What is the best choice in your humble opinion, for an all around quality sporting/skeet/trap O/U shotgun which is useable/handles well, reliable, durable, & serviceable?
Sporting O/U Shotguns question/poll.
- Thread starter erraticimpact
- Start date
in previous threads, there seems to be all sorts of problem /w parts availability /w Winchester/Beretta.....
even though i really liked the 682, i ended up going /w a Fabarm STL, because i have dealt /w the importer (TSE) before and really liked their service and for your buck, the Fabarm stuff you end up getting more 'stuff' like chokes/sights/adj cheek rest/etc. (i'll try to do a write up/review soon)
but based on the 3 you have up there i still voted for the 682, but in real life i have a Fabarm (their quality is top notch stuff)
note that the 682 is also probably the most expensive of the 3 guns listed.....
even though i really liked the 682, i ended up going /w a Fabarm STL, because i have dealt /w the importer (TSE) before and really liked their service and for your buck, the Fabarm stuff you end up getting more 'stuff' like chokes/sights/adj cheek rest/etc. (i'll try to do a write up/review soon)
but based on the 3 you have up there i still voted for the 682, but in real life i have a Fabarm (their quality is top notch stuff)
note that the 682 is also probably the most expensive of the 3 guns listed.....
this is kind of a tough one. what works best for me may not work worth a damn for you. the way a paticular gun fits you can make a significant difference. I went with the Browning only because it seems to fit me the best of the options (al of the Bereta's iv'e tried beat the hell oput of me). any of the three mentioned will do the job as all are quality guns.
Of those three guns I'd take the Beretta 682E first. I've owned a couple earlier 682s and admire the durability and set up of their guns. The Browning 525 has a lot to recommend it as well but I don't like the underlug locking system of the Browning action because it makes the action a lot taller than the Beretta. I've owned a Citori 20 gauge and a Browning BT99 Plus in past years and they were both well made, reliable guns but I like Berettas better.
The Browning Citori and the Beretta 68 series guns have established their reputations for durability and you won't go wrong with either.
The Winchester is relatively new on the market and doesn't have the same track record. I didn't care for the one I tried. It felt a bit sluggish and didn't fit me at all. YMMV.
As for the availability of spare parts for Beretta, Browning or Winchester I've never had a problem. I sure as heck wouldn't buy a less common brand because of some view that spares would be somehow easier to get. A lot of the "problem" with spare parts is the American laws regarding export and that applies to every gun regardless of make.
The Browning Citori and the Beretta 68 series guns have established their reputations for durability and you won't go wrong with either.
The Winchester is relatively new on the market and doesn't have the same track record. I didn't care for the one I tried. It felt a bit sluggish and didn't fit me at all. YMMV.
As for the availability of spare parts for Beretta, Browning or Winchester I've never had a problem. I sure as heck wouldn't buy a less common brand because of some view that spares would be somehow easier to get. A lot of the "problem" with spare parts is the American laws regarding export and that applies to every gun regardless of make.
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
Sage advice from the "Claybuster".
Yeah, I can say "Stoeger" but no thanks !!!
Have owned Browning 325 and two 425's, an older 682 Sporting,
and currently a DT-10. ( Perazzi, Kreighoff' and Kolar are nice too, just prefer Berettas) If not the DT10, it would have been an ASE90.
The 325 is still in the cabinet beside a BSS 20 ga SxS. (but would trade-up to a 626 Onyx 28" - 20ga. in a minute, or a similar 470EL if I was feeling flush).
Yes, prefer Berettas, and would definitely avoid the other choice altogether.
( The pre '88 - 101's and short-lived Classic Doubles were good guns - owned 101 Skeet guns in 12 and 20 and a somewhat rare American Flyer Live Bird 2 bbl set. Also a 32" 101 Diamond Grade Trap, Classic Double Skeet in 12 & 20 and a Classic 4-barrel set. The current stuff from the Big Red W just don't compare !!!
Yeah, I can say "Stoeger" but no thanks !!!
Have owned Browning 325 and two 425's, an older 682 Sporting,
and currently a DT-10. ( Perazzi, Kreighoff' and Kolar are nice too, just prefer Berettas) If not the DT10, it would have been an ASE90.
The 325 is still in the cabinet beside a BSS 20 ga SxS. (but would trade-up to a 626 Onyx 28" - 20ga. in a minute, or a similar 470EL if I was feeling flush).
Yes, prefer Berettas, and would definitely avoid the other choice altogether.
( The pre '88 - 101's and short-lived Classic Doubles were good guns - owned 101 Skeet guns in 12 and 20 and a somewhat rare American Flyer Live Bird 2 bbl set. Also a 32" 101 Diamond Grade Trap, Classic Double Skeet in 12 & 20 and a Classic 4-barrel set. The current stuff from the Big Red W just don't compare !!!
I have a 682 'special skeet' wouldn't trade it for love or money(well,maybe alot of money :twisted
also have a beretta trap have not had a problem with either one.
Was at my gunsmith couple of weeks back, he mentioned a really nice 'Browning GTI grade VI' said he would bring out to the club and did. 1 round of trap and skeet later I was a proud owner.
I never thought I would ever buy a Browning especially with 32" barrels.
Never say never.
