opinions on affordable over under

I've never been particularly talented with scatter guns, but awhile back was looking for a double in 410. Dealer had both side by sides and over/under Stoegers, but offered me a heck of a deal on the over/under. He said everyone wants the side by sides, and the over/under had been on the rack quite a while.
I threw both types up to the shoulder, and noticed the over/under invariably lined up better, so went with it. I've used it many times on clays now, and that gun always makes me look good. I couldn't be happier with the gun. Ive had it about 5 years now. I buy and sell probably 25 guns a year, but the Stoeger Condor isn't going anywhere.
 
As others have said, the best thing a cheap O/U does is convince you to buy good quality O/U.

I've fired five shots with a cheap Russian O/U. It felt like someone was hitting my cheek with a block of wood, and the 15+lb trigger felt like it was going to cut my finger off. Brutal.

And I've shot Brownings and Perazzis. They are like a dream to shoot all day.
 
Really can not go wrong with a Baikal mp27 series, they are dirt cheap and built to last. They dont have pretty scroll work like other guns but you can tell by holding and firing it that its built like a tank. Very good value in an O/U.
 
Within the budget you listed you're going to be looking at CZ, Yildiz, Baikal, and Akkar(If you can find one) for decently made. These will not be as refined as a Beretta/Bettinsoli/Browning but will hold up well for years to come. However within the budget you've listed a Benelli Nova/Supernova, Remington Wingmaster and Browning BPS would be better investments.
 
If I was going to go with Baikal I would look for one of the older USSR made guns. There are many out there in quite nice condition for around $350.00-$400.00 and even less if condition drops. In my opinion they had a little better overall quality and the fit/finish was better. They also had ejectors that could be switched to extractors if one so desired.
 
Bowie said:
A used Citori or Winchester 101.
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This. A guy might also get lucky and scare up a Superposed, maybe even a 20 bore which would be a dream for upland. I know where one is hiding and my aim is to have it standing in the safe next to my 1937 Superposed 12 bore eventually. Unfortunately it is guarded by a Model 21, a couple of Sauers and a fine old damascus Cogswell. Tough to sneak it out of there.
 
I've shot about 2000 shells with my CZ Redhead. Hasn't missed a beat yet despite being a cheaper shotgun. I'd buy another and recommend them for a starter.

It's no Kreighoff, Kolar or Perazzi but the general consensus seems to be that they are better made then Biakal and Stoeger.
 
Bought a couple of CZ Mallard for clay fun at the farm and they do just fine, i still reach for my Superlight for ruffed grouse hunting... JP.
 
Watch for a used Citori... they can be had for your budget + $3-400... spend the extra an enjoy a quality field gun.
 
My advice would be to look for a used Citori or SKB, made in Japan. They're a far superior gun and a decent investment. Odds are you'll come close to getting your money back if you decide to sell.
 
This question is inevitably asked on the forum from time to time. The answer is always the same: "you get what you pay for".

The advice I would offer would be forget buying a cheap o\u and buy a new or used wingmaster (depending on budget and availability). You wont regret it.
 
There's nothing wrong with a pump or semi, even a bolt action is a serviceable gun. However, there's also nothing like a double barrel gun if that's what you want. I've had several pumps over the years, but I'll never go back.

Like romiogt said, you get what you pay for. If a good quality used or new O/U isn't in the budget right now and that's the kind of gun you want, you need to keep saving. You won't regret it.
 
romiogt said:
This question is inevitably asked on the forum from time to time. The answer is always the same: "you get what you pay for".

The advice I would offer would be forget buying a cheap o\u and buy a new or used wingmaster (depending on budget and availability). You wont regret it.
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While I know what the point is that romiogt is making, I don't agree with it. If you really want an over/under, then settling for a pump because you don't have the money right now for a higher quality over/under would be a mistake. You would be better off buying nothing and saving a bit more. I say that because once you bought the pump, you would be forever second guessing yourself about not waiting for an over/under if that's the route you really want to go. Now if you have to have a gun right now, then maybe settling for a decent pump is the way to go. But you will soon find yourself looking/yearning for an over/under again. It would be okay if you got your money back for the pump, but if not, then you just set yourself back even further as far as money goes. The only thing settling for the pump would do ,if you really want an over/under, is provide you with a gun if you have to have one ASAP.
 
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