Looking for a first over under

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tollwoll

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Looking for some advice on buying my first over/under. I'm a collector and firearms enjoyer who enjoys shooting and having the right guns for the occasion. I'm not a huge clay shooting guy and don't think I'll ever be putting multiple thousands of shells a year through the gun...but definitely looking to step it up this year and hit the range more for skeet and trap.

The used market near me (and in general) isn't great but I'm keeping an eye on it.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Huglu ventus or a Churchill/Akkar 812. I know they're Turkish, but it seems they are good?

I'm willing to step up the price a bit...but the next best I've seen is the entry level 686 silver pigeon field for about 3k on sale. 3 times the cost as the others for something I'm not going to be using to it's potential.

Thoughts?
 
I was in the same situation as you last week. I don't shoot clays often enough to justify the 3k+ cost the higher end o/u guns. The akkar 206 and 812 were both in close contention for options on my list. After handling both of them I decided to go with the 206. The 206 had a much better trigger than the 812 I handled. I had the 206 out to pattern and put through its paces earlier this week. It performed and patterned perfectly without issues. I think either one of the akkars would fit you needs well, so long as the gun fits you
 
Nice. Glad to hear it. I was back and forth between the 206 and 812 but reviews are so rare for these things...my research says that the 812 is the newer model and I saw a nice black version on sale. Lots of nice 206 models as well.

Which 206 did you get?
 
tollwoll said:
Nice. Glad to hear it. I was back and forth between the 206 and 812 but reviews are so rare for these things...my research says that the 812 is the newer model and I saw a nice black version on sale. Lots of nice 206 models as well.

Which 206 did you get?
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From what reviews I could find, the Churchill/Akkars seemed that they would fit. The bill exactly as I needed. I haven't had a chance yet to hit the receiver and monoblock bearing surfaces with the hardness tester to check them for an exact Rockwell number. Quick check with a file though and they seem to be well heat treated. I don't have any concerns about them wearing out anytime soon.

Yes, the 812 is on sale right now for 80 bucks more than the 206. Initially I was leaning towards the 812 until I actually handled them both. Both point and fit almost identical to one and other. Both come with the same 5 chokes ( they're actually remchoke, not Benelli mobile despite what Churchill states) and the same fitted zip up case. I ended up going with the 206 silver deluxe walnut
 
tollwoll said:
Looking for some advice on buying my first over/under. I'm a collector and firearms enjoyer who enjoys shooting and having the right guns for the occasion. I'm not a huge clay shooting guy and don't think I'll ever be putting multiple thousands of shells a year through the gun...but definitely looking to step it up this year and hit the range more for skeet and trap.



Thoughts?
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Skeet and trap usually require different chokes and different butt stocks. They are two different disciplines.
 
Used Browning or Beretta is the best bet
Huglu is probably fine, weatherby Orion probably fine, . If going Turkish at least get one under a big manufacturers name so warranty and quality control at least has lip service paid to it.
 
tollwoll said:
Looking for some advice on buying my first over/under. I'm a collector and firearms enjoyer who enjoys shooting and having the right guns for the occasion. I'm not a huge clay shooting guy and don't think I'll ever be putting multiple thousands of shells a year through the gun...but definitely looking to step it up this year and hit the range more for skeet and trap.

The used market near me (and in general) isn't great but I'm keeping an eye on it.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Huglu ventus or a Churchill/Akkar 812. I know they're Turkish, but it seems they are good?

I'm willing to step up the price a bit...but the next best I've seen is the entry level 686 silver pigeon field for about 3k on sale. 3 times the cost as the others for something I'm not going to be using to it's potential.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Have you shouldered the shotguns that you are considering, to verify that they fit you? Do you fully understand the importance of the correct drop at comb and cast?
 
tollwoll said:
Looking for some advice on buying my first over/under. I'm a collector and firearms enjoyer who enjoys shooting and having the right guns for the occasion. I'm not a huge clay shooting guy and don't think I'll ever be putting multiple thousands of shells a year through the gun...but definitely looking to step it up this year and hit the range more for skeet and trap.

The used market near me (and in general) isn't great but I'm keeping an eye on it.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Huglu ventus or a Churchill/Akkar 812. I know they're Turkish, but it seems they are good?

I'm willing to step up the price a bit...but the next best I've seen is the entry level 686 silver pigeon field for about 3k on sale. 3 times the cost as the others for something I'm not going to be using to it's potential.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Turkish and good are two words that do not go together when it comes to low budget firearms.
 
stubblejumper said:
Have you shouldered the shotguns that you are considering, to verify that they fit you? Do you fully understand the importance of the correct drop at comb and cast?
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Important points
and how would anyone determine what 'fits' from a distance?

Intersurplus has a large selection with some fine options but without 'dimensions' its all a crap shoot
Is 'drop to comb' or 'drop to butt' different for different shooting?
Can the bestfit be ballparked using a persons physical dimensions to some extent?
"try it for fit' seems to be the default answer, but what if a shooter doesn't realize what they are even looking for in fit?

Or does it all really matter......
My answer so far has been grab it and go, make it work, but I'm far from a high level shooter

ramble off
 
boxhitch said:
Important points
and how would anyone determine what 'fits' from a distance?

Intersurplus has a large selection with some fine options but without 'dimensions' its all a crap shoot
Is 'drop to comb' or 'drop to butt' different for different shooting?
Can the bestfit be ballparked using a persons physical dimensions to some extent?
"try it for fit' seems to be the default answer, but what if a shooter doesn't realize what they are even looking for in fit?

Or does it all really matter......
My answer so far has been grab it and go, make it work, but I'm far from a high level shooter

ramble off
Click to expand...
Unless you actually shoulder the shotgun, fit is a crap shoot. You can estimate lop, but your facial features are factors that determine the proper cast and drop at comb. My O/U, SxS, and semi autos all fit the same, regardless of my intended use.
 
Where are you located? I always lend out my old Browning Citori to new shooter for a few months to see if they like skeet before spending a few thousand dollars on a shotgun that would end up in the safe.
 
Merkle shotguns are robust and well built albeit rather old fashioned game guns. They are quite well known for having heavy and unreliable single triggers and due to their age can be hard to find parts for. They just never seemed to catch on in the target shotgun market here in North America.
 
tollwoll said:
Looking for some advice on buying my first over/under. I'm a collector and firearms enjoyer who enjoys shooting and having the right guns for the occasion. I'm not a huge clay shooting guy and don't think I'll ever be putting multiple thousands of shells a year through the gun...but definitely looking to step it up this year and hit the range more for skeet and trap.

The used market near me (and in general) isn't great but I'm keeping an eye on it.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Huglu ventus or a Churchill/Akkar 812. I know they're Turkish, but it seems they are good?

I'm willing to step up the price a bit...but the next best I've seen is the entry level 686 silver pigeon field for about 3k on sale. 3 times the cost as the others for something I'm not going to be using to
Click to expand...
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...valmet-12g-o-u-shotgun.2552460/#post-21051361

Here is an example in the EE right now, along with a Weatherby Orion and several Citori’s one of which I would not buy as it will require some attention to details.
Ship any of the retailers who are site sponsors from the top of the banner on the home page.
There is plenty of time to find the perfect firearm as Springs is still several months away from the shooting season to begin.
Have some fun researching the choices available and try not to get over stimulated on percieved deals ….
Rob
 
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