New 20ga O/U

[pennstater]

Ok, friend of mine is looking for a new O/U 20ga between $900-1300.
I don't know diddly about these, so, any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: This will only be for very occasional trap and occasional upland bird chasing. No competition at all.

[L-2]

It might be better if the friend was on here instead of the OP, who's an intermediary.

There are some factors to consider or narrow down, although the price-range has, at least, been stated:
-location of where hunting might occur (Calif. has become a non-lead state);
-possibly location of friend to suggest where a person might be able to actually handle, touch, or view suggested shotgun(s);
-any brand preference (e.g. Beretta, Benelli, Mossberg, etc.) or specific brands the friend already won't buy or doesn't want;
-action preference (pump, break-action/over-under, semiauto);
-friend's build, height, weight, length of pull, perhaps age/gender;
-any particular physical issues;
-other budgetary concerns and does price include other accessories, ammo, hunting licenses/tags, or training. $900 can get to everything else without even the firearm cost.

I'm just brain-storming here and I suspect nobody is going to be your friend's salesperson. Perhaps somebody will know of a video or book to read on this subject. After all this talk and the forthcoming suggestions, the friend may not even be committed to buying and the thread becomes wasted effort.

Consider searching Youtube with these search words, too:
shotgun hunting recommendation

[NATEWA]

I’d suggest a semi auto 20 gauge. I own or have owned all the different types of shotguns.

I just picked up a camo beretta ultima in 20 gauge.

[ceh383]

In the $900 ~ $1300 price range you can get a good semi-auto or a cheap to so-so O/U.

[HAVOC5150]

Franchi is about $1300, can’t think of the model. Kittles outdoors has them.

[PoorRichRichard]

Franchi or a CZ might fit your parameters. You might also find a lower end Browning if you’re patient. The Ruger Red Label guns are awesome, but now hard to find under $1300 for a 20 gauge (or any gauge for that matter).

Good luck. My 2 cents- I love my Savage 555e in 20 gauge for bird hunting.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

I've got a Pointer O/U in 28ga that I picked up at Turners a couple of years ago that I like a lot.

I don't think it would hold up to competition of any kind but the annual dove hunt and warm-up the week prior I think are within its capabilities.

[Unforgiven]

Buy a Beretta, love it forever.

[pennstater]

It might be better if the friend was on here instead of the OP, who's an intermediary.

There are some factors to consider or narrow down, although the price-range has, at least, been stated:
-location of where hunting might occur (Calif. has become a non-lead state);
-possibly location of friend to suggest where a person might be able to actually handle, touch, or view suggested shotgun(s);
-any brand preference (e.g. Beretta, Benelli, Mossberg, etc.) or specific brands the friend already won't buy or doesn't want;
-action preference (pump, break-action/over-under, semiauto);
-friend's build, height, weight, length of pull, perhaps age/gender;
-any particular physical issues;
-other budgetary concerns and does price include other accessories, ammo, hunting licenses/tags, or training. $900 can get to everything else without even the firearm cost.

I'm just brain-storming here and I suspect nobody is going to be your friend's salesperson. Perhaps somebody will know of a video or book to read on this subject. After all this talk and the forthcoming suggestions, the friend may not even be committed to buying and the thread becomes wasted effort.

Consider searching Youtube with these search words, too:
shotgun hunting recommendation

1] So-Cal deserts and Owens Valley.
2]Whatever Triple B's is called now and Pacific Sporting Arms.
3] CZ, TriStar, Stevens 555, possibly Franchi. O/U only
4] Hmm, 6'1", 180, long arms, 70, some back and shoulder pain.
5] Has plenty of shells, both lead and steel, buys hunting license yearly.
He has always thought of a O/U. Has used his 870 Wingmaster since about '78.
That's about it.

[Imageview]

So the price point is sorta an awkward one. It's above the cost of most of the budget offerings, and below the starting cost of what we'll call the enthusiast offerings (Beretta, browning, etc). Plenty of nice shotguns available to him, but the ones that will get suggested most strongly (Beretta and browning) are slightly out of reach.

He could probably find a nice used version, or a nice slightly lower grade gun new, but fit is everything. If he's left handed he'll probably have to buy new, and the selection will be much smaller.

Just tell him go and try shouldering like 5 different guns no matter the brand and pick the one that fits best. The best and most reliable brand isn't as good a buy as the shotgun that fits and makes it easier to hit targets.

[whutsup40]

C.Z Redhead premier!! I have one and it shoots and handles very nice.

[pennstater]

Looks like he deciding between a Franchi Instinct L and a Browning Citori Hunter Grade I. We're heading over to PSA next week to talk to Jordon.

[whutsup40]

Hope he finds the one he likes!!

[JagerDog]

Last I looked (a few weeks ago), SW in Eureka had a closeout 26" barreled Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 for $1300. Been that for 2 months that I know of.

Everyone wants long barrels nowadays, is my assumption why it was still there.

[newbutold]

Take your friend to a gun shop and let him pick one or two.......