Help me decide on my first O/U
I asked a question a couple of weeks ago concerning buying an American Arms Silver from my brother. After reading and talking to folks I have decided it is not for me. I would like to buy a 12 gauge that will last the rest of my born days. I am not in a position where money is no object but would like to have a quality gun in the end. I bird hunt everything from doves to geese and everything inbetween. Been looking at the Franchi shotguns and like them alot but I would also like to hear opinions from this group of folks as well. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You...
Brad M.
Brad M.
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Buy the Ruger. Repairs for life. Made in this country. Great value.
I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.0 -
For the same money I could buy a Franchi and from what I have heard it is superior in workmanship. Is this not true? I have been told that that over time a Ruger will require trips to the gunsmith for repairs. Thank you for the reply. 0 -
Brad..everyone here who has an o/u thinks that their shotgun is good. That is why they bought it. You can't ask for opinions and then have Duckhunter give you his and make him explain why. He is partial to Ruger. I personally love the Browning Citori. It shouldered better than the Beretta or Ruger for my personal size and feel. Eventually, any gun will need a trip to the gunsmith if you are talking about years down the road and many thousands of rounds.
"Well...everybody's gotta be somewhere"0 -
I hope I did not offend anyone just looking to make a "smart" purchase. Thanks for the input. 0 -
Brad,
Find yourself a used Zoli "ritmo". It has all the good
features found in the Citori, Beretta line, and the Ruger
all rolled into one O/U! Reasonably priced at less than $600.00.
I bought mine for $450.00 and wouldn't trade it for one costing
4X as much! It's a lot like the Franchi, which is good too!
It's a nice light gun too! Rugers are a little heavy for upland
game for my taste. But to each, his own.0 -
I agree that everyone has their favorite type of O&U. There are many reasons for this, the main being a gun that you like the feel of and are pleased with it's cosmetics. You will never shoot a shotgun well that you do not feel comfortable with. That said might I suggest a Beretta 686 essential for just under $1k. There are some currently listed for auction. 0 -
Brad,
My first O/U was an import. I saved money on the initial purchase but in the long run, I was disappointed with it. When I sold it I got about 1/2 of what I paid for it. That was years ago, I have a 12 ga Citori and a 12 ga Red label. I would say it is a toss up between those two as far a function, feel, quality, etc. Both are good in my eyes. But my favorite is my 20 ga Red Label. It is the sporting clays model and it fits me better than the other two for whatever reason. I tend to use it more because it "feels" right. If you think in terms of keeping a shotgun for 10 - 15 years or more, a few hundred dollars is a small price to pay for having something you really like IMHO.
Worry is the interest humans pay on the debt of miscalculation.0 -
Get a good used Browning Superposed....a true American Classic. 0 -
My kids are always talking about a CD for this and a CD for that and I tell them my CD is downstairs on the gun rack; its called a Charles Daly 20Ga OU. Bought it off of this web site and use it for skeet, grouse,pheasant etc. It's chambered for 3 in. shells which increases it's versatility as do the various chokes that I have for it. Paid around $750 used and it's worth it all. 0 -
Gun fit is the most important feature on any shotgun. After that longevity goes hand in hand with the quality of the gun.
I tend to favor Brownings. Been in business a while, and even the Japanese built models have survived thousands of rounds and years of use.
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 -
RUGER...[^] 0 -
I've had browning citori's, a berretta 686 and a couple Rugers. As far as quality, it's a tough call as to superiority. The Brownings are always popular, the Beretta has a strong following and Ruger is legend for strength and customer service. For me, the Browning just seems to fit me better, but my 686 sport. clays is nearly identical to my GTI browning. Ruger now has a stainless steel all weather if you want it for everything. Both browning and beretta have a base line O/U (black wing/white wing?) that are comparably priced. The Red labels can also be found in that $1000 to $1200 mark, either slightly used, sometimes only rack wear. The Ruger is supposed to fall open without coaxing, as it is made that way. It is not 'sloppy' (investment cast steel), just less machining and hand fitting. Any of the three regardless of the level of finish will last you and your offspring a lifetime. See if you can shoot all three makes as they each have a different "feel" as a couple others have said. Whichever feels best, points naturally, and makes you feel confident should be your choice. 0 -
I would go used if you cant afford new
Browning superposed, Winchester 101,Ruger
see what fits best0
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