Over/Under 20 Gauge

[ysr_racer]

And "fairly well" for a hunter isn't the same as for a sporting clays shooter

[whutsup40]

I shoot mainly skeet and sporting clay's, and mostly 12 gauge, but I have a nice Mossberg silver reserve 20 gauge, that is a sweet o/u, have shot many 24,s at trap, little lower budget gun, but nice to shoot, good on birds too

[Ducky's Dad]

And "fairly well" for a hunter isn't the same as for a sporting clays shooter

Clays are different from live game. Most of the trap, skeet and sporting clays guys I have hunted with may be great on targets but aren't so hot on live game. And "fairly well" means limits of doves and piles of Eurasions with whatever guns we are shooting. Limit of doves with a .410 on 17 2-1/2" skeet loads qualify as "pretty well"? Limit of doves on the closing day of the season with a .410 qualify? Limit of doves with an ancient .410 single shot hammer gun? Target shooters are different, and most look like noobs in the field, mostly because they don't get out there enough. If I were shooting for score or for money, I'd still use a Beretta.

And OP said he wants a gun for hunting.

[Thefeeder]

^^^^^^^^ I'll agree with that

[Horrendo Revolver]

I've only shot 25,000 registered targets with the NSCA, and probably another 50,000 in practice, but there's no way I can shoot a Beretta. They just don't fit me, and when I shoot them, they beat the hell out of me.

Maybe your friends are more versatile than I am.

I totally agree with you.

[Bull Elk]

Ford or Chevy. Everyone has their favorite and can state compelling reasons why.

[Horrendo Revolver]

[QUOTE=Bull Elk;19459868]Ford or Chevy. Everyone has their favorite and can state compelling reasons why.[/QUOTE

That goes for me with rifles but not shotguns. I've gone through a bunch of them and finally know what fits. If a shotgun has a 1.5" DAC and a 2.25" DAH or can be shimmed to such then I know I can shoot it. If not I won't buy it. That is why I don't and won't have a Beretta, though I really want one. It is why I don't have a Vinci though I did have one and really like them.

[Horrendo Revolver]

You are correct Scott. I've checked into having a stock fitted before and the cost was just too much for me.

[parcours]

A 26" barrel is too whipy for most people. As far as Beretta o/u vs Browning o/u. If one fits usually the other one won't.

I haven't met too many people that shoot both.

I do

And to answer the 26" vs 28" question.. Go with what you like... If you're shooting targets, 30" or 32" barrels are the way to go. If you will be using them for hunting, a set of 26" barrels will be just fine.

Heck, I hunt with a 24" Benelli M2, 20ga... Best upland gun you can get. Handles great when those Chukar fly from under your feet...

[ysr_racer]

Let me rephrase it, I haven't met too many new shooters that shoot both well.

When I raced motorcycles you either wore a Shoei helmet or an Arai, but not both.

[parcours]

Let me rephrase it, I haven't met too many new shooters that shoot both well.

When I raced motorcycles you either wore a Shoei helmet or an Arai, but not both.

Would have to disagree with your statement... Either Beretta or Browning can be fitted to your dimensions and you will shoot either well.

Yes they are very different felling, but with the right LOP, drop and cast, the balance can be compensated.

[SoCalPI]

Let me rephrase it, I haven't met too many new shooters that shoot both well.

When I raced motorcycles you either wore a Shoei helmet or an Arai, but not both.

I thought they only wore leather helmets back then?

[ysr_racer]

Would have to disagree with your statement... Either Beretta or Browning can be fitted to your dimensions and you will shoot either well.

Yes they are very different felling, but with the right LOP, drop and cast, the balance can be compensated.

Again, anybody asking for help on this forum probably isn't going to spend three or four thousand dollars on a custom fitted stock.

They're going to pick up a few guns, the guy behind the counter will help him get it mounted correctly, and they'll buy the one that feels best.

And since Beretta and Browning fit differently, it will be one or the other.

[ysr_racer]

A good fitter can fit any shotgun to anyone, but it can get expensive. It takes awhile and will involve the the fitter watching you shoot and making alterations on the spot (sanding or temp pads) and/or using a try gun (special adjustable stock designed to determine fit). I have watched this process but have never gone through it. Its a little like having a suit measure-made.

Minor tweaks can be made in a stock maker's shop and are plenty adequate for most folks.

Agreed, I added the bold highlights. Because they're important to keep in mind.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Again, anybody asking for help on this forum probably isn't going to spend three or four thousand dollars on a custom fitted stock.

They're going to pick up a few guns, the guy behind the counter will help him get it mounted correctly, and they'll buy the one that feels best.

And since Beretta and Browning fit differently, it will be one or the other.

This.