Budget O/U

cote_b

cote_b

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So I'm looking into getting one or possibly 2 budget O/U shotguns in the next year or so. I want one in .410 and or 28ga. So far it looks like the choices will be Stoeger, Stevens, Mossberg or Baikal.

Any real differences in quality between these shotguns? or does it come down to purely personal choice and how they feel? Prices are all in the same ball park.

I handled a Stevens 512 Goldwing today in .410 and loved it. I woud like to handle one of each of the above manufacturers before I choose, but that will require alot of driving.

Thanks

Brendan
 
cote_b said:
So I'm looking into getting one or possibly 2 budget O/U shotguns in the next year or so. I want one in .410 and or 28ga. So far it looks like the choices will be Stoeger, Stevens, Mossberg or Baikal.

Any real differences in quality between these shotguns? or does it come down to purely personal choice and how they feel? Prices are all in the same ball park.

I handled a Stevens 512 Goldwing today in .410 and loved it. I would like to handle one of each of the above manufacturers before I choose, but that will require a lot of driving.

Thanks

Brendan
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Most of the mossbergs I have seen at the rnage have had probpems, although the two I had have not had any.
The stoeger 28 I had was a heavier gun for a 28, but very reliable, and of course the baikal will be built tough as a Russian farm girl!!:D
Incidentally, I just picked up a Yildiz in 20 gauge and was very impressed with it for a field gun , lightweight, points where you look, and is not bad either as far as design and looks go.
Many are turned off by the monoblock extractor, but it is not a big deal, and for a gun of that price point it would do fine for most weekend hunters.
Cat
 
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Vote here for the stevens. The only one there I have not handled is the baikal so I can't comment on it. I havn't had any trigger experience but just from experience in store I think the Stevens has the best fit and finish, points the best, and has the most balanced feel. A lot about shotguns is how it how it fits you personally but I felt that the stoegers were bulky and a little awkward, and the Mossbergs felt klunky and didn't point right for me.

Actually I was seriously thinking of picking one up but then I held a Franchi Instinct L......
That gun for the price is unreal. You're looking at dropping a couple hundred bucks more but after feeling it I'm convinced its worth it. Since I was strapped for cash I convinced my buddy to buy it :cool: and that thing is a sweet shooter.
 
I'd go baikal personally. I've seen all the other mentioned fail on the skeet field. The stevens is nice looking but the raised pheasant seemed really ugly and cheap. If it was flush inlaid might be better.
Savage milanos are very nice as well as cz woodcocks. They are more money but I feel they're worth it
 
brybenn said:
I'd go baikal personally. I've seen all the other mentioned fail on the skeet field. The stevens is nice looking but the raised pheasant seemed really ugly and cheap. If it was flush inlaid might be better.
Savage milanos are very nice as well as cz woodcocks. They are more money but I feel they're worth it
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I didn't mention either myself, simply because they are a higher grade of gun.
The Milano especially, seeing how it's a FAIR, but the newer generation Cz's are decent guns for the money you pay!

The danged Bird on the Stevens looks like one of those prehistoric birds, not a pheasant!!:D
Cat
 
I've seen used milanos go for $1000-1100 yes a lot more money but if he spends $600+tax on a lower grade the difference in money vrs the quality doesn't look that bad. Personally I love baikals. They always work and they're built tough. Sometimes a lil rough around the edges
Since I can't afford a perazzi a cz will likely be my next o/u though
 
brybenn said:
Since I can't afford a perazzi a cz will likely be my next o/u though
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The Yildiz I mentioned was bought here for $550, that is a good deal for a shotgun of that price point, IMO.:)
It's not a CZ, mind you, but it is a nice gun!:D
Check this one out, if anybody is looking for an O/U!

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=767096
Cat
 
I just got a Hatsan Optima S12 off a guy from my trap club. He couldnt shoot it to save his life, but it fits me perfectly and I'm shooting the lights out with it. For a cheap O/U its pretty decent. Seems well constructed, locks up tight, goes together nicely. The wood to metal finish is what you would expect from a cheap gun. But if you more concerned with function over what it looks like, its a great choice.
 
I've had a Stoeger IGA condor supream for more than 12 years now. It always goes bang and I can smoke clays all day long with it. For a budget shotgun, I would recommend it. Its nowhere near the same as my Citori as far as fit and finish is, but it also cost 1/3 of the price. For a budget shotgun, it will do the job.

My biggest complain is its heavy. I wish someone made aftermarket wood for it too. That Stoeger has taken many ruffed grouse over the years.
 
If you are asking for advice:
- Do not buy any of the guns that you are considering, at retail prices plus tax they are a poor investment...not worth keeping, money lost.
- Shop used only, include 20ga in the mix just for the sake of having more to look at
- Keep an eye out for one of the following brands that are of high quality and excellent value for your money (Ithaca, SKB, Charles Daly, Winchester etc)
 
Mount Sweetness said:
If you are asking for advice:
- Do not buy any of the guns that you are considering, at retail prices plus tax they are a poor investment...not worth keeping, money lost.
- Shop used only, include 20ga in the mix just for the sake of having more to look at
- Keep an eye out for one of the following brands that are of high quality and excellent value for your money (Ithaca, SKB, Charles Daly, Winchester etc)
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Thanks for your advice. I am strictly looking for something used. I wouldn't buy any of the guns I considered at full retail price. As for a 20ga, I already have a sxs 20, so I'm more interested in .410 or 28. I will look more into the brand you mentioned.
 
If you have short arms, you may want to consider a Boito Miura 410 O/U. They come with a 5 year warranty and retail around $500 for a new gun.
 
hp9 said:
If you have short arms, you may want to consider a Boito Miura 410 O/U. They come with a 5 year warranty and retail around $500 for a new gun.
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I have fairly long arms actually. I'll just keep my eyes open on the EE for a while. I just picked up a .410 SXS off the EE for a decent price. I'm still looking for a 28 O/U this fall though.
 
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