Review of Laurona 12 ga O/U from TradeEx

adriel

adriel

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As promised, here's a quick review of one of the shotties from TradeEx.

My requirements for this shotgun were: cheap, durable, double barrel, white receiver, double triggers, 12 ga, nice if possible. This review is based on how this shotgun meets these needs.


The TradeEx shotguns seemed to meet my need for a budget O/U shotgun. They were not in new condition, but that was not one of my prerequisites. I hate buying something new and then feeling like I have to baby it until I do a few stupid things to damage it before I can finally use it as I'd like to. Buying firearms that are in this condition is a way that I can skip this unfortunate step. The price was definitely in my range, so I ordered one of their Laurona shotguns. I chose the Laurona because the wood appeared to be much thicker, and would potentially better meet my requirement for durability. I plunked down some plastic and 1 week later the shottie arrived. (+1 for service)

When I opened the box, my jaw dropped. This was one nice shotgun. In the picture on the webpage, the camera flash had whited out the details on the receiver. The ad didn't even say anything about engraving, but this receiver had tasteful engraving on it.

Just in a quick overview:
Surprises:
-Engraving
-Barrels appear to be unused
-Action locks up tight. Also appears to be unused
-Interesting checkering (sp?)

Negatives compared to brand new:
-Rust on the sling swivels
-Rust on one side of the receiver
-Potentially hard to find parts
-Small bits of crud near the end of the barrel

As others have found, the description of condition is very conservative. I am extremely happy with this shotgun and am considering buying more.

LauronaShotgun001.jpg


Spots of rust on an otherwise handsome receiver
LauronaShotgun005.jpg


LauronaShotgun003.jpg


Close up of the checkering (sp?)
Checkering.jpg
 
Looks pretty reasonable for a $250-300 gun (right?). A little #0000 steel wool treatment should clean up that rust, though I guess its plated and the plating will be missing?

I might pick one up. I'm holding out for a single trigger though because I think that will work better for doubles vs. trying to quickly switch triggers.
 
MauserMike said:
Looks pretty reasonable for a $250-300 gun (right?). A little #0000 steel wool treatment should clean up that rust, though I guess its plated and the plating will be missing?

I might pick one up. I'm holding out for a single trigger though because I think that will work better for doubles vs. trying to quickly switch triggers.
Click to expand...
Hey Mike; don't get the single trigger in a shotgun of this type it would be nothing but trouble. The double trigers are pretty well fool proof. And once you get used to them they are pretty well second nature.
 
adriel said:
As promised, here's a quick review of one of the shotties from TradeEx.

My requirements for this shotgun were: cheap, durable, double barrel, white receiver, double triggers, 12 ga, nice if possible. This review is based on how this shotgun meets these needs.


The TradeEx shotguns seemed to meet my need for a budget O/U shotgun. They were not in new condition, but that was not one of my prerequisites. I hate buying something new and then feeling like I have to baby it until I do a few stupid things to damage it before I can finally use it as I'd like to. Buying firearms that are in this condition is a way that I can skip this unfortunate step. The price was definitely in my range, so I ordered one of their Laurona shotguns. I chose the Laurona because the wood appeared to be much thicker, and would potentially better meet my requirement for durability. I plunked down some plastic and 1 week later the shottie arrived. (+1 for service)

When I opened the box, my jaw dropped. This was one nice shotgun. In the picture on the webpage, the camera flash had whited out the details on the receiver. The ad didn't even say anything about engraving, but this receiver had tasteful engraving on it.

Just in a quick overview:
Surprises:
-Engraving
-Barrels appear to be unused
-Action locks up tight. Also appears to be unused
-Interesting checkering (sp?)

Negatives compared to brand new:
-Rust on the sling swivels
-Rust on one side of the receiver
-Potentially hard to find parts
-Small bits of crud near the end of the barrel

As others have found, the description of condition is very conservative. I am extremely happy with this shotgun and am considering buying more.

Thanks for the update. Would it be possible to post a pic. or two with the action open. Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
Lanber o/u

I just bought a Lanber O/U from TradeEx. A bit more expensive at $450, but a really nice 12 guage. Two very small spots of rust on the barrels and some minor useage marks on the wood. Lanbers are made in Spain and a well known gun in Europe - my Dad had one years ago, so I had a good idea what I was getting into. Nicely engraved receiver and a well made gun with a tight action. This model has single selective trigger and I like this - I don't think there will be a reliability problem. I tried it out at the weekend and had fun with a box of clays. TradeEx sent me lots of pictures not only of the gun I bought but also some others that I enquired about. Delivery from Montreal to Calgary was about a week and the service was excellent. I'm very pleased with my purchase. My first O/U since selling a Baikal 10 years ago.
 
