What 12G O/U Shotgun to buy?

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steveber

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I know someone asked something similar to this but I have another question. I'm looking at an O/U shotgun for skeet/5 stand/sporting clays/trap. I tried out a buddy's O/U today and it was just kicking the you know what out of my shoulder. FYI yes I did have the gun right up against my shoulder. I want to know is there a O/U on the market that does not kick like a mule?

I did read about the new Benelli 828U with the cool stuff that one has to stop recoil. Is that my only option or is there more out there? Or am I just spoiled by my A400.

My budget is $4000.

Thanks
 
steveber said:
I know someone asked something similar to this but I have another question. I'm looking at an O/U shotgun for skeet/5 stand/sporting clays/trap. I tried out a buddy's O/U today and it was just kicking the you know what out of my shoulder. FYI yes I did have the gun right up against my shoulder. I want to know is there a O/U on the market that does not kick like a mule?

I did read about the new Benelli 828U with the cool stuff that one has to stop recoil. Is that my only option or is there more out there? Or am I just spoiled by my A400.

My budget is $4000.

Thanks
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From what I have hear, you should be able to pick up one of those new Benellis for that.
The biggest problem however, is WHEN you will be able to buy one in Canada??!!:p
Cat
 
Steber; the few reviews I've read on the new Benelli, it most likely wouldn't be a first choice for the games. Benelli is marketing it as a field gun at 6.8Lbs, most target guns range between 7.5 - 9.5 lbs, weight absorbs recoil. A Browing, Bettinsoli or Beretta O/U can be had new within your budget and would be a better choice.
 
You would be looking at a nice Browning Citori or Cynergy or a Beretta similar..with a set of chokes it could do all clay sports..and you could tube it for smaller gauges.

Add a precision fit stock or equivalent for fit and recoil management.

IMO its all doable on that budget..have fun shopping.
 
Your budget figure is a good one. Also, remember, this will not likely be your last clays gun, if you really get into the clays games, you will buy more.

The key factor is gun fit. If the stock doesn't fit you, then it is gonna kick you. We are not all built the same and neither are stocks. Most of the major manufacturers each build most of their stocks with similar dimensions. Usually, one of the two main "B" guns (Browning or Beretta) will fit you and the other won't.

So, try every gun that you can lay your hands on and see which on feels and shoots the best for you.

The other thing you need to consider, is what will be your main clay activity ... In my case, 95% of the clays that I shoot are trap targets, so I have a high shooting "trap" configured gun and I adapt to shooting other games. If I mainly shot skeet or sporting, then I would want something that shot flat, but my preference would be for a parallel trap style stock.

Look for good value when you do buy, because, as I said earlier, this won't be your last clays gun. In a year or three, you will probably be looking for something different.
 
Like others have said make sure the gun fits you, if it doesn't you will feel more recoil and cheek slap. You can have the stock cut to fit if needed and have a nice recoil pad added buy a good gunsmith. Also get a sporting model made for clay shooting which will weigh more and have longer barrels then a field model helping reduce felt recoil. Sporting models from beretta and browning are top quality and hold there value we'll. good luck with your search.
 
I tried a version of trap on Sunday - great fun. I borrowed a friend's new-ish Browning Cynergy, with compensated barrels (holes drilled in sides near muzzle). 150 shots, and not too bad (bit of a bruise on the shoulder last night, but not even tender today). Factory ammo.

I'm researching buying an O/U myself, and most opinions seem to say:
- For the best bang for the buck, I'm reading Browning, Beretta, and Remington
- Higher priced guns are fine, but won't get you much of an edge
- I was told to stay away from Stoeger, if I planned on shooting often (through the Condor I was looking at looked fine enough... maybe they don't last).
 
Your budget is quite adequate and as others have suggested, I would look at either Beretta or Browning.

The Beretta Prevail KO has a rather unique built-in recoil reduction device. I have shot one and they are quite comfortable, helping to reduce felt recoil.

Good mounting technique and gun fit are perhaps the most significant factor in obviating felt recoil, as is overall gun weight. Most find a target gun should be
up in the 8 lb. + range. 12 ga. target loads of 1 oz. or even 7/8 oz. also help, as will a good recoil pad.

