Selecting a used O/U for a newbie learning to shoot trap and skeet

Claybuster said:
Jams are very rare in a modern semi-auto that is well maintained and shot with the proper ammunition. I've never seen the patience of experienced shooters tried by the occasional jam. They do get a little testy on the trap line when a semi-auto tosses hulls that bounce off them or their gun but there are shell catchers to prevent that.

I use and like both platforms but for different reasons.
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Any opinions on the Beretta A400 XCEL Sporting?
 
geologist said:
Any opinions on the Beretta A400 XCEL Sporting?
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I like them and have come close to buying one. Stoeger has a program that is putting demonstrator guns into the hands of small dealers and private shooting clubs and I've had the chance to shoot several of them. The only reason I don't own an A400 XCEL is because I already own a couple of Beretta 391s.
 
Claybuster said:
I like them and have come close to buying one. Stoeger has a program that is putting demonstrator guns into the hands of small dealers and private shooting clubs and I've had the chance to shoot several of them. The only reason I don't own an A400 XCEL is because I already own a couple of Beretta 391s.
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A couple of reviews said it has a creepy trigger but overall it sounds like a good gun for clays.

I hate the blue receiver........................
 
As soon as the new A400 Xcel Black comes to Canada I'm buying one ! I had the chance to handle one at SHOT and that was all it took! In my humble opinion, the A400 Xcel is the best handling and shooting semi-auto shotgun that I have tried (and I've had more than a few).

I actually like the blue receiver on the Parallel Target. The bronze on the Multi-Target is also nice but I don't seem to shoot a high rib gun as well as a flat rib gun.

I'm heading down to Joel Etchen's to take choose a new SG (or 2) on March 6.
 
I Had the a400 Exel Blue with the 32 inch barrel. Nice gun but I found it cumbersome being that long in a Semi. Shot fine and good quality but only kept it a month or so and bought a 30 inch Sporting Beretta Silver Pigeon O/U. Happier now.
 
geologist said:
A couple of reviews said it has a creepy trigger but overall it sounds like a good gun for clays.

I hate the blue receiver........................
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The A400 triggers run about half-pound heavier than the 391. It seemed more noticeable in the 20 gauge that I shot recently. I've found B-gun semi triggers better than the competition. Take a snap cap with you and ask the store if you can dry fire one.

SUPER TENERE said:
I Had the a400 Exel Blue with the 32 inch barrel. Nice gun but I found it cumbersome being that long in a Semi. Shot fine and good quality but only kept it a month or so and bought a 30 inch Sporting Beretta Silver Pigeon O/U. Happier now.
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The 32" semi was the one that I came very close to buying. It was slow to get started but very smooth once you did. My 12 gauge 391 is a 30" and prefer that length in semi.
 
Claybuster said:
.....I like them ......The only reason I don't own an A400 XCEL is because I already own a couple of Beretta 391s.....
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Ditto, also own a pair of 391's ! :) Really do like the A-400's, but hate the "smurf-coloured" receiver. The new all-black one would be my choice.

As the OP describes it, as a "first" target gun, either a used 391 or 400 in either 28" or 30" would be my choice. The 28" is a little more responsive for Skeet, the 30" works for all the rest of the games. Tried a 32" 391 and found it a bit cumbersome ... as was a 34" CG O/U that I tried. Both smooth, but hard to start.

A used, but not abused, 391 Sporter or Parallel Target should be relatively easy to find and not too costly. They are a fairly easy resale too. In my opinion, such would be
a very good choice for the OP, and at such time as he wanted to upgrade, he might have a better handle on what he really likes/wants.
 
I have a 391 with a "parallel target" stock, adjustable comb and adjustable rib by Moneymaker Gunworks. Now that gun I can use for any clays game. Trap, skeet, clays...whatever due its adjustability. Soft shooter with no jams. I did the O/Us thing and came full circle back to the 391 and never looked back.
 
geologist said:
I went to Wholesale Langley and Hub and they had nothing with adjustable combs. I am going to go to Italian in Vancouver.
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I have an A400 Xcel (Smurf Gun) with 30" barrel for sporting clays, it has the kick off system which isn't really needed, but the price was right on the gun and it doesn't bother me. Others hate it, I was initially looking for the non-kick-off version but the price was too good to pass up on this one.

I really like the gun and it shoots fantastic for me, I've put a shell catcher on to avoid being "that guy" when I use it for trap.

As far as the blue colour thats now an easy problem to solve with the number of folks doing Cerakote finishing. I'm tempted to have mine done, estimate I got was $185 - $200 by a shop in Cambridge (Select Shooting Supplies) just need to decide on a colour if I do take the plunge.
 
Not if you take your time. I used the graco round post kit. They can be inletted with a Forster bit. I used a band saw for the cut. Just go slow and steady but there is no going back.
 
dilly said:
Not if you take your time. I used the graco round post kit. They can be inletted with a Forster bit. I used a band saw for the cut. Just go slow and steady but there is no going back.
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I started with a Browning BT-99 (34"), until I started shooting doubles. Still have it and love shooting it. Then used a Browning Crossover Target (32") for a couple of years. Because of potential of sporting clays on the rise I switched over to a Rizzini BR320 (32") sporting and still shoot it. I may sell it as I have finally acquired a Caesar Guerini Summit Sporting (32") which I like very much. Both Rizzini and Caesar are well made and nice shooters.
 
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