$2000 Budget for All-Around Best Shotgun

catnthehatt said:
The 686 would be a decent choice, but they are a bit heavy fr many to lug around the uplands after birds.
I just traded a 686, and sold and sold a 687 last year.
I like then, but do not shoot 12's anymore - not smokeless , anyway!:D
For two grand however, one should be able to get a decent O/U for trap/skeet and a nicle little 20 O/U for birds, or two 12's as I previously posted.....
Cat
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There is a Beretta 686 Ultralight, but it is just over the budget limit.
A college at work (RAF pilot) just recently purchased one here.
We wanted to buy an O/U so when he's posted back to the UK, he can import it to his country with less hassle.
 
Moot point since you've already purchased, but for me it would a SX3 and plenty of shells.

I do wish you luck with the 870 - Remington quality control has taken a dirt nap over the lat 10 or 15 years, so I wouldn't use one if you gave it to me, but some ppeople still luck and get a decent one...hope your's is in that category.;)
 
brent4hire said:
Moot point since you've already purchased, but for me it would a SX3 and plenty of shells.

I do wish you luck with the 870 - Remington quality control has taken a dirt nap over the lat 10 or 15 years, so I wouldn't use one if you gave it to me, but some ppeople still luck and get a decent one...hope your's is in that category.;)
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I can put your mind to rest. The 870 is as smooth as a baby's bottom. Overall fit and finish is very good! I thorougly enjoyed sending 50 slugs through her this afternoon. :) If there were/are quality issues, they don't seem to have affected mine. I think most modern firearms are hit and miss. I wasn't expecting alot, but have been pleasantly surprized. I will keep her oiled and clean, and hope she'll give me many years of enjoyment. I mounted a pretty nice Bushnell green/red dot scope (1x28). Nice and easy target acquisition.

I just can't find fault in the 870 yet. Time will tell.

I have about $1500 still free to purchase a nice skeet/trap O/U, but for now, the 870 will suffice.

I went back to Lebaron's today and looked at a few $1800 Brownings. Very temping.
 
The Kurgan said:
I can put your mind to rest. The 870 is as smooth as a baby's bottom. Overall fit and finish is very good! I thorougly enjoyed sending 50 slugs through her this afternoon. :) If there were/are quality issues, they don't seem to have affected mine. I think most modern firearms are hit and miss. I wasn't expecting alot, but have been pleasantly surprized. I will keep her oiled and clean, and hope she'll give me many years of enjoyment. I mounted a pretty nice Bushnell green/red dot scope (1x28). Nice and easy target acquisition.

I just can't find fault in the 870 yet. Time will tell.

I have about $1500 still free to purchase a nice skeet/trap O/U, but for now, the 870 will suffice.

I went back to Lebaron's today and looked at a few $1800 Brownings. Very temping.
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Is this your first Shotgun?
 
The Kurgan said:
I have about $1500 still free to purchase a nice skeet/trap O/U, but for now, the 870 will suffice.

I went back to Lebaron's today and looked at a few $1800 Brownings. Very temping.
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Investing the balance $ on an O/U is a great idea.

As you may be aware, Le Baron has a no HST promo going on at this time.....may be a good idea to pick up a $25 club membership if you are pondering on acquiring a Browning O/U (dependent on gun fit) from that establishment - will allow you to shave off a further 10% in addition to the no tax deal provided the firearm is already not on special.

The EE, here at CGN, also has reasonably good deals on lightly used Browning/Beretta etc.
 
The Kurgan said:
Yes, but I have fired others. However, I am a rifle guy, I have an extensive collection, and I know quality. I won't call the 870 "craftsmen quality" but it does appear decent.
Do I sound "green"?
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If you know quality why would you even consider an 870?
 
Congratulations, The Kurgan, for being able to have a $2000 budget for a shotgun. However, there's no such thing as an 'All-Around Best Shotgun'. Well, maybe a Rem 870 or 11-87 or 1100 or Mossberg M500 with a bunch of barrels. And you don't have to spend 2 grand for 'em.
A Citori Gran Lightening isn't it though. U.S. MSRP is over 2 grandUS. And 16 ga only, acording to Browning's site. O/U shotguns aren't much use in a deer blind either.
"...I might just get both..." Again, my congratulations. Good idea, if you can. Doesn't impress anybody though. No offense.
 
sunray said:
Congratulations, The Kurgan, for being able to have a $2000 budget for a shotgun. However, there's no such thing as an 'All-Around Best Shotgun'. Well, maybe a Rem 870 or 11-87 or 1100 or Mossberg M500 with a bunch of barrels. And you don't have to spend 2 grand for 'em.
A Citori Gran Lightening isn't it though. U.S. MSRP is over 2 grandUS. And 16 ga only, acording to Browning's site. O/U shotguns aren't much use in a deer blind either.
"...I might just get both..." Again, my congratulations. Good idea, if you can. Doesn't impress anybody though. No offense.
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My intention was not to impress, but thanks for the "heads up" on manners. I didn't think 2K was much money to invest in one or two shotguns.

But to respond to your comments:
The 870 will be my field gun, including dear, turkey, and perhaps upland fowl.
I will still purchase an O/U for skeet and trap.

The price tag is not always indicative of quality, durability and performance, and I couldn't give a rat's arse about premium walnut furniture and scroll engraving for a field gun.

Thanks to all that gave their opinions. I have it narrowed down to two shotguns.
 
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I think you are going to be better served with 2 or more guns than just one. Buy an 870 for duck, goose, turkey or deer with a variable choke system, and an over and under for upland game and the clay sports - there are so many good O/U's out there.
 
Brutus said:
Myself I am a comparitive cheapskate.
I get by very well with the Ithaca M37 and an Ithaca/SKB O/U.

(steel shot? neah brothers!)
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Nothing wrong with value-packed firearms as long as they do the job.

I have a few rifles that are so nice (and pricey), I am absolutely affraid to take them into the bush for fear that they get wet, dinged, or muddy.
 
The Kurgan said:
Nothing wrong with value-packed firearms as long as they do the job.

I have a few rifles that are so nice (and pricey), I am absolutely affraid to take them into the bush for fear that they get wet, dinged, or muddy.
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I guess I'm trying to say a Beretta or an O/U Benelli are not within my budget ;) Although I must admit to admiring the old A303 series.

Cheers.............
 
I am bit utilitarian about tube guns so for my 2 cents :Spend 3 hundred on a good quality used gun and use the remaining 1700 to take two weeks off work and go hunting.
 
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