Thanks for all the insights guys. 1963, that video was helpful.. until I burned nearly an hour and a half watching other vids from them haha. Seems I would probably be OK with the field version of the 686 if I couldn’t find the sporting models but I will keep my eyes open. I am amazed but not surprised that 5gr here or there can change handling properties - very cool and thanks for the education FIMMICS. My thinking is that $2k is a reasonable price tag to try a hobby out somewhat seriously. Like all hobbies I will probably learn what I really should prioritize through time and experience, I don’t expect to find my “forever” gun right off the hop. That’s part of the fun though! If I end up with 2 clay shotguns, I’ll just dress it up under the guise of “well my wife needed her own..” lol.
Franchi Instinct L 20ga l, first o/u for sporting?
- Thread starter V6TT
- Start date
Just thought I'd let you guys know the results of my research and the cumulative effect of all the face to face and online advice I collected:
I ended up deciding to stay in my price range, but I did go new: I purchased a Browning Cynergy CX 12ga w 30" barrels on Thursday. You guys steered me toward 12ga and Browning/Beretta, and while most of you probably had a Citori 725 or 686 in mind, the Cynergy felt right to me as soon as I handled it. Before I made up my mind after getting my paws on it the first time, I did a lot of research to make sure I wouldn't regret my decision. Some folks tried to sway me towards the Winchester 101, which I did like, but unfortunately did not seem to fit me very well. For my needs and the volume of shooting I will be doing, this was a winner.
I shot 100 birds yesterday, and 50 more this morning, and had an amazing time doing it. I broke the first clay I ever shot with this thing, which is kind of neat I guess. I can't believe that only a few months ago I had never shot a single clay before, now I can't stop thinking about it.
Friday was 20/17/18/22, this morning was 21/22.
A veteran shooter gave me the tip that I was lifting my cheek off the comb Friday, and I wish I knew who he was to say thank you for speaking up. Even though I've watched tons of videos and read as much as possible, having someone else's eyes is great to identify stuff like that. You helped me tremendously - our chat after my 18 hit round seems to have improved my scores already, and it definitely feels more natural.
Thanks again for your advice everyone, see you out there!
https://ibb.co/197rsKJ
I ended up deciding to stay in my price range, but I did go new: I purchased a Browning Cynergy CX 12ga w 30" barrels on Thursday. You guys steered me toward 12ga and Browning/Beretta, and while most of you probably had a Citori 725 or 686 in mind, the Cynergy felt right to me as soon as I handled it. Before I made up my mind after getting my paws on it the first time, I did a lot of research to make sure I wouldn't regret my decision. Some folks tried to sway me towards the Winchester 101, which I did like, but unfortunately did not seem to fit me very well. For my needs and the volume of shooting I will be doing, this was a winner.
I shot 100 birds yesterday, and 50 more this morning, and had an amazing time doing it. I broke the first clay I ever shot with this thing, which is kind of neat I guess. I can't believe that only a few months ago I had never shot a single clay before, now I can't stop thinking about it.
Friday was 20/17/18/22, this morning was 21/22.
A veteran shooter gave me the tip that I was lifting my cheek off the comb Friday, and I wish I knew who he was to say thank you for speaking up. Even though I've watched tons of videos and read as much as possible, having someone else's eyes is great to identify stuff like that. You helped me tremendously - our chat after my 18 hit round seems to have improved my scores already, and it definitely feels more natural.
Thanks again for your advice everyone, see you out there!
https://ibb.co/197rsKJ
Last edited:
1963beretta
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vaughan, Ontario
Congrats on your purchase. Seems like you have been bitten by the clays bug. Now the challenge of topping your person best begins! Good to see you are happy with your selection
