28” or 30” O/U

[MidwayMonster54]

[ceh383]

I'm 6'2" I've had 28", 30" 32" and now a 33", I prefer the longer barrels.
Any of the guns you mentioned will work, but it is really about fit. A good fitting 28" is better than an ill fitting 30".
Shoulder/shoot as many as you can, buy the one that feels right.

[Tarmy]

I am about the same size as you OP, but that does not mean the gun that fits me…fits you. As mentioned, fit is the key to success in shooting your new gun. Try lots and see what works best for you.

I shoot what is considered a rather short Franchi Instinct 28” OU gun. But it fits perfect and I like the way it swings…for me.

[ysr_racer]

Longer is better, size matters

[Megalomegalodon]

28" is a great length for most clay sports. Longer for trap and shorter for skeet.

[W.R.Buchanan]

32"

Randy

[JagerDog]

So much depends. Longer barrels are certainly popular. Part of that includes higher end guns getting improved metallurgy to mitigate the increased weight of longer barrels to maintain desired balance.

[870classic]

My Beretta 682 wears 32" doubles, and 34" single. (Ported of course)
Shooter's fit with the shotgun, and balance of the shotgun in the hands will make all the difference irrespective of barrel length.

Best regards,
870classic

[ceh383]

28" is a great length for most clay sports. Longer for trap and shorter for skeet.

The truth is, if the gun is balanced to the shooters liking barrel length makes no difference. I've shot Skeet with 28", 30" and 32" guns with no difference in scores, usually in the low 20's.
Balance is a personal thing while fit is the biggest concern.

[JagerDog]

My Beretta 682 wears 32" doubles, and 34" single. (Ported of course)
Shooter's fit with the shotgun, and balance of the shotgun in the hands will make all the difference irrespective of barrel length.

Best regards,
870classic

X-trap?

[Unforgiven]

For sporting clays I would shoot 30” and I’ve won a lot of tournaments. No brag, you know rest.

[Slow]

Barrel length has little to do with the gun being more appropriate for a particular game, and more to do with gun companies convincing buyers that they are getting an edge by going with a particular barrel length.

There's no reason other than balance to run a 28", 30", 32", or 34" barrel. Clays are still being broken with the venerable 26" because they fit the user well.

Shotguns haven't change in terms of functionality, nor has their basic design wildly evolved in 100 years. However, every year gun company advertisements talk about their latest advances, which boil down to accessorizing the basics. None of those accessories will make scores go higher unless they directly impact fit, or balance.

While outside of your budget, I recommend going with proven manufacturers, who build durable products. That means Miroku/Browning or Beretta, which are sort of the minimum for a volume shooter. I know some folks who have used the CZs for skeet, and have shot thousands of rounds through them, but because they aren't widely used, I can't tell if those that have lasted a long time are an anomaly.

If I absolutely had to stay within your budget, I'd probably go with the CZ Redhead Premier with a 30" barrel. Anything in that price range for an O/U is going to likely get the short shrift in quality control, but they have a 5 year warranty so if the gun acts up from the get go, or flat out breaks, they'll cover it. Just save your receipt as they won't do service without that proof.

Compare the Franchi warranty to the CZ's and see if they compare.

[JagerDog]

SKB might be an option.

[870classic]

X-trap?

I wish, but no; not an xtrap.
Just an earlier 682 with an extra set of barrels I picked up a few years back.

Best regards,
870classic

[whutsup40]

If you are going to shoot a lot of sporting clay's then go 30 inch If your only shooting skeet then a 28 inch is fine! I have 2 C.Z redhead premier's and would recommend them to anyone, Very easy shooter and budget friendly!