For a good approach to all the target games, it's hard to beat a 30" gun. Lately 32" guns are the "norm" for Sporting & American Trap and are generally O.K for
5-Stand, but most find (including me) some adaption in your "hold points" is required for Skeet with the longer tubes. For resale, 28" barrels seem least preferred.
The O/U models with the adjustable combs certainly help in easily obtaining gun fit as to comb height and castoff/cast on. Length of pull and pitch can also generally
be made fairly easy tomake on most target guns.

The "Sporters" are more adaptable to most clay target games with their "flat shooting" attributes, while Trap guns are generally set-up to have a higher point of impact.

For what you are looking at, I would suggest either a Browning 725 Sporter or Beretta 692 Sporter, either in 30" or 32" with adjustable comb. Either can have the comb raised
a little from your "normal" skeet/5-stand/sporting position to something a little higher when shooting trap. There are a very few used models of these around, but if over-budget,
a gently used Browing 625 or Beretta 682 Sporter will certainly fill the bill. Personally, I would avoid "ported" barrel guns like the plague.

And yes, for any kind of volume target shooting, I woud not consider the various Stoegesr or Baikals.
 
Thanks for the feedback. One thing I know is why cheap out on something like this. I want to buy something that is quality. Now I'm not in a rush as that 828U would not be here till at least July. I want to find a gun that fits plus what is a good built one. Now I know the 828U is a field gun I just kinda liked the idea of a light gun. All I will use this for is clays. The A400 would be only for hunting. I picked the A400 Xtreme because as soon as I picked it up I love how it felt and mounted.

Maritime Storm what reviews are you talking about? All the ones I have seen people love it.

VLT79 I was using 1 1/8 oz loads and it was a webley and scott O/U. I dont know the model but it was all stock and it looked like it has no recoil pad. Barrel was very short.
 
Kind of what I figured...shooting a field gun with a "heavy load". As suggested, find a target gun, stick to the lighter loads and you'll be fine. One gun I recommend you look at is the Browning Citori Crossover. It's priced very well, built to last a lifetime and the cash saved, compared to buying a Benelli or Beretta, will be better spent on ammo and clays! Shooting makes a better shooter than a high priced gun!
 
steveber said:
Now I know the 828U is a field gun I just kinda liked the idea of a light gun. All I will use this for is clays.
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That 828U would be a great gun for upland hunting where you do a lot of carrying and what little shooting you do is sudden, almost snap shots at a rapidly departing bird. You've been given good advice by knowledgeable posters here about weight and target guns. A target gun around 8 pounds will have enough heft to smooth out your swing and soak up recoil. The light gun will kick like a mule with the same loads and as one person once put it, the light barrels will leave you feeling like you're waving the flag on Canada Day. As a new shooter you don't need those additional handicaps. I know it sounds trite, but try to shoot as many guns as you can in the next little while to help you decide what you like to shoot, not what you like the thought of shooting.

And as for that 828U, if you really want it, get it later as a bird gun. Labeling it as a "bird gun" establishes a specific need that justifies the purchase ;)
 
steveber said:
Thanks for the feedback. One thing I know is why cheap out on something like this. I want to buy something that is quality. Now I'm not in a rush as that 828U would not be here till at least July. I want to find a gun that fits plus what is a good built one. Now I know the 828U is a field gun I just kinda liked the idea of a light gun. All I will use this for is clays. The A400 would be only for hunting. I picked the A400 Xtreme because as soon as I picked it up I love how it felt and mounted.

Maritime Storm what reviews are you talking about? All the ones I have seen people love it.

VLT79 I was using 1 1/8 oz loads and it was a webley and scott O/U. I dont know the model but it was all stock and it looked like it has no recoil pad. Barrel was very short.
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In other words, a very poor choice for a skeet/sporting clays gun. For a dedicated clays gun, you want more weight, longer barrels, and a good recoil pad. I buy the 2-3/4 dram loads whenever possible, to keep recoil to the minimum. I actually shoot more clays with the sub gauges than with a 12 gauge.
 
OP

I'm looking at an O/U shotgun for skeet/5 stand/sporting clays/trap...... $ 4000,-
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R&R Rancher

That 828U would be a great gun for upland hunting where you do a lot of carrying and what little shooting you do is sudden, almost snap shots at a rapidly departing bird.
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OP, did you have a look at the F3?
 
Steber; Randy Wakeman's review summed it up nicely. I'm a Benelli fan, I'd have one in a heart beat to hunt Grouse with, I wouldn't want to stand behind a Handicap Load in one however.
 
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