Another "Pick a newbie a gun for clays" post

[the spank]

I have been in this game for 30 years and dollar for dollar I would put my money on a Browning O/U any day. Rem1100? Had and shot many.....there is a reason Ohio farmers bury them for lightning rods!! Beretta's are superb quality as well but if you break a part the wait can mean sitting out the season.Browning....the parts are there right now!Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[MauserMike]

I have been in this game for 30 years and dollar for dollar I would put my money on a Browning O/U any day. Rem1100? Had and shot many.....there is a reason Ohio farmers bury them for lightning rods!! Beretta's are superb quality as well but if you break a part the wait can mean sitting out the season.Browning....the parts are there right now!Just my 2 cents worth.

For Beretta, bypass Stoeger Canada and order parts from Cole's Gunsmithing in Maine. I've ordered twice from them now and have never waited more than a week for parts to arrive at my door.

 

[beretta boy]

For Beretta, bypass Stoeger Canada and order parts from Cole's Gunsmithing in Maine. I've ordered twice from them now and have never waited more than a week for parts to arrive at my door.

COLE'S ... that's the "mantra" of most of the folks in the US shooting Beretta as well.

Been a happy Cole's customer for several years ... and always enjoy shopping there (South Harpswell, Maine) in person ... after all, it's only 25 minutes or so from L.L. Beans and both places are really close to fresh lobster !

So far the Mrs. & I have likely 5,000 rounds through one 391 and 10,000 through another, both 391 PT's an RL & an SL ... and maybe 50,000 through a DT-10 since 2000. No broken parts. I used to think that the Winchester Super X-1's were the most reliable autoloaders ... still good, but Beretta gets the nod hands down.

 

[colt45cz75]

For reliability I would definitely recommend a Citori.Or a Beretta 682. But I would never give up my Perazzi DB 81 for shootability. I keep a few extra springs and parts on hand, and rarely need to fix on the line.

 

[bluelynx]

All of the above, but remember to get one that fits well

 

[tch1717]

Hey Team,
I am just starting to get into clay shooting, as well as shooting and gun ownership in general. I used to shoot rifles and such when I was younger, but have only shot a shotgun limited times. I've tried my hand at breaking some clays and I really love it, want more! Also going to join a local club, get some proper teaching on technique, etc.
I would like a gun that will work "fairly" well for someone learning and trying most disciplines, and obviously for someone with limited shooting experience. I have no intention to hunt at any point, so it will specifically be a sporting gun. I would consider an auto or an O/U, with my only preference being the O/U for visual appeal. I'd say my budget would top out at about $2k, but would certainly look at something less.
So far, some that I've considered are:
Beretta 686 Sporting
Franchi Renaissance Sporting
Beretta 391
Remington 1100
Obviously, any other tips for someone just starting out are appreciated.

I have a Citori and a beretta 686 sporting clays..and i keep going back to my 1100 trap !!!...i would HIGHLY recommend one !! (i clean mine about once a year, or about once every 3000-4000 rounds, never a problem yet) but i should mention that i change the barrel seal once or twice a year (about $6 a time)

 

[gwagen]

Remingtons fit a wide majority of people not everyone but close, brownings fit 65-75% of people, Berettas fit 45-50% of people without modification, of course these numbers aren't firm just my estimation but berettas are certainly NOT universal fitting guns.

I would suggest looking for a browning citori with a high post rib 30" bbls and chokes can't go wrong and very saleable. If you pickup a beretta or it picks you make sure it fits, ie there is absolutely no discomfort between your face and the stock,

I bought a 682 special skeet and took a 1000 dollar soaking to get rid of it because when I first purchased it I thought the little nuissance was manageable turned out not to be. I did trade it however on a dt-10 so i still like beretta just be careful.