which are much more expensive ), they are still quite good. The action is still beautifully jeweled for smoothness, just like it is on the standard models.
Here is a photo of a Franchi Diamond, which is sold exclusively at Dick's:
In contrast, the CZ O/U shotguns are made in Turkey. They are not made by CZ in the Czech Republic.
The regular model Franchi O/U shotguns are absolutely gorgeous. My own Franchi Alcione T is one fine shotgun:
If you want a 20 gauge upland gun, then I would recommend it. These shotguns are light and fast handling. In 12 gauge, they tend to have pretty heavy recoil, which can be noticed if you shoot a lot of clays in a single day. 20 gauge is the more ideal gauge for them, in my opinion.
If you instead decide to go with an Autoloader, then I would recommend a good gas operated shotgun like the Beretta 391 Urika. This is a very soft shooting 12 gauge shotguns, as its gas system does a great job in absorbing recoil. I've bought a number of Beretta guns from Ray Tanner Sports. They have the standard model 391 Urika II on sale for only $699:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=157525862
That shotgun has a MSRP of $999, but Ray is giving a $300 discount off it.
Browning's brand new Maxus semiauto shotgun or the new Winchester Super X3 are both awesome, but are about $100 over your budget. So if you can afford to spend a little more, they would be other great options. They are only currently available in 12 gauge, though, because they are so new.
.
Here is a photo of a Franchi Diamond, which is sold exclusively at Dick's:
In contrast, the CZ O/U shotguns are made in Turkey. They are not made by CZ in the Czech Republic.
The regular model Franchi O/U shotguns are absolutely gorgeous. My own Franchi Alcione T is one fine shotgun:
If you want a 20 gauge upland gun, then I would recommend it. These shotguns are light and fast handling. In 12 gauge, they tend to have pretty heavy recoil, which can be noticed if you shoot a lot of clays in a single day. 20 gauge is the more ideal gauge for them, in my opinion.
If you instead decide to go with an Autoloader, then I would recommend a good gas operated shotgun like the Beretta 391 Urika. This is a very soft shooting 12 gauge shotguns, as its gas system does a great job in absorbing recoil. I've bought a number of Beretta guns from Ray Tanner Sports. They have the standard model 391 Urika II on sale for only $699:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=157525862
That shotgun has a MSRP of $999, but Ray is giving a $300 discount off it.
Browning's brand new Maxus semiauto shotgun or the new Winchester Super X3 are both awesome, but are about $100 over your budget. So if you can afford to spend a little more, they would be other great options. They are only currently available in 12 gauge, though, because they are so new.
.
Last edited:
i have a maxus stalker and its the best autoloader ive ever owned. it was rite at 1000 dollars an ive crow hunted with it twice and shot a few skeets with it and ive had no problems with any load ive put in it. browning got it rite this time and i would highly recommend the maxus to anyone who doesnt mind spending a 1000.
For a 1st gun under $1,000 - I would probably recommend a good pump gun / and personally I like the Browning BPS Hunter model ( for around $ 500 ) a lot more than the 870. Its cast neutral, ejects out of the bottom, is light and inexpensive ( I like it in a 28" barrel for either 12 or 20ga ).... but I'd suggest a 12ga for a good versatile gun.
Its easy to find light or heavy loads in 12ga everywhere ...
I do like an O/U in the field ... but under $1,000 in my opinion there isn't much out there that I would consider a long term gun ( and that issue is often debated around here ..). Browning and Beretta field guns / like the Browning Lightning series are listing now for around $ 1,800 although there are some clean used ones around for about $ 1,000 if you shop carefully. Make sure the gun has screw in - changeable chokes to make it more versatile.
Its easy to find light or heavy loads in 12ga everywhere ...
I do like an O/U in the field ... but under $1,000 in my opinion there isn't much out there that I would consider a long term gun ( and that issue is often debated around here ..). Browning and Beretta field guns / like the Browning Lightning series are listing now for around $ 1,800 although there are some clean used ones around for about $ 1,000 if you shop carefully. Make sure the gun has screw in - changeable chokes to make it more versatile.
I know I suggested 870 but here's one I walk the bottoms with. Its an Ithaca bored skeet and skeet with 26 inch barrels. Came out of the shops in 1928. I now hunt a Border Collie. He's leaps and bounds smarter than the Brits I 've owned. Bobbly Wobbly figured out the farm rules that if you drive you don't open gates. I apologize for the quality of the photo, thats glare off the case hardening on the action.
SKB's.Bernardellis,BSS,
Old ithaca SXS and Fox,fox sterlingworth are great.
I really lke my Berretta.
And,if we go a bit quirky,there are some older Husquvarna and such doubles that were imported not so long ago.Dixie or Sarco ,etc may have some.
MacIntyre's book"Best Guns" is a good education in older American doubles.
If you have a good Brittany,an old Iver Johnson single barrel hammer 16 ga is all you need.
So long as you have the right hat.
Carry some water and a little folding bowl for that dog.They really need it sometimes
Old ithaca SXS and Fox,fox sterlingworth are great.
I really lke my Berretta.
And,if we go a bit quirky,there are some older Husquvarna and such doubles that were imported not so long ago.Dixie or Sarco ,etc may have some.
MacIntyre's book"Best Guns" is a good education in older American doubles.
If you have a good Brittany,an old Iver Johnson single barrel hammer 16 ga is all you need.
So long as you have the right hat.
Carry some water and a little folding bowl for that dog.They really need it sometimes
Durangogun
Inactive
Brittanys and Setters
A dog writer and humorist I enjoy goes by the pen name Spaulding Hoffhacker. He's a setter man and routinely blasts any dog that is not a setter. Because I first hunted over setters and have owned and flat loved them myself, I'm very partial to the breed. Sweetest dogs I know, best noses I've seen, hearts like lions in the field, and so damn beautiful to watch when they work.