An other gun that I never shot but was a real work of art 'GAMBA Daytona 2000'
not many around but just beautiful.
also have a beretta trap have not had a problem with either one.Was at my gunsmith couple of weeks back, he mentioned a really nice 'Browning GTI grade VI' said he would bring out to the club and did. 1 round of trap and skeet later I was a proud owner.
I never thought I would ever buy a Browning especially with 32" barrels.
Never say never.
An other gun that I never shot but was a real work of art 'GAMBA Daytona 2000'
not many around but just beautiful.
The Beretta's are way too light for a sporting gun for me. They all come up and point very nice but kick me too much too enjoy a day at the range with. I prefer heavier guns for target shooting and use a weatherby (SKB) that fits me perfect. Finish is one thing but fit is more important than everything else when choosing a target gun.
Erratic,
I realize this is alittle late, forgive me I'm new to the group, as I have had to quit this addiction. I shot in the late 80's, early 90's in Calgary and used originally a Ruger O/U, a borrowed Rem 3200 (from a good friend) and after seaching the N. American Cont (including phoning Berretta HQ in New York) I landed a 682 X International with fixed chokes (less to mess with). I shot is lots in a short period of time and it treated me well. I have had the opportunity to shoot Perattzi and Krieghoff (had a KS-5 for ATA) and I found for the dollars the 682 was as good as the top line guns. If I was to starting shooting again Perattzi would be first choice (if money was no object) next the 682.
Good luck with the shooting, have fun and enjoy the addiction ;-}
I realize this is alittle late, forgive me I'm new to the group, as I have had to quit this addiction. I shot in the late 80's, early 90's in Calgary and used originally a Ruger O/U, a borrowed Rem 3200 (from a good friend) and after seaching the N. American Cont (including phoning Berretta HQ in New York) I landed a 682 X International with fixed chokes (less to mess with). I shot is lots in a short period of time and it treated me well. I have had the opportunity to shoot Perattzi and Krieghoff (had a KS-5 for ATA) and I found for the dollars the 682 was as good as the top line guns. If I was to starting shooting again Perattzi would be first choice (if money was no object) next the 682.
Good luck with the shooting, have fun and enjoy the addiction ;-}
Most people that own the Beretta 682's are extremely happy with them and that is why you hardly see any used ones available. As for value the Beretta's have gained considerable market share as the best value for the money. The 682's are heavier than the 686's and less recoil. There are some shooters that complain about the recoil and the main reason is improper gun fit. Most of the Beretta's that we sell in our store are the 682's followed by the 686's. We are selling a small amount of DT10 Sportings and of course have not had any luck in getting our order of DT10 Trap guns including my own personal one that has yet to arrive.
So my vote goes for the Beretta 682.
Best regards,
Sam
So my vote goes for the Beretta 682.
Best regards,
Sam
beretta 682 gold e..if it fits and the pad is changed to the geltek from beretta, there is very minimum kick...and the gun is lighter to carry around a course for 2 hours...this is from personal experience after having both the 525 and 682 gole e in 32"... stayed with 682 gold e it kicked a little more and as soon as the geltek pad went on it...it is fine....mcuh faster to swing then the 525...
hr said:in previous threads, there seems to be all sorts of problem /w parts availability /w Winchester/Beretta.....
even though i really liked the 682, i ended up going /w a Fabarm STL, because i have dealt /w the importer (TSE) before and really liked their service and for your buck, the Fabarm stuff you end up getting more 'stuff' like chokes/sights/adj cheek rest/etc. (i'll try to do a write up/review soon)
but based on the 3 you have up there i still voted for the 682, but in real life i have a Fabarm (their quality is top notch stuff)
note that the 682 is also probably the most expensive of the 3 guns listed.....
I went down to Royal Sportsman to check out the Fabarm STL and you are right... A lot of features for the money. It fits me well out of the box, but does it shoot? I'm actually leaning towards one of those new Axis is 20ga. The real question here is, what barrel length should I be looking at.
oldbcshooter said:
esp. /w the 2006 pricing its an even better buy....
the best way of knowing how well it shoots, is to actually shoot it...you can get my contact from Alex at RoyalSportsman or PM me on here, we can meet up at one of my clubs and you're welcome to shoot a round /w the STL
the Axis is nice, but i wanted a 12G... i ended up choosing 28" a compromise for me to be able to use the gun fot trap and skeet, it has adj. chokes that actually adds and inch to the barrel length
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
Although not one of the 3 "Poll" guns, have a hard look at the Caesar Guerini
Summit Sporting ... a lot of gun for the money, and less $$ than either the Browning or Beretta. In 30" it should do all pretty well. In 32" or 34" it becomes more of a Sporting/5 Stand/Trap gun, less of a Skeet gun. Run my share of straights with a 32" Sporter at Skeet, but it is not as forgiving as a 28" or 30" skeet gun. IMHO, the Browning XS Special in 30" with adjustable comb, comes closer to the "all round" gun ( if indeed there is such a thing ! ) than the 525.
Summit Sporting ... a lot of gun for the money, and less $$ than either the Browning or Beretta. In 30" it should do all pretty well. In 32" or 34" it becomes more of a Sporting/5 Stand/Trap gun, less of a Skeet gun. Run my share of straights with a 32" Sporter at Skeet, but it is not as forgiving as a 28" or 30" skeet gun. IMHO, the Browning XS Special in 30" with adjustable comb, comes closer to the "all round" gun ( if indeed there is such a thing ! ) than the 525.
