Auto loaders or O/U ??

scott_r

scott_r

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Im looking to get into hunting upland game more seriously and would like something different then my trusy Winchester pump. Im considering either a semi-auto or Over Under.
What would suit my needs better? Im thinking semi auto ( 3 shoots, fast) but really like the looks and idea of walking through a feild with an O/U. I can't shoot both to compare because most guys I know only hunt deer.
My next question is what should I buy for brand? Im looking for the best reliable gun, not worried about a title but do not want something that will jam up or fail in the field. I like the Beretta Xtrema and Urika, Benalli has some nice guns but have also looked at Fabarm and even Baikal. Im looking to spend maybe $1700 at most and used does not scare me.

Any help would be appreciated :) Cheers!!
 
there's nothing wrong with any of the shotguns your looking at. the determining factor is personal preference.for an o/u.for upland a 20 ga. fills the bill and your anywhere from baikal and spartan right up to beretta and brownings and such. it's also simply a matter of what feels best for you. you can even try tapping into the used market. there's a lot of good one available.
 
Scott, upland game implies fast flushing birds and quick shooting. While there are some autos which are up to the task (eg. the Franchi AL 48) many of them are better suited to waterfowl and clays than they are to the uplands. Light weight, pointability and easy control are paramount. In this respect the U/O will give you more choices than the auto, but beware - there are many heavy, ponderous U/O's out there. The lightweights from Browning and Beretta are available, but there are other options, especially in the used market. I found a used double triggered Sabatti U/O in 20 gauge which makes a very nice upland gun. The double triggers allow for instant choke selection which is an advantage in the uplands. The Fabarm Gamma 2 AL is available (new) in your price range with a straight grip stock and a choice of barrel lengths. It is a very nice gun for the money.

Have you considered a SxS? Since there is no non - toxic shot requirement for upland game many of the older European made guns are suitable. A good SxS gives you the fastest, most instinctive wing shot available. A mint condition used Sauer Royal, for instance, can be had for well under your budget, (but you might have to have the chokes opened). So can a new CZ / Huglu Bobwhite, in your choice of gauge, and they come with choke tubes.

Whichever design you settle on, place gun fit and handling as the top priorities. Keep the weight low and start honing those reflexes!

Sharptail
 
An O/U will do for upland as you will not be shooting heavy loads. Remember that you carry an upland gun more than you shoot it so weght is important. For the amount you want to spend you have very good choices on both types of actions in new or used guns.

If you are just going to do upland then the versitility of the O/U with its fast choice of two chokes gets my vote.

If you are going to do waterfowl then the semi, with it's three quick shots would be my choice.

The most important factor in your decision is how the gun fits you. If they don't fit it does not matter what it is you will have trouble hitting anything.

r
 
Whats a common BBL length for an upland bird gun??

Also is a semi auto slow to raise and shoot then an O/U? Im just curious why a semi or more for ducks and geese?

Cheers!!
 
Around a 26 inch barrel is good for upland game birds, especially if it has inerchangable chokes. 16 or 20 guage is normally prefered, but there's nothing wrong with a 12. Oddly, I don't find the O/U as bulky as a semi, so I find it easier swinging and aiming. A personal choice I guess.

One problem I find with all semi autos is that they have to be kept very clean, particularly the gas operated ones, or you will start having misfires and failures to feed. Overall, my preference would be the O/U. You should check out the CZ line, really high quality guns for a reasonable price.
 
Scott,

I went through this a year ago and bought a 20ga beretta O/U. Now I wish I had got a 12ga. Reasons are: 12ga ammo is easy to find(esp steel), is way cheaper, I met a guy who invited me on a goose hunt and you need steel shot and a 12ga, and if you are hunting pheasants a 12 is better. Yes a 20 is ok for pheasants and I've shot them with no problems, but if you are in an area that does not have a large population of pheasants and you may only get a couple of flushes in a mornings hunt, you want to have good power on a 30-40 yard shot and of course we don't want to wound birds. A big mature #### pheasant is a very tough bird. If you are in an area with tons of birds, then you can pick your shots and nail those big cocks with easy 15-20 yard shots and the 20 is ok. (Beginners have a tendancy to shoot at birds that are too far away)

If you are grouse hunting just use cheap target loads in a 12 with light shot.

I agree with the other posts on a light gun. The autos are usually heavy but you can get a browniing Gold that comes in around 7lbs which would be perfect. An 8 lb gun is a bit heavy IMO for carrying around all day chasing birds but OK for sitting in a duck blind. My 20ga was 6lbs and a dream to carry which is why I bought it.

One more thing, since you are new to shotgunning, you have to ensure the shotgun fits you well which is more complicated than you think. I have this problem. (see "need help with shotgun fit)

As for the O/U, if you like quality in a shotgun look at browning or beretta in my opinion, these are very good, but there are cheaper ones as well which a lot of guys have good luck with.

Good luck and be warned, this shotgunning thing is addictive!
 
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Most find a 28" SxS or O/U better balanced and easier to swing for upland birds than a 26". Compared to a semi or pump, they tend to be lighter and easier to carry, as well as most offer choke choice ... either through two triggers or single selective trigger/interchangeable choke tubes.

An O/U is a major pain in a duck blind ... plus pumps and autoloaders offer a 3rd shot ... big advantage. A SW Saskatchewan pit blind often provides enough sand & dust to virtually "lock-up" a SxS or O/U because of their tight tolerances ... a pump however ... something like an 870 Express Super Mag will keep on shooting ... and will take 3-1/2" shells... sometimes an advantage too.
 
I like o/u or sxs because when I can carry it during hunting season ,I have one barrel loaded with birdshot and the other with buckshot. :)Grouse or deer can be taken without unloading birdshot to reload buckshot when you see a deer or the other way around.:50cal:
 
A SXS in a 20 or 16ga is a much better upland gun than any auto or O/U. Auto's are for waterfoul. O/U's are for clay shooting. SXS's are for hunting.
 
303carbine said:
I like o/u or sxs because when I can carry it during hunting season ,I have one barrel loaded with birdshot and the other with buckshot. :)Grouse or deer can be taken without unloading birdshot to reload buckshot when you see a deer or the other way around.:50cal:
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What you need is like what I have. A Brno ZH 304, OU, 7x57 & 12ga.:D Actually you need two, one for you & one for young son.;)
 
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