What are my options?

Hawkeye

Hawkeye

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I'm goin to be in the market for a dedicated clay breaking shotgun hopefully sometime this winter depending on my new job. This is what it needs to have
1) Side by side
2) Double triggers
3) Changable chokes
4) Internal Hammers
So whats out there that'll fit that bill. I've recently be come addicted to sporting clays and my baikal SxS F/M open hammers isn't goin to cut it much longer. Over Under guys don't bother with me I just don't like em a side by side is the only route I'm interesting in goin.
 
Claybuster said:
How much do you want to spend?
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I'm planning on saving up over the winter once I get my life back together. The folks I shoot with seem to be running O/U's in the 1500 to 4000 range I figure you get what you pay for so I'm willing to pay top dollar for function and reliability. I'm thinking in the 3500 to 4000 is the limit as not matter how much I spent on the shotgun I'll still end up spending more on the ammo:D
 
Hawkeye, I too love SxS's. There can be no more effective tool for upland game hunting than a straight gripped, splinter fore end, double triggered, lightweight SxS. However, the very attributes which make such a gun so successful in the uplands work against you on the clays course.

To build a SxS for target use more weight is required and should be biased a little further forward. A pistol grip and semi beavertail fore end will be a distinct advantage for competition, and this combination cries out for a single trigger (there is no advantage to double triggers for any clay target sport anyway). Unless the stock is custom made for you, an adjustable comb will be a definite advantage.

The problem is that no one mass produces a gun like this. CSMC comes pretty close with the RBL, but it is still essentially a hunting gun. I looked at having a Model 21 custom built for the purpose - let's just say it would not fit in your budget.

It would be possible to take An RBL and add an adjustable comb without exceeding your budget by too much. The weight is right and spare parts are available. It can be had with all of your specified requirements. You could probably get one here and add the adjustable comb and be in the 5 to 6 K$ range.

And therein lies the rub - you can go and buy a fully configured U/O competition gun from Beretta or Browning for at least a thousand less. Likely a couple of thousand less. The dedicated SxS guy is going to have to open his wallet wide to indulge his tastes on the clays field. Not many are willing to do that and hence no mass produced SxS's built as dedicated competition guns.

I wish you luck in your quest and hope you find something that satisfies you. Please let us know how things turn out.

EDIT: Just noticed that CSMC does now make an RBL in a sporting configuration. $7K U.S.


Sharptail
 
Hawkeye said:
I'm planning on saving up over the winter once I get my life back together. The folks I shoot with seem to be running O/U's in the 1500 to 4000 range I figure you get what you pay for so I'm willing to pay top dollar for function and reliability. I'm thinking in the 3500 to 4000 is the limit as not matter how much I spent on the shotgun I'll still end up spending more on the ammo:D
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I like that line of thinking. You will quickly spend more on ammo and targets than the price of your gun. ;)

The challenge will be double triggers and choke tubes. The only guns on the market I can think that has both is the CZ sxs. If you can live with a single trigger however then the Fabarm and Weatherby sxs are options in your range that come with choke tubes.
 
I'd hold out for a Beretta 471 or whatever they are calling them now, you are asking for a gun that not only fits but will hold up to alot of clay bird shooting. Most other affordable SXS guns really haven't built up much of a reputation in the clay bird games as not alot of folks use them here as opposed to Europe/Britain.
 
Hawkeye: IMHO using a side by side shotgun in the clay target sports is like racing a Model T at the Indy 500. Sure, you might enjoy it for a lap or two but to remain competitive you have to re-think your equipment.
 
Sharptail said:
And therein lies the rub - you can go and buy a fully configured U/O competition gun from Beretta or Browning for at least a thousand less. Likely a couple of thousand less. The dedicated SxS guy is going to have to open his wallet wide to indulge his tastes on the clays field. Not many are willing to do that and hence no mass produced SxS's built as dedicated competition guns.

Sharptail
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I couldn't agree more.

Basis the utilization scenario + the budget indicated - a Beretta or Browning Sporting model O/U shotgun (whichever brand fits the best) will be the most appropriate tool for the task. A field model SxS, for example, even as something as sturdy as the Beretta 471 will never offer complete satisfaction when dedicated solely to such role.

To offer an idea, a Beretta sporting model 682E or 686E will range from $4k to slightly under $2k for the later. Frankly, I have closely looked at/shot both models and didn't find that great a difference in terms of build quality other than the wood on the 682.

A Browning sporting model 625 will be around a little bit more than the $3k figure.
 
I can't argue the logic of Sharptail and Ahsan that a competition o/u is less expensive and better suited for clay targets. However the OP seems to have ruled them out, is shooting a sxs now and wants to upgrade. I can't fault his thinking either and if a sxs is what he wants then I won't suggest another configuration if that is what he has his heart set on.

Another option for him might be a good used Merkel or Sauer and have aftermarket thin wall chokes installed. The Sauer's are reasonably priced, are very stout guns and usually have barrels thick enough for thin-wall chokes.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm not interested in becoming a true competative clay breaker just have fun since I discouvered this game I've run about 5 flats though my $250 Bakial so basically I need something that'll take the pounding. I love the reactions I get from the guys when they notice that I'm shooting a SxS and when I dust a close one with the full choke. I know the double triggers will not give me and advanage but thats what I'm used to and I'm not interested in goin though the process of getting used to a single trigger. I've had to borrow guns from the guys when mine went down a couple months ago and the hardest part was not changing triggers that really threw me for a loop I just couldn't get used to or like it. The CZ's were exactly what i was thinking about but htat Beretta looks like I need to look into it more.
 
Hawkeye said:
... I'm not interested in becoming a true competative clay breaker ...
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Hah! I've heard that before. I have used that excuse myself.

The fact is you like the game, you are going to shoot it a bunch, and you are going to get better at it. Soon you will be shooting as well as the rest of the crowd, and a lost bird here and there will count.

If you want to stick with a SxS then Claybuster's suggestion to equip a Sauer with choke tubes is a good one, but if it were me I would install an adjustable comb as well. I'd insist on 30 inch barrels too.

The use of SxS's in top level competition is not unheard of, google "Hal M. Hare" and see what he has done with his Model 21's. I hope you become as successful as he.


Sharptail
 
Beretta 471

Optima overbored barrels, optima chokes, 28 barrels. Can be double or single trigger. over 7 lbs. BIG bucks!

Not much else out there except the odd older sxs but they do not have intechangeable chokes. You can have chokes installed for about $300 per barrel tube.
 
Hawkeye said:
Why 30 inch barrels? My thinking lead me to believe that longer barrels is really good for trap but shorter ones are good for sporting clays and in the field due to fast and close shooting.
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It's all about the swing. The longer barrels promote a smooth, stable swing which is effective in tracking the flight of the bird. Look at the top rated sporting clays shooters and you will find that many are using 32 inch barrels on their U/O's. On a semi, with it's long receiver, a 28 inch tube is acceptable but on a compact hinge break frame like a SxS the extra length really helps. Even skeet shooters are using longer barrels these days.


Sharptail
 
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