Beginner over/under sub $1000

Maverick22

Maverick22

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Hello,

I tried out skeet shooting the other week, and absolutely loved it. I currently have a pump 870 and an old sxs (which is fantastic to shoot, but have fixed chokes with a suuuuper tight pattern.

I took a few shots with a buddy’s o/u and really enjoy it, so I’m looking into getting one for myself. That being said, my budget will be limited.

I’m looking sub $1000, with removable chokes and a long LOP. Any ideas of what’s out there worth pursuing?

Thanks for any suggestions

**update. I have received a very generous offer through PM that hopefully I will be able to take the guy up on (need to decide what I’m gonna sell off!)

Just for the heck of it I’m going to post what I’ve found so far. Who knows? Maybe it’ll help another newbie in their search


Lazer Arms xo12 $499
Lazer arms xo18 $579
Stoeger condor $689
Canuck over under $750
Stevens 555 $849
Yildiz $850
Cz drake southpaw $888 (because I’m a lefty)
Akkar Churchill silver $939
 
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You will be limited to a used low end Browning, Winchester or one of the various Turkish guns. I would try to find 500.00 more and the choices start to open up for you. Turkish guns don't hold their value. Used Brownings, Winchesters and Berettas do
 
Shop used. I use a SKB, fits me well. Many thousands of rounds through it by me (and it's had a few owners). It's a field model, so not as heavy as something like a Browning 725. I haven't really found it to be a problem, unless I am shooting a lot of sporting clays (like multiple day shoots), then a heavier gun would be nice.

Buy once, cry once.
 
Suggest the Mossberg Silver Reserve. No clue prices in Canada. I bought mine used for $350 USD at local small town pawn shop. Needed work on the trigger group, which I was able to do. Shoots great. I really enjoy trap and skeet with over under, no picking up shells afterwards.

ETA to answer one of your wants: it has screw in chokes
 
I got a Baikal mp27 o/u recently. They are good guns. Removable chokes and there are lots of options. Extractors or ejectors, single trigger or double. Mine shoots great for me. Many can be found for $400-$500. Built real tough. You'd have budget money left for a nice rimfire also!!!
 
I wouldn't suggest buying any new O/U that was that cheap. A good one can't be made and sold for that money. As mentioned previously, good used guns are what you should look for, I would concentrate on Browning or Beretta. SKB ( sold as Weatherby and Ithaca) also made good guns that don't cost a fortune.
 
People will always look down on turkish shotguns, but I have one and it has been a pleasure to shoot. They are not perfect, but mine only has minor issues that can be easily resolved.

1) my bottom barrel does not like challenger shells. The hulls will not eject once every 10 or so shots. Easy fix: wood or brass dowel down from the muzzle will pop the hull right out. No issues with any other brand of ammo
2) Pretty stiff action. But over time it will be a bit smoother, and i actually prefer the stiff action rather than the barrels dropping freely as soon as i release the lever.

Despite the 2 minor issues, the gun is great. I got my first straight with it.

edit: more information, I have shot over 3000 rounds through mine so far and no new problems has arised. Though, i have to admit, once you become more serious about skeet shooting, the higher end o/u become more appealing.
 
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I bought a Maverick o/u(khan arms , turkey) about 8 years ago , have 1600 rnd thru it and no problems so far
the action is still a little stiff .

It fits me good in lop and points very naturally, I was impressed
no ejectors , but thats ok for me

Sadly no longer offered, only a short barrel version now
 
Maverick22 said:
Hello,

I tried out skeet shooting the other week, and absolutely loved it. I currently have a pump 870 and an old sxs (which is fantastic to shoot, but have fixed chokes with a suuuuper tight pattern.

I took a few shots with a buddy’s o/u and really enjoy it, so I’m looking into getting one for myself. That being said, my budget will be limited.

I’m looking sub $1000, with removable chokes and a long LOP. Any ideas of what’s out there worth pursuing?

Thanks for any suggestions
Click to expand...

I started out with a 870 fixed full choke. After a little I got a second barrel ( new take off from Dlask arms 28” with choke tube, just checked their site they are $189.99 includes a extended mod choke tube). As long as the 870 fits you, I would invest in a second barrel. I think that would be your best bet with your budget.

I shot the 870 till I saved more cash then went to a 1100. Sold the 1100 and got a over under. Should have kept with the 1100 as each has a different poa and each has a new learning curve.

As for the lop kick eez has pad spacers cheap. I think there is a guy in lake country that sells them.
 
I ended up picking up a Churchill 206 silver from gotenda for 799$ price is back up to 849$ . Gun looks awesome. Gonna finally shoot it next weekend. But looks great for the price..
 
Your old sxs could have the chokes opened up. Might even be able to get it threaded for chokes. Either of those options would be much cheaper than buying a new gun.
 
I looked into that. But it’s a beautiful Remington 1900 which belonged to my grandfather, passed on to my dad, and now to me. I can’t bring myself to do that to it. It will still get used for sporting clays though

Suther said:
Your old sxs could have the chokes opened up. Might even be able to get it threaded for chokes. Either of those options would be much cheaper than buying a new gun.
Click to expand...
 
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