Entry level O/U

jp123 said:
i went on the trade ex website and sent off an email about a few of the baikal and feg model o/u's. whats everyones thoughts on those? are they made with quality? how hard are they on parts? common issues?

DEZ...is it the 512 gold wing you bought? if so...the gold partridge on the side, is it a sticker or etched into the reciever?

jamie
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I would still not hesitate to look at the Lanbers. I would however look for one with a single selectable trigger and ejectors.
http://www.shop.tradeexcanada.com/content/14117-lanber-mascott-ou-12ga
http://www.shop.tradeexcanada.com/content/lanber-ou-12ga-1
or the others.

My friend started with a older Baikal, I have shot it a few times with few complaints. It did however feel heavy and alittle klunky. It looks like most of them are double triggers...
 
My first choice would be to get a CZ, however I thought that they are in the $700-$800 range. My second choice would be to buy a beretta or browning used, if you can get one for in your price range.

If your trying to stay in the $500 price range, your really going to end up costing yourself $1200-$1300 in the long run, because once you decide that you don't like your $500 O/U shotgun, you will have to spend $700-$800 and by a CZ.

Trust me, I have done that kind of thing several times. After about 4 times, I hope I have finally learned my lesson.

A CZ is a really well respected name in firearms, in Handguns, Rifles, and in Shotguns. You won't have anyone thinking that you bought a Entry Level shotgun if you buy a CZ. They are a very respectable name, for everything that they make. I own a CZ handgun, and would like one of there Rimfire Rifles, Centerfire Rifles, and one of there Shotguns as well. All of there stuff is worth every penny paid.
 
blueflash said:
My first choice would be to get a CZ, however I thought that they are in the $700-$800 range. My second choice would be to buy a beretta or browning used, if you can get one for in your price range.

If your trying to stay in the $500 price range, your really going to end up costing yourself $1200-$1300 in the long run, because once you decide that you don't like your $500 O/U shotgun, you will have to spend $700-$800 and by a CZ.

Trust me, I have done that kind of thing several times. After about 4 times, I hope I have finally learned my lesson.

A CZ is a really well respected name in firearms, in Handguns, Rifles, and in Shotguns. You won't have anyone thinking that you bought a Entry Level shotgun if you buy a CZ. They are a very respectable name, for everything that they make. I own a CZ handgun, and would like one of there Rimfire Rifles, Centerfire Rifles, and one of there Shotguns as well. All of there stuff is worth every penny paid.
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I bought a CZ Redhead new and discovered that they are made by Huglu in Turkey. CZ may stand behind them, but they don't actually make them.
 
The Stevens 512 Goldwing is a solid value for an entry level O/U. I bought one several years ago in 28 gauge just to try an O/U and the gun was great! I sold it to finance a more expensive O/U and I don't regret the new purchase, but I do regret the sale of the 512. I paid $550 for the gun with 5 choke tubes and a soft case! Can't beat that!

Another brand to look at is the Yildiz line, I don't own one, but two of my hunting buddies do and they really enjoy them. Both are 12 gauge, and both have given several years of dependable service.
 
Crashman said:
The Stevens 512 Goldwing is a solid value for an entry level O/U. I bought one several years ago in 28 gauge just to try an O/U and the gun was great! I sold it to finance a more expensive O/U and I don't regret the new purchase, but I do regret the sale of the 512. I paid $550 for the gun with 5 choke tubes and a soft case! Can't beat that!
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The Stevens Goldwings are Garbage, at work we have gone through two of them in two years, we use them to teach basic gun handling and for limited hunting and clay shooting. Each had maybe 1200 rounds through them, both had issues with soft firing pins and one had problems with it's locking mechanism coming undone when it was fired.

Stay Away from them.
 
There a handful of gun types you want built RIGHT, and the double is one of them, in both its O/U and SxS forms. There are so many variables; regulation (critical, and often poor in cheap doubles [I'll say sub $1000 for the topic of conversation, but it varies a dollar mark's a poor measure]), balance, durability, mechanical reliability (the hinge action double is actually a more complex gun than an auto). A good double is one of those things, that when you spend for it, you notice the difference. It's light and day, and not just a high-brow gun snob thing.

I'd heavily recommend at least starting with a Citori, and not wasting time in the Turkish imported/rebranded guns, the cantankerous Russian guns, et al. You can make them work, but that's not what you want from a shotgun. Shotguns need to be an extension of your body, cheesy as it sounds, as it's a gun you don't aim, you instinctively point. Going with a clubby, heavy yet tough Baikal with slightly imperfect regulation, a rough action, etc will likely relegate shotgunning for you to just another good facet of your hobby. A good starter gun, like a nice used Citori, can take you a whole lot farther in the enjoyment factor and show you a whole new sport likely, rather than just one more facet/tool in the safe. My small change.
 
I've found Ruger's once in a while at dealers for $500-$650 in either 20 or 12ga. Solid gun, and will last you. As mentioned, you can't beat a Citori used not abused for $600-$1200 (big spread but many models/variations over the years and condition/accessories) depending on model.
 
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