Sporting O/U Recommendations
- Thread starter CanadianBee
- Start date
I did some research on the 688 previously and it mentioned heavier / stronger / more girthy parts so more weight would make sense. Is weight a good thing for these sort of games?
I have tried a lot of different gun sports and for many weight is a disadvantage (any run & gun type sport with a long gun, especially if you have to run backwards one handed or something along those lines) with the only exceptions I can think of being pistols (heavier pistols shoot softer and still aren't heavy to be point of being a physical disadvantage) or PRS where a heavier gun soaks up recoil and let you see trace better.
Hmm, hopefully this is a one off and not an inherent design issue of some kind?
I don't know a ton about OUs but the 688 doesn't feel like it is doing any really revolutionary and there have been / are many Beretta OUs so the design should be solid?
It is good that Stoeger are replacing. I went through an issue with my new A400 not that long ago and my interaction wth them was spotty (some OK after a little back and forwards and some less than stellar, in the end I figured out the issue myself and learned a lot - see separate thread)
Len..was that Harry's 688 ??
Not Harry’s gun, new member Denis K.
Also Alan’s 694 split the forend wood less than a year of use he traded back in to Gun Dealer on a DT 11.
I am kinda in the middle at 6' 1" so should be good.
I watched this video. He seemed pretty smitten and had nothing but good things to say. I plan to look at one of these when I head to Vancouver.
The shortlist for now is:
Beretta 688
Beretta 694 TSK
Beretta A400 Multitarget
He mentions the laminate stock and how it positively affects recoil levels but to those who have shot both semis and OUs how much softer is a semi?
The review mentioned the adjustable trigger but didnt specify in what way.
Is the adjustability trigger shoe placement or trigger weight or both (or something else)?
*Edit - looks like it is adjustable trigger reach ie trigger placement
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For a clays gun a heavier gun soaks up more recoil for less recoil fatigue. However a heavy and long gun can wear out a weaker shooter over the day
A heavier gun will be slower but smoother
You dont run around with over under shotguns. Cowboy action uses sxs but they dont really run
The 688 is based on a widened 680 series gun. Arguably the most popular ou platform on the planet. When ppl say buy beretta or browning. Theyre referring to a the 680 series most of the time. While the 688 shares a few things in common with the 694 it is a 680 series mechanically pretty much.
I also own 3 a400s and a 1301 comp. The beretta gas guns will be softer shooting but an ou is not effected as much by the shells performance as long as it has enough recoil to reset the trigger
A semi also has the feeling of the bolt cycling. Many may not notice it but I do. The a400/1301 is extremely fast and the reason I chose my a400 over my benelli legacy in 28ga. The faster operation was smoother than the much slower benelli
A gas gun uses expelled gas to cycle the action and bleed off excess thus it will feel softer. However a heavier ou shooting light loads is also soft shooting if it fits your body and shooting style.
I shoot a variety of guns that differ greatly but all are used for skeet as I shoot almost weekly
For the 3 choices theyre all good. However I find the a400 multi target rib rather frail. I haven't seen one break or bend but there's a frailness look about it. I think the a400 excel would be a much better choice for an all around gun. The multi target is really more of a trap gun than skeet gun. But I believe skeet should be shot from a low gun stance.
The 694 is another great platform and again today comparing my 688 to my good buddies 694 id still choose my 688 based on handling. However the real walnut stock is something enjoyful in its self but if you're looking at the tsk stock thst doesnt add to the look of the gun
The laminate does change the recoil pulse and I quite enjoy the change
FYI Jonny at TGS is sponsored/paid by Beretta to make these videos and promote their brand and shotguns. Not that they aren't good shotguns, but keep that in mind.
For recoil, you'll find the A400 to be softer shooting than the 694/688, even more so if it has the kick off recoil pad.
Watching his earliest videos before any sponsors he still talked highly of beretta autos and over unders. He is one of the few youtubers that seem genuine and his videos present facts whether for or against unlike others who never say anything negative about anything like target focused life
James reeves is another honest youtuber
With the Beretta hat, Beretta shooting vest and admission on video that he is supported by Beretta I just knew it!
My A400 seems soft to shoot. I still haven't a ton of time behind it because it was sent with a defective spring but taking it to the range tomorrow to see if the issue is ironed out. To this point it shot so soft it wouldn't even cycle.
I’ve seen more than a couple problems with Beretta barrel to block joints !! Separation , rust leaking out at the joint and not much support in repairing and definitely not being replaced. But hey you’ll get a Beretta coin if you buy a new one. I’ve seen several at our club and only relaying what the owners told those of us that were interested. One of the younger members said he was offered a discount on the purchase of a new one!
OK..I met Denis a short while ago, nice fella, good shooter too !
Tim C's 694 did the same thing...split the fore end. !! Just out of it's 2 yr warranty too. Common issue too, I found out after some research.
Took him several months and Ross's help, but he finally got a new one. He traded it on a very nice used DT-11 at the Rizinni shoot 2 weeks ago ! Very pleased with it !
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I mostly agree with you. So many youtubers don’t give an honest review and refrain from stating anything negative because then a manufacturer won't send them any more demo guns to review.
I dont think Jonny/TGS is any different from them now. When's the last time he said anything negative on Beretta. Its all praise up and down their product lineup. Like I said they are solid shotguns but there's certainly a few things that they could be criticized for, but he's paid not to mention those things.
I've seen some small criticisms but in all honesty theyre small. Not really a whole lot to complain about in the a400 or 68x 69x dt11 series or the 486. Every manufacturer of mass produce has a few escapes in quality no doubt but for the most part berettas are a solid choice. I can admit the finish is lacking on newer berettas and ive seen videos where tgs openly states that as well.
Tgs has shifted to a more premium line up of guns and as you climb the price ladder the obvious defects are largely worked out of those designs.
Sure you can argue a perazzi is a pain to rebuild but how many rounds did it take to loosen up? Prolly more than 10 cheap entry guns would have fired
Tgs has shifted to a more premium line up of guns and as you climb the price ladder the obvious defects are largely worked out of those designs.
Sure you can argue a perazzi is a pain to rebuild but how many rounds did it take to loosen up? Prolly more than 10 cheap entry guns would have fired
