686 vs 725

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Merck

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Not to reignite an old debate that's been had a thousand times over but I'm looking to get an O/U and it comes down to these pretty much. We don't have to hash over a lot of it because obviously it comes down to fit and what works for me but I have a few issues left to resolve. To be honest, I like both of them. The 686 Sporting seems a little lighter and more refined and swings well, but I like the bit of weight and wider forearm of the 725 Sporting. The 725 has the extended chokes which I like because #1 they are easy and #2 they look cool. The 725 also has the bottom vent between the barrels which again I think I like the looks of. In my area as well, there is actually a 725 left hand available which is nice, though as the folks from Prophet River pointed out to me below there is a LG 686 sporter available, though in a 32 (was thinking 30). So questions,

The 725 has the ported barrels which I've read some of the pros/cons/controversies about. It's not something I'm specifcally looking for but is it a reason not to get it?

The 725 LH is about 400 more than the 686 Sporting available. Worth the difference in price?

Are after-market stocks in any way worse than factory set one? What I mean is do you lose anything in replacing them or are they as good as anything from the factory if done by a pro?

Personally, kinda leaning toward the 725, but the 686 is sure nice too....


Quick edit - will probably sell my Browning BPS Trap model 30 in barrels in excellent condition to help fund the purchase. Any ideas on a price check?
 
I went through the same thing 6 months ago. I had a BPS Trap too and sold it for 600 ish I believe.

At the time I was debating between the 682 gold E and the 725 Sporting. There was a guy at my club with a 686 with a lot of problems so it wasn't even on my list. I shot the 682 and 725 and just felt the 725 fit me better, and was much tighter overall. I got the 725 Sporting 32" and I absolutely love it. I have put 5000+ rounds through it so far without any problems. One major advantage is that it has mechanical triggers.

I also just bought a 20ga XS Skeet, and have a 725 Skeet 30" (new for this year) on the way. So yeah I might be biased but I absolutely love my 725!
 
NVG said:
I went through the same thing 6 months ago. I had a BPS Trap too and sold it for 600 ish I believe.

At the time I was debating between the 682 gold E and the 725 Sporting. There was a guy at my club with a 686 with a lot of problems so it wasn't even on my list. I shot the 682 and 725 and just felt the 725 fit me better, and was much tighter overall. I got the 725 Sporting 32" and I absolutely love it. I have put 5000+ rounds through it so far without any problems. One major advantage is that it has mechanical triggers.

I also just bought a 20ga XS Skeet, and have a 725 Skeet 30" (new for this year) on the way. So yeah I might be biased but I absolutely love my 725!
Click to expand...

I sold my XS Skeet, as I prefer to use my 725Sporting with 32" barrels, for skeet. My favorite skeet gun is actually a 28 gauge Citori Special Sporting Clays Edition with 30" barrels.
 
Yeah I just wanted a variety for skeet, sporting clays, and 5stand. Which brings up something, what will you be primarily be shooting with your new gun?
 
A mix of games as I get into more of them. For now I'm 4 minutes from Langley with trap and skeet and have mostly shot trap. That said I don't want to buy a 'trap-only' gun. Might keep my BPS depending on the finances.

And porting? No big deal?
 
No not a big deal. I was at Langley today but I usually shoot at vgc. Try shooting more Skeet I think it's a lot more fun, it just takes practice. And try out Sporting Clays at vgc on Sundays as well as 5stand. You're welcome to try my 725. But yeah as an overall gun the 725 Sporting will do everything well.
 
Agree with Maritime, I'd put aftermarket choke tubes in both of them so that's a draw.

When I had to make this decision a year ago I went with a used 682 trap combo. It's nice to have the single barrel if you are going to shoot a lot of trap, and it had the adjustable comb and adjustable heel already installed for me.
 
Both great guns .... BUT --- In a shotgun, fit, fit, fit. A rifle can be a tad off on fit but you usually have time to adjust -- with a shotgun you do not -- it should instantly shoot where you look!!
 
I shoot primarily skeet, with more and more sporting clays in my future, but when I do shoot trap, my 725 Sporting works fine for me. If the gun fits well, you don't need an adjustable stock, or rib.
 
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