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OT: Shotguns
- Thread starter Sundsvall
- Start date
What is your price range?
There is a big difference in price for a Remington 870 and 1100/1187 Skeet gun
For the sub-$300 crowd, Remington 870 Express with a the right choke tubes. Not factory stuff, high quality like Briley or one of the other Premium choke tube makers.
For the price of a new skeet auto-loader, I'd look for a used O/U from Beretta because they fit me better. A lot folks would opt for the Browning Citori.
If you are willing to save a while, the Browning Golden Clays are super sweet. The 325/425 Golden Clays are the best Brownig O/U's I've put a shoulder to and the only ones that really fit my frame. I don't know what it is about the cut of the Beretta's but, they fit me better. I prefer the Browning action. Decisions, Decisions.....
FWIW, I've seen really clean Browning and Berretta O/U sell for ~$900. To say they were really clean doesn't do them justice - very tight actions showing no wear, perfect bluing, perfect wood - the equivelent of a "safe queen" knife.
There is a big difference in price for a Remington 870 and 1100/1187 Skeet gun
For the sub-$300 crowd, Remington 870 Express with a the right choke tubes. Not factory stuff, high quality like Briley or one of the other Premium choke tube makers.
For the price of a new skeet auto-loader, I'd look for a used O/U from Beretta because they fit me better. A lot folks would opt for the Browning Citori.
If you are willing to save a while, the Browning Golden Clays are super sweet. The 325/425 Golden Clays are the best Brownig O/U's I've put a shoulder to and the only ones that really fit my frame. I don't know what it is about the cut of the Beretta's but, they fit me better. I prefer the Browning action. Decisions, Decisions.....
FWIW, I've seen really clean Browning and Berretta O/U sell for ~$900. To say they were really clean doesn't do them justice - very tight actions showing no wear, perfect bluing, perfect wood - the equivelent of a "safe queen" knife.
Thanks guys for the input.
The shotgun will be for shooting clay pigeons. Since it will be first shotgun, I want to keep it under $1000.
Since I basically know nothing about the subject. Where should I start reading? I bet there is a forum somewhere dedicated to shotguns.
The shotgun will be for shooting clay pigeons. Since it will be first shotgun, I want to keep it under $1000.
Since I basically know nothing about the subject. Where should I start reading? I bet there is a forum somewhere dedicated to shotguns.
- Joined
- Mar 18, 1999
- Messages
- 2,114
I have a number of "scatterguns". Only one 20 gauge, one 10 gauge and a number of 12s. Most are Brownings, I have one Benelli (Super Black Eagle) and one very, very old Remington model 29 (which I have never shot). I use them primarily for hunting and to occasionally embarrass myself at the sporting clays range.
As a good all-around gun for your purposes (or for anyone's for that matter) I would recommend the Beretta AL391 Urika. Take a look at Beretta's website. You should be able to find a new one between $700-$750 if you shop around.
Synthetic stock...
Wood stock...
I personally would look for something in a 26" barrel. One other tidbit of information...my wife's cousin was the Ohio state sporting clays champion a few years ago using a Beretta A390 which is essentially the same gun. I have a 1985 Browning B80 which is built on the same patent as the Beretta and it is a dream to shoot. I like the way it shoots better than my Auto5 12 Light or Benelli. It always stays level and has a very smooth action. It has never jammed, not even once.
C Wilkins
As a good all-around gun for your purposes (or for anyone's for that matter) I would recommend the Beretta AL391 Urika. Take a look at Beretta's website. You should be able to find a new one between $700-$750 if you shop around.
Synthetic stock...
Wood stock...
I personally would look for something in a 26" barrel. One other tidbit of information...my wife's cousin was the Ohio state sporting clays champion a few years ago using a Beretta A390 which is essentially the same gun. I have a 1985 Browning B80 which is built on the same patent as the Beretta and it is a dream to shoot. I like the way it shoots better than my Auto5 12 Light or Benelli. It always stays level and has a very smooth action. It has never jammed, not even once.
C Wilkins
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2002
- Messages
- 69
You probably would be better off staying away from a pump for skeet, doubles can be challenging enough with out the extra added task of cycling the gun manually.
You should be a able to find plenty of options in the sub-1K range--don't forget to look at used quality o/u's. That would be my choice since you can have more flexibility--my guess is you can find a Ruger red-label in really good shape for well under your price target.
For autos, there have already been some pretty good suggestions. Depending on how recoil sensitive you are you might want to consider a gas gun vs. recoil operated (although I love my Benelli.
You should be a able to find plenty of options in the sub-1K range--don't forget to look at used quality o/u's. That would be my choice since you can have more flexibility--my guess is you can find a Ruger red-label in really good shape for well under your price target.
For autos, there have already been some pretty good suggestions. Depending on how recoil sensitive you are you might want to consider a gas gun vs. recoil operated (although I love my Benelli
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- Joined
- Jun 14, 2000
- Messages
- 15,401
The 870 is a sporting shotgun but can be modified for home defense with the addition of a 20 inch beaded sight barrel. I have 3 870's. One is set up for home defense which includes ghost ring sights, a 20 inch smooth bore barrel, and 2 bean bag rounds followed by 3 rounds of #6 bird shot.
My bird hunting setup includes a 28" barrel w/ a vented rib and interchangeable choke tubes.
My deer gun has a 20" barrel with rifle sights that uses a rifled choke tube. I like this setup because I usually follow up my slugs with 00 buck and its cheaper to replace a choke tube than it is a rifled barrel.
