Franchi, Fausti, CZ, or Beretta... A O/U conundrum

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Romulus86

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I have b en driving myself nuts. What to buy!!! The fiscally responsible thing is nothing, but what fun is that right?

Ok my budget is up to $1800, which is healthy.

My plan is either a Fausti Conrad, Franchi Instinct L, CZ redhead or mallard, OR a used Beretta White Onyx (highest priced of the 4 and used).

Now for your input! Help me put this decision to rest because they all float my boat.

About Me/What I use it for: Hunting waterfowl and upland and the occasional skeet trip (4-5times a year). 12gauge (as I already have a 20 Instinct L.
 
Have you shot them all? If you have not shot them all, you really need to do that. What feels good and works for me, won't necessarily work for you. If you can only buy one gun, then buy a gun dedicated to the main purpose that it will be used for.
 
Of the choices you suggest, my bet would be on either the Franchi or the Beretta. The most important factor for me would be to determine which gun fit me best. Its really important to determine that to make sure you're making the right purchase. It would also be important to know what the purpose of the gun will be. If you're looking for an upland gun, you'll want to keep it light. If you plan on shooting clays, you may want to keep it heavy...etc. You have a healthy budget at $1800, but with the price increases we have seen recently, you may not be getting a good bang for your buck when buying new. For example, a new Franchi will now set you back $1800 easy and although I love the guns, they are not worth that price point. May I suggest a Browning Citori? You can find some great deals on some excellent used ones that will be far superior to most of the choices on your list....assuming the fit is right of course
 
I have seen used cz redheads for 750 on this site. If your budget is 1800 I would look for a used beretta or browning over under. The Franchi are nice but too light for my likings. For 1800 you can buy a redhead and separate 12 ga pump.
 
I would support the women of Fausti myself if looking for a new o/u.
Fine Italian lines on those ladies...I mean they have spectacular guns.
Ummm firearms, yeah that's it ...fine Italian firearms those Fausti are.
Rob
 
I have a Franchi Renaissance which I like and is my primary upland gun but it is not a $2000 gun as per Cabelas. Its virtues are light weight for me well fitting, its drawbacks are heavy trigeers and a very stiff action initially. I think a Beretta used would be a bettter value .
 
I would see which guns actually fit you before narrowing down your choices. I have shouldered and fired many O/U shotguns, and I would not purchase any of the ones that you mention, because none of them fit me properly. I need more drop at comb, and I shoot several Browning Citori models for that reason.
 
Hey guys thanks for the comments so far, keep em coming. I have a franchi in 20 and it fits well. I never sholdered a CZ or Fausti primarily that no one around me carries them. The Beretta silver pigeon fits great but I have not yet sholdered the onyx. I believe they are on the same platform so should fit the same.
 
IIRC the Onyx is a tad heavier than the Silver Pigeon, so if you plan to do more clay shooting than hunting that is a plus.
Fit above all is what matters however.
I really like the older Franchi shotguns, some of the newer models are not actually made by Franchi but are OEM by others like Bettensoli.
I do like the Renaissance e however.
Cat
 
The Beretta fur sure, its the best quality made of the guns you have listed and since you are buying used you wont lose money on it if you decide to sell it one day. Just take good care of it. My other choice in order of the guns you listed would be as follows. Fausti Conrad, Franchi Instinct L, CZ redhead, CZ mallard.
 
Romulus86 said:
Hey guys thanks for the comments so far, keep em coming. I have a franchi in 20 and it fits well. I never sholdered a CZ or Fausti primarily that no one around me carries them. The Beretta silver pigeon fits great but I have not yet sholdered the onyx. I believe they are on the same platform so should fit the same.
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In view the Franchi fits you well, it is very likely the other brands mentioned will do likewise since the stock dimensions are very similar. Assuming the comparison is between two field models, the main differences between the 686 White Onyx and SP are superficial - mainly has to do with receiver embellishment and wood finish.

As suggested by others, the Onyx should be the first one on the list. I had owned three 12s (2 field and 1 sporting) and one 20 and those were no different from my SPs.

I would steer clear of the CZ Mallard.

catnthehatt said:
IIRC the Onyx is a tad heavier than the Silver Pigeon,
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cat - the 12 Onyx fields that I had were both actually little lighter than my SPs.
 
The gun dealer in new Brunswick has a FAIR with 30 inch barrels and a full set of chokes for 1099 and Epps has a bunch of Franchi instincts in 20 for less than 1300.

I found the fausti nice but a bit to sharp for my liking I like round lines not laser cut looking edges.
 
catnthehatt said:
IIRC the Onyx is a tad heavier than the Silver Pigeon, so if you plan to do more clay shooting than hunting that is a plus.
Fit above all is what matters however.
I really like the older Franchi shotguns, some of the newer models are not actually made by Franchi but are OEM by others like Bettensoli.
I do like the Renaissance e however.
Cat
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You are correct...Bettinsoli is manufacturing the Instinct lineup. Franchi is no longer a manufacturer. Beretta is merely using the Franchi nomenclature as the brand does have a following.

I will also agree with you regarding the Renaissance. They are very nice shotguns. The Instinct SL is basically a no frills version of the Renaissance. Mechanically the guns are the same, the main differences being the Renaissance has nice full coverage engraving and the TSA recoil pad. On the Instinct SL, they made due with a traditional recoil pad and did away with the engraving in favour of trimming as much metal on the receiver to trim off some extra ounces
 
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Turkeyslayer 1300 said:
The gun dealer in new Brunswick has a FAIR with 30 inch barrels and a full set of chokes for 1099 and Epps has a bunch of Franchi instincts in 20 for less than 1300.

I found the fausti nice but a bit to sharp for my liking I like round lines not laser cut looking edges.
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Agree...i was not impressed with any of the entry level Fausti guns I've seen. Lines were sharp, walnut was crap and wood to metal fit was terrible. Although, I'd definitely give the Fausti ladies a test drive if given the opportunity
 
I agree that you should try them before you buy, you may surprise yourself by finding that the gun you thought you liked doesn't feel good after trying a couple others. Having a gun that feels good and is comfortable to use makes you a much better shot right off the bat.
 
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