over/under
I am going to purchase a 20 guage over/under. Is there a forum or magazine that compares (pros and cons) the different makes of o/u. Would be looking for a gun to bird shoot with as well as range practice. Priced form $2500.00 down. Please help me with this research. Thanks droper1051@yahoo.com
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No need
Just buy
a older browning superposed lightning 20ga
For 2500 you could maybe find a NIB gun late 50s gun or 73 ish
stay away from 69-72ish some had salt wood
This gun will last your lifetime and your kids lifetime0 -
Get whatever fits best, but don't overlook a Red Label.
That's all I have to say!
Nord0 -
Nord, couldn't agree with you more---- just bought a 20 ga. (early gun). Slim receiver, light, can't wait to try it on doves, quail, and grouse! 0 -
i have a nice browning lightning 20 ga --3" chamber made 1964 it is in great shape;ill sell for $1990.00 + shipping.email me if intrested.docd223@aol.com[:D][:D] 0 -
And I have a nice early Red Label that's not for sale at any price.
That's where I'd draw the line as far as value. Go to any show... Tons of the other stuff. Almost no Rugers. Ever wonder why?
Nord0 -
If you are new to shotguns you might consider one of the Russian Baikal 20 ga O/Us. They have all the bells and whistles and cost under $500. After you get some experience with it you will be better able to decide what better shotgun you want for the long haul. With a $2500 purse, you will still have enough left to select from a lot of nice shotguns. Just a thought 0 -
Thank you all for your replies. How would you guy's compare the Beretta (grades above the white or black wing) Red Label Ruger, Citori, Weatherby, Frenchi??? All in Over/Under; Let's hear It!!! I am still looking for an independent comparison testing site (similar to a consumer report on O/U's). I found one site at gun-tests.com but had to pay 10 bucks and they only compared the Citori hunter and the Red Label and even then it was a five year old article. Help if you can. Thanks DR 0 -
I hope this helps; I have a Browning Superposed 12 and a Ruger Red Label 20 gauge. I sold and worked on firearms for over 20 years, and for the money, the Ruger isn't bad. You can get one for about $1000.00 or less. The Browning Citori 20 gauges are a bit better as are the Beretta. One because they have interchangable chokes, and 2, because they are just put together with a better fit and finish. Also the quality of parts are a better grade. I also have a Brand new Browning Citori Sporting Clays 12 which will be on the market for sale soon, with a recoil reducer in the stock. Am selling it just because I don't shoot as much as I used to.
I used to shoot trap and handicap trap on a league around, 3500 rounds a month( apprx. 9 years). I used the Reminton 1100 trap 12 and a Browning Lightning Grade Superposed 12 , a Citori 20 and 12 gauge. I put 40,000 rounds thru the citori 12 and the Remington with NO Jambs or problems. The 20 gauge worked well on Skeet, because it just doesn't have the range of the 12.
If you shoot alot, go with a better grade gun. Go to your local gunshop and try a few on for size, fit to your shoulder etc. Then go to a trap range and see if they have one like you want there to shoot. Each sight rail is different in height and width. The more natural it feels in relation to an extention of your arm pointing at the target, the more birds you will hit be it clay or winged.0 -
Back to what I said before... If you ask for an opinion, you'll find that everyone has one. But this is your money and your gun. And it's your opinion that really matters.
I purchased a Red Label many years ago because I liked it better than all the rest. Better wood, better finish, better fit, better everything. That was my opinion then and it's my opinion now. Luckily there are others who hold differing views.
Here are some observations I'll share:
Rugers now have screw-in chokes. There happens to be one within reach at the moment at my house.
Rugers (older Red Labels) are beginning to enjoy a collector following.
Rugers are going up in price. (Again, the guns with fine wood and a beautiful finish.)
I disagree about parts quality. Then again, it's hard to tell when nothing has ever failed.
The other guns I tried...
Browning Superposed always feel large and clumsy to me. A beautiful gun though. I have one in a minute, but not to shoot.
A Citori... Nice gun, but a typical Asian product. I just didn't like it quite as well as the Ruger.
Ithaca O/U... Beautiful craftsmanship on the older guns, but fit wasn't ever right.
The Italian offerings... Nice guns, but I didn't feel they were for me.
It all comes back to that thing called fit. You'll know when it's right. You'll swing the gun and it'll sing to you. After that happens, then look at the name of the manufacturer. Then you'll have an opinion just like the rest of us!
Nord0
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