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Why are O/U Shotguns so Expensive

Texas Hunter
I was at the gunshow this weekend and was checking out some different rifles and shotguns and i noticed that practically every O/U shotgun was carrying a premium price.
Having never owned one before i was curious as to why they carry such high prices??
I mean what is that makes this so??
Are these shotguns build quality better than a pump or semi auto??
And lastly what features should someone thats looking for a used O/U look for?
Any brands that one should avoid??




mike
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • only winchesters
    Good morning TH! In a nut shell, labor! The manufacturing process to mate the barrels together, cost more than a pump or auto. You have side ribs and a top rib on quality O/U's, plus the method of mating can vary. Butt stocks and forarms usually require more fitting time on O/Us.

    Features, single selective trigger, screw in chokes, are probably the two most important features. I would recommend looking at the Winchester Md 101, or the Browning Citori. Both are great guns, that you would be happy with. Regards Dave
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  • duckhunter
    TRY A RUGER RED LABEL

    I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.
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  • dakotashooter2
    Not to mention the labor required to regulate the barrels so they both shoot to the same POI.
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  • nord
    Inexpensive imports notwithstanding...

    Everything stated above, but with finer woods, precision fitting, better materials, superior finish, AND PRIDE.

    In my opinion the Red Label has become more affordable over the last decade somewhat at the expense of fit and finish. Still, these are world-class O/U's that are so far apart from the economy grades that they're hard to compare.

    My personal Red Label is one of the first off the Ruger line. Wood is heavily burled and the blue is so deep that you could swim in it. There's no question of the quality and pride that was placed in this piece.

    I wouldn't trade it for any other O/U on the market today. It's that nice. Still, a used Red Label (evident use, but in nice condition) is an absolute bargain.

    Nord
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  • perry shooter
    AS STATED BY OTHERS IT TAKE MORE TIME TO BILD A O/U THEN A PUMP OR AUTO .THERE IS A WIDE RANGE IN PRICES THE SAME WITH SIDE BY SIDE DOUBLE GUNS FIT AND FINISH PLUS FIGURE IN THE WOOD PLUS ENGRAVEING ALL DETERMINE THE PRICE .SORT OF LIKE THE S&W PISTOLS FROM 30 YEARS AGO MODEL 28 WAS THE SAME AS MODEL 27 BUT FOR THE FINISH.ANOTHER WAY OF LOOKING AT IT WOULD BE COMPAREING TO PAINTINGS SOME ARE CHEAP AND OTHERS COSTLY IT COMES DOWN TO WHAT THE PEOPLE WITH MONEY WANT IN THIS CASE THEY WANT O/U WITH GREAT WOOD AND FINISH
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  • rsnyder55
    If you do find one you like and it fits. You will never regret it. I have a 20ga 101 Pigeongrade and I would never part with it.
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  • bobski
    as are side by sides, o&u's are built to last a lifetime, not a season.

    former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, former navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.
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