But I have known some mighty fine Brits, too. And here in Colorado, where I live, you practically have to go to the town council and get a variance to get anything other than a Lab!
By the way, my previous setter who passed away in December, and I'm still grieving it--Deb's Whizbang Freckles out of the now gone Whizbang Kennels, and by way of Tekoa Mountain lines--would never fetch a paper or hold a gate for me. He was kind of selfish that way. Wonderful hunter, good friend, but his habit of correcting my grammar embarrassed me in front of my buddies!
I'm down to one bird dog, a very good orange Belton, Buddy, and we're planning to get and start training a new pup come spring. It will be another English setter.
Guess you know I'm saying that a dog man will usually become attached to a particular breed, and that's the end of that. No point arguing about it. They say you should never criticize a man's dog, pickup, or wife (in that order). I'd add--shotgun.
Started with a Savage single shot as a kid. Graduated to a Remington Model 11. Get teary eyed, still, thinking about either of them.
Hunted and shot clay targets with a Wingmaster 12 ga. for years. Loved it.
Switched to a Browning Citori Skeet for target work about 20 years ago. Still shoot it on targets.
And a few years ago got a couple of the the much debated, Turkish made, CZ SXS guns--a Bobwhite (English stock, double trigger) in 12 ga., and the Ringneck (Prince of Wales grip, single selective trigger) in 28 ga. In my experience, the CZs are great guns for the money.
I agree with a previous poster that the advantage of different chokes on a double does few hunters much good in the heat of a flush--but you can use them to advantage in certain situations. Set your selective trigger to fire the more open barrel first when you expect game to fly away from you, the tighter barrel to shoot first when you are shooting at incoming birds, for example. And many using double triggers do develop the ability to put their finger on the trigger for the appropriately choked barrel in the heat of the action. Having hunted a great deal now with both kinds of triggers on double guns, I can say I have come to prefer the double trigger for hunting.
I shoot targets with the O/U. Game with a SXS. Pheasant mostly with the 12; quail mostly with the 28. Grouse with whichever one I feel like grabbing on that particular day--usually the 28 because it kills birds quite well when used within its range and is so much more comfortable to carry in the mountains.
From the choices you offered, I'd suggest the 870 in 12 ga. for a first gun. Very versatile, bomb proof, and a tremendous value. Shoot a few thousand rounds, and as many birds over that Brittany as you can, and in a little while, you'll likely have more than one shotgun--and opinions as strong as the rest of us!
Love that pup, and know what a lucky man you are.
A dog writer and humorist I enjoy goes by the pen name Spaulding Hoffhacker. He's a setter man and routinely blasts any dog that is not a setter. Because I first hunted over setters and have owned and flat loved them myself, I'm very partial to the breed. Sweetest dogs I know, best noses I've seen, hearts like lions in the field, and so damn beautiful to watch when they work.
But I have known some mighty fine Brits, too. And here in Colorado, where I live, you practically have to go to the town council and get a variance to get anything other than a Lab!
By the way, my previous setter who passed away in December, and I'm still grieving it--Deb's Whizbang Freckles out of the now gone Whizbang Kennels, and by way of Tekoa Mountain lines--would never fetch a paper or hold a gate for me. He was kind of selfish that way. Wonderful hunter, good friend, but his habit of correcting my grammar embarrassed me in front of my buddies!
I'm down to one bird dog, a very good orange Belton, Buddy, and we're planning to get and start training a new pup come spring. It will be another English setter.
Guess you know I'm saying that a dog man will usually become attached to a particular breed, and that's the end of that. No point arguing about it. They say you should never criticize a man's dog, pickup, or wife (in that order). I'd add--shotgun.
Started with a Savage single shot as a kid. Graduated to a Remington Model 11. Get teary eyed, still, thinking about either of them.
Hunted and shot clay targets with a Wingmaster 12 ga. for years. Loved it.
Switched to a Browning Citori Skeet for target work about 20 years ago. Still shoot it on targets.
And a few years ago got a couple of the the much debated, Turkish made, CZ SXS guns--a Bobwhite (English stock, double trigger) in 12 ga., and the Ringneck (Prince of Wales grip, single selective trigger) in 28 ga. In my experience, the CZs are great guns for the money.
I agree with a previous poster that the advantage of different chokes on a double does few hunters much good in the heat of a flush--but you can use them to advantage in certain situations. Set your selective trigger to fire the more open barrel first when you expect game to fly away from you, the tighter barrel to shoot first when you are shooting at incoming birds, for example. And many using double triggers do develop the ability to put their finger on the trigger for the appropriately choked barrel in the heat of the action. Having hunted a great deal now with both kinds of triggers on double guns, I can say I have come to prefer the double trigger for hunting.
I shoot targets with the O/U. Game with a SXS. Pheasant mostly with the 12; quail mostly with the 28. Grouse with whichever one I feel like grabbing on that particular day--usually the 28 because it kills birds quite well when used within its range and is so much more comfortable to carry in the mountains.
From the choices you offered, I'd suggest the 870 in 12 ga. for a first gun. Very versatile, bomb proof, and a tremendous value. Shoot a few thousand rounds, and as many birds over that Brittany as you can, and in a little while, you'll likely have more than one shotgun--and opinions as strong as the rest of us!
Love that pup, and know what a lucky man you are.
Last edited:
Durangogun
Inactive
Here's that setter who corrected my grammar admiring a chukar he pointed in a sea of grass, and proudly brought back to me . . .