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Here are somme pictures of mine, its one of the most expensive a 700$ but i still feel its a steal

IMG_1170.JPG


IMG_1173.JPG


IMG_1176.JPG


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IMG_1178.JPG


IMG_1179.JPG
 
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Win/64 said:
Hey Mike; don't get the single trigger in a shotgun of this type it would be nothing but trouble. The double trigers are pretty well fool proof. And once you get used to them they are pretty well second nature.
Click to expand...


Hi Win/64

can you explain a little more. I would like to get into some trap at the club
and was looking at the Tradex shotties. The double triggers kinda scares me
a little.

I don't know enough about the difference between single and double triggers
pros/cons.

Please explain. thanks in advance
 
Lightning Rod said:
Hi Win/64

can you explain a little more. I would like to get into some trap at the club
and was looking at the Tradex shotties. The double triggers kinda scares me
a little.

I don't know enough about the difference between single and double triggers
pros/cons.

Please explain. thanks in advance
Click to expand...

I'm interested to hear Win94 weigh in as well. Here is my understanding:

Of course with double triggers, you can choose which barrel that you wish to fire, which is important since they are normally choked differently. The negative point is that it might take a split second longer to switch triggers when you need to make a fast follow-up shot.

With a single trigger, things get more complicated. Some fire one barrel first (normally the more open choke), then the second. Some allow you to select which barrel is fired first, though a flushing bird might catch you unawares with the wrong barrel selected. If you have a misfire, guns that use the recoil to #### the 2nd shot (Browning Citori and many others) will not fire the second barrel.

I think its easy to imagine that a single trigger will be more complex from a mechanical standpoint. Even more so if you can select barrels. More complex = more to go wrong.

All that said, if you're looking to get into trap just bring whatever gun you normally use. I wouldn't just jump into a new gun until you get some more experience and guidance from seasoned trap shooters. It sure is a lot of fun - trap shooting has really increased my enjoyment factor at the range.
 
It is as you describe, one trigger for each barrel. In most cases the front trigger fires the more open choke barrel and the rear the tightest.

After you become familiar with the trigger system it becomes quite instinctive and takes a split second to move your finger from the front to rear trigger. When I am shooting my finger is on the front trigger as the swing is started but if I feel the target is getting out of range of my open choke, I naturally move my finger to the rear trigger and fire.

The first double barrel shotguns I used were single trigger designs with switch selectors, now I use double triggers and do not want to go back.
 
I bought one 2 years ago. I was dieing for an O/U and Laurona fit the Bill. Got it used for $600 (Maybe it was $650, don't remember) from a dealer in Ont. From what you guys are sayin' I think I may have paid a bit much for mine. :redface:

Anyway, I like it. It's a very nice shotgun and I'm happy to have something that looks & shoots great without breaking the bank.

Laurona003.jpg

Laurona004.jpg

Laurona005.jpg

Laurona007.jpg
 
I went for double triggers because as far as I understand, it's like having 2 separate guns. Aside from the extractors, you've got 2 completely separate mechanisms. Also, you never have to think about what barrel you have selected to fire first, just pick the trigger for the barrel you want.
 
Esquif and Wally, your Laurona's are nicer than mine without a doubt, but I think your worries are confirming what I know to be true: these things are underpriced and I should pick up a few more!
 
in fact you did no over paid for 600. i was at tradex and looked at all there shotguns in stock.

the 700/600 one have a very large reciver (i am new to OU i am sure there is a better name for this) and the 300 one the reciver was not only not as high but also more narow. i dont know if this is clear but the overall action was scalle down by let say 1/3
 
Hi MauserMike ;

I tried a little trap with my old pump shotgun and then I tried

an O/U single trigger model from one of the club memebers.

WOW , what a difference. I really love the balance and handling of the

O/U's. Does anybody know if the Tradex single triggers work as indicated by MauserMike. Recoil cocks the second barrel ?

I'll have to see if I can get to try a double trigger setup at the club.

thanks for the inputs guys
 
Selective single triggers are usually recoil operated. The selector slides in position to fire either the bottom barrel or the top barrel. Once fired it automatically charges the bottom barrel (or top) for firing. They can be a little finicky on a cheaper gun.
 
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