O/U Purchase Advice
I am planning on purchasing an O/U 12 guage that I would like to use for all applications with the obvious exception of turkey hunting and NJ shotgun deer hunting which I already have covered. I have been reading through the various catalogs and I'm overwhelmed from the Browning catalog alone. Beyond all the grades the main difference seems to be the hunting models and the clays models with the porting. Is there a nice compromise that would work for clays and upland hunting? Frankly all of the Brownings seem a bit out of reach price wise although I am very intrigued by the Cynergy. The cost makes me think like I can't swing it. I'm looking to spend between $750 and $1000 at most. I know there are tons of models out there like the Red Label. Can everyone help me out here? Man I really wish I could swing a Cynergy.
Oh and if anyone reads this far down is the BOSS system for the rifles worth the cost?
I know I ask a lot here.
Thanks!
Chuck from NJ
Oh and if anyone reads this far down is the BOSS system for the rifles worth the cost?
I know I ask a lot here.
Thanks!
Chuck from NJ
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Buy the Red Lable. I do not like the BOSS system and don't think it is worth anything.
I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.0 -
Main thing is to try a few , if possible on a range/course. One traveling clays course brings a few try guns (Browning) so you can get the fellof the guns. Some like Ruger, some Beretta, some Browning. They all have a different feel and fit and it has to make you feel comfortable and confident to really work for you. If its ugly as a fence post, as long as you like it and shoot it well, that's first. However, a nice gun that looks nice, does help for some in the self confidence department. I would advise against the Weatherbys, as they seem to have had a rash of function problems in the past. The Clays guns generally will be bit heavier to enhance swing, but that is not a rule. I spent more than I wanted to on a Browning Sp. Clays, but have really enjoyed it. Had a Red Label, really liked the gun, but it didn't fit me well, but they now offer a clays gun, so might make a difference. Beretta and Browning both offer a "white wing" or equivalent, where you are buying a good, solid gun, but no frills finish or wood. Sp. clays guns also generally are only 2-3/4 inch chamber, but again there are exceptions. 0 -
For the money right NOW in an over under get a win 101 or an SKB. red labels are painfully average and tend to just "flop" open. The 26" bbl will prevent that a little, but, for the money a win 101 or SKB are dandys. 0 -
Like been said before. You must try a bunch out and see what works. I never really knew what and SKB was until a couple of years ago. I was looking for a nice O/U. Tried the 585 model and fell in love with. Their is alot out their when you really start looking, some new stuff coming in from over seas like some of the CZ. All I can tell you is take your time and don't buy just the name. 0 -
chuckfromnj
go with the browning bought mine in in 1964 for 350.00 i shot skeet with it for 5 years on mil. team and used it for hunting from quail to patridge have also hunted deer with it just changing my loads.its a 12 ga lighting i have never had a malfuntion with 1000's of rounds thru it the action is as smooth as when new.they seem to hold thier value also tks. hedge0 -
Cartod has it right ! A decent used Win.101 is can be a real bargain, and they "seem" to be much better balanced and lively then the average (and overweight) Red Label. If you can find a Winchester 96 all the better as they are the same metal as a 101 but usually $150 cheaper. The Ithaca 500/600 is also a great buy useually when in 12 guage. Might take some looking though. 0 -
Mossberg just bought out an a company and now sells an o/u wouldnt mind having one my self. It wouldnt be over 600 a little of the cheap side but what you can do with a 1000 or 800 dollar gun is the same depending on you of course.
If it Flies it Dies0 -
I shoot a lot of clays with a Browning automatic, but my father shoots a Browning citori 525 sporting and loves it. He held the Cynergy at the time of purchase and ended up opting for the citori.
Though I thought the Cynergy was really neat. It just depends on what feels right. He also held a $2500 Beretta but just didn't like the way it shouldered. Basically, everyone is correct. Shoot as many as you can before purchase. And spend as much as you can afford...it will last you a long time. If you cheap out you won't be happy in your mind. I like the previous post..."a pretty gun breeds confidence"...I seem to agree. Is that vain??0 -
I agree with trying them all. I had a Citori for many years that I finally traded for a Red label. I didn't like the Browning because the model I had was such a bulky gun and I just plain couldn't shoot it. The RL is a more streamline gun and just fits me better. Of note, I saw a lot of Berettas at the gun shows this year for $900-$1000. 0 -
As you can see from the responses, the perfect shotgun to one guy is a reject to the next guy. You really MUST get out and try them on. Buying from a catalog is a big mistake. I ended up with Italian shotguns, because they fit me and feel like a part of my when I am shooting. That is what you are looking for. Forget engraving and all the pretty stuff, you don't knock down birds with pretty. You may do very well with a nice used shotgun. Find something that fits really well in your price range and go have fun! 0 -
If you are looking at the brownings I would look at the citori 525 in a field model. I just purchased one of the 525 field and love it. It has been the best gun I have ever owned. It is a bit more than some of the othere o/u, but then I hope to never have to buy another. I shoot some trap and skeet, but mostly used for upland birds and duck and goose hunting. I would suggest if the gun fit and this is the most important part of a gun is how it fits, but if the 525 fits look at finding one used so at least you have a high quality gun but less than the new price. I paid about $1500 for my 525.
Good Luck and if you have any more question you can email me at paulwaggoner@sbcglobal.net0 -
The Browning 525s have a palm swell that I like, and I have several of them. Never had a problem with any of the 6 Brownings that I own, whether I bought them used or new. Won the club championship with the 525 Golden Clays last year.
But the most important thing is finding one that fits you. Go to any sporting clays or trap range and explain what it is you are looking for. Ask if you can try some of the different brands, see how they fit you.
When you find one brand/model that seems to fit you, then look on GB and find one for sale.
Your mileage may vary.
"Every time a system is made foolproof - a new class of fool emerges."
Prod Harris
"If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."0
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