Gamba vs. Zoli

[shelby]

I have been trying to decide between two used 12 gauge sporting O/U shotguns, and can sure use some advice from the resident shotgun experts.

They are both in excellent condition and cost about the same. Both have: vent rib 30" barrels; 3" chambers; ejectors. They both fit me perfectly. However, I only have the funds fto buy one.

The first is a Gamba Icaro for $900. It has nice walnut stocks with full pistol grip and an engraved nickel receiver. Fixed full over modified chokes.

The second is an Antonio Zoli Z-90 Trap for $800. This one has even nicer walnut stocks then the Gamba, with a Monte Carlo style buttstock. Plain black receiver. It comes with three adjustable choke tubes and a classy leather case.

Which would you buy?
How does quality compare between the two?
Can anyone who owns either brand provide some advice?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hr]

have you shot either of them??? what do you planning on shooting? if its skeet 30" might be a lil long.. the Gamba sounds more like a trap gun than a skeet gun.

the Zoli is nice /w the adj chokes, might make it easier for you to use the gun in other diciplines???

all my guns have adj choke tubes and i absolutely love having them to change

 

[stocker]

Gamba

A friend in Ft. St. John had a trap gun made by them. It was a lovely expensive gun but the chokes and forcing cones were so tight that it kicked like a mule. He was unable to shoot doubles with it as the first shot usually knocked his glasses off. I would definitely want to shoot one before buying it. George had his gun nearly 30 years ago and they may be different in later production. Standing behind him you would see his hair almost stand on end it snapped him back so hard.

Even an older one could probably have some work done to ease the cones and chokes a bit.

 

[shelby]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

I would use the gun exclusively for trap (& maybe a little sporting clays). Not for skeet as I already have a dedicated skeet gun.

Unfortunately, I can't shoot them prior to purchase as they are for sale in a local gunshop.

 

[Sharptail]

If ever there was a case where you should choose the gun and not the name, this is it. Both companies are located but a stones throw from each other, in Gardone, Val Trompia. The quality of materials and craftsmanship are directly comparable. Both of the guns you are looking at are from the previous generation of their respective company's offerings. If it were me, I would grab a couple of snap caps, make the drive to Epps, and spend half an hour playing with the two guns. Check the trigger pulls, the ejectors (which should throw the snap caps to the same point), the tightness of the barrels on the action, check the position of the top levers, look for wear marks on the sides of the breech, check the function of the safeties and generally throw the guns to your shoulder and swing them around a bunch. At the end of this time you will be able to pick a favourite - go with it!

Sharptail