Please make sure they perform like you expect them to. I have met a lot of people who have been suckered in by hype regarding "home defense" shotguns. I'm not a Police Officer and, if I must use deadly force, don't plan on shooting to wound. If deadly force isn't justified, I'm not using a firearm. It may not be macho to run away but, it may be the smart thing to do in some situations.
Rant mode off
Vangcomp shotguns
If you are into a combat/defense shotgun for self protection, you should checkout the VangComp barrels or complete shotguns. I've got one on my Remington 1187 and WOW! It doesn't work well for birds but, with "Buckshot", it patterns better then I thought was even possible using factory loads.
#4 Buck opens up a little faster then I like but, #1's or larger are extremely good. I've patterned my shotgun using all the major US shell makers and some foreign makers. Even the dirt cheap Seller & Belloit (sp?) was extremely consistent. I patterned them all from 3 yards to 25 yards and was amazed with the consistency and lack of "flyers".
Keep an eye out for VangComp barrel specials if you have on old 870 behind the door for self protection. It is money well spent.
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- Jun 14, 2000
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- 15,401
Sid,
First off, I am NOT a cop and should I kill someone who enters my home illegally I WILL go to jail regardless. Civilians are not afforded the same rights as LEO's in those situations. Second, have you ever been hit with a bean bag round at close range? I have and it knocked me on my ass. I didn't get up quickly. I use the bags on the recommendation of LEO's in my family. I have seen them in action and trust me when I tell you that they do work. If they don't, the bird shot surely will.
Sygyzy,
The ghost ring site it personal preference. I use the shottie in other applications (switching out barrels) other than home defense and it works for me. The ring has a very large aperture and anything in it is dead. Unless of course it's faster than buckshot.
First off, I am NOT a cop and should I kill someone who enters my home illegally I WILL go to jail regardless. Civilians are not afforded the same rights as LEO's in those situations. Second, have you ever been hit with a bean bag round at close range? I have and it knocked me on my ass. I didn't get up quickly. I use the bags on the recommendation of LEO's in my family. I have seen them in action and trust me when I tell you that they do work. If they don't, the bird shot surely will.
Sygyzy,
The ghost ring site it personal preference. I use the shottie in other applications (switching out barrels) other than home defense and it works for me. The ring has a very large aperture and anything in it is dead. Unless of course it's faster than buckshot.
Simmer down guys.
I am looking for a shotgun, not debating it's use as a home defense weapon. That's another thread that belongs in Practical Tactical.
I am going to shoot clay pigeons, and then later maybe some real birds.
I found negative reports on Benelli and Franchi.
Lots of big thumbs up for Remington and Browning.
I am looking for a shotgun, not debating it's use as a home defense weapon. That's another thread that belongs in Practical Tactical.
I am going to shoot clay pigeons, and then later maybe some real birds.
I found negative reports on Benelli and Franchi.
Lots of big thumbs up for Remington and Browning.
The Benelli is a good shotgun but, is far over shadowed by its use as a combat shotgun. They cycle really fast and are lightweight in general. What sort of negative feedback are you getting about them?
That being said though, my Benelli is not the one I would take to the skeet range or out birding.
Beretta, Browning and, Remington are all solid choices. In the Auto-loaders you are looking at a much different animal then the Benelli style of shotgun. Gas operated versus recoil operated makes a big difference in handling qualities.
Ken,
No offense intended. You are right that LEO's and civilians have different rights. The standard for a police officer is much higher. If you commit murder, you should go to jail. There are many instances of legally used deadly force that do not result in criminal convictions.
That being said though, my Benelli is not the one I would take to the skeet range or out birding.
Beretta, Browning and, Remington are all solid choices. In the Auto-loaders you are looking at a much different animal then the Benelli style of shotgun. Gas operated versus recoil operated makes a big difference in handling qualities.
Ken,
No offense intended. You are right that LEO's and civilians have different rights. The standard for a police officer is much higher. If you commit murder, you should go to jail. There are many instances of legally used deadly force that do not result in criminal convictions.
I was reading some reviews on a gunreviews.com.
Apparantly Benelli USA's customer service isn't that great. There are always a few that fall through the cracks I guess.
Anyway, thus far the contenders are:
Franchi Model 612
Benelli M3 Convertible (I have to find out if this model has convertible chokes)
Apparantly Benelli USA's customer service isn't that great. There are always a few that fall through the cracks I guess.
Anyway, thus far the contenders are:
Franchi Model 612
Benelli M3 Convertible (I have to find out if this model has convertible chokes)
Thanks for mentioning it!
The Remington 1100 Competition Master has got my mouth watering.
The Franchi 612 has a lot going for it such as active recoil dampening, changable choke tubes.
The Benelli M3 Convertible has the optional pump action or semi-auto modes. Don't know too much else.
All three of these can be used for home defense, so far seems that only the Franchi can be used for hunting.
The Remington 1100 is made for competition clay.
The Remington 1100 Competition Master has got my mouth watering.
The Franchi 612 has a lot going for it such as active recoil dampening, changable choke tubes.
The Benelli M3 Convertible has the optional pump action or semi-auto modes. Don't know too much else.
All three of these can be used for home defense, so far seems that only the Franchi can be used for hunting.
The Remington 1100 is made for competition clay.
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- Mar 7, 2003
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A good O/U double is faster for two rounds than any auto or pump. It is shorter-no magazine space-and thus is lighter and easier handling. Once you get used to a good double its hard to pick up anything else whether it is for birds or clays.
I picked up a Valmet used for $600 about 10 years ago and will never part with it.
I picked up a Valmet used for $600 about 10 years ago and will never part with it.
