Which classic O/U for skeet?

[epetrillo]

I am looking to get back into skeet. Most of the shotguns I am familiar with are classic O/U's today. I haven't been following what has been happening in the classic or modern shotgun world so I am looking for advise on which classic guns to watch for and which ones to be wary of. My budget is about $2000.

[ysr_racer]

Shoot 'em all, buy the one that fits you best.

[MISFIRE]

Skeet

Try shotgunworld.com, best site for shotgun sports. Lots of great advicer and used shotguns for sale.
Bill

[tzahoy]

I've got two 12ga O/U shotguns for skeet. A Winchester 101, and a Remington 3200. The 101 is easily within your budget, and the 3200 may or may not be, I haven't checked recently. Both are great guns and have shot many thousands of rounds without a hitch. However, for me the 3200 is such a wonderful and natural fit, that it's my go to gun. I can consistently score a couple birds better over my 101. I've shot 24 with both guns so I know I can shoot them equally well, the 3200 just comes to my shoulder more naturally and repeatably.

Anyway, fit is more critical than anything. If my 101 fit ME as well as the 3200 there would be little difference other than my 3200 has shorter barrels which I also prefer. If you get a chance try a 3200, it's a fanastic shotgun that will continue to appreciate more rapidly than most.

The 101 is every bit as reliable and well made, considerably cheaper, and you don't need to be concerned about altering the originality to fit you. I wouldn't go there with a 3200 as they're pretty collectible.

[Revoman]

Although the Remington 3200 is well worth the effort, I would steer away from a 3200 simply because they are not made any longer and haen't been for quite some time and there is virtually zero support if anything breaks on one. (Sorry tzahoy, no reflection on you or your fine shotgun, just a fact.)
I have heard stories of having items break on one of these shotguns and no way to fix it because all of the parts have been used up and no new ones are made. So it's either a custom made part, if you can find someone to make it, or it becomes a paper weight. Either one of those options is not the best.
They are just over the hill with respect to parts, very unfortunate because it is a very good shotgun and that is the only reason I would not buy one.
Browning or Beretta are both very good guns that will last a long time and are of good enough quality that breakage is probably not going to be an issue. If it is, there is still by and large support for these guns.
Cannot go wrong with a Citori or 686, both good calls.
You might try checking out your local clubs bulletin board for used buys, there are normally some pretty decent items for sale on the board at my range. The only caution would be that some may be shot-out from a competitive shooter, so just be aware of what you are looking at and how much wear it may have.

[.454]

Browning Cynergy or Citori. Excellent guns, fit your budget.

[yellowfin]

Grab a Belgian Browning Citori.

[epetrillo]

Thanks for the warnings and suggestions guys. I have always liked the 3200 but I guess I'll pass on one now. I have been looking at a used Beretta 682 Gold E Sporting that is just out of my price range. I am thinking I might stretch a little for that one. Anything I should be aware with that model?

[tzahoy]

You do bring up an important point that's becoming true of many fine older guns. I did a search on Numrich and indeed some parts are sold out. I don't know if the same is true about ordering parts direct from Remington. In any case they do have a very good reliability record, but parts may very well be difficult to get.

I'll reitierate, shoot every gun you can get your mitts on, get a feel for how you like a shotgun to fit and go with that.

Although the Remington 3200 is well worth the effort, I would steer away from a 3200 simply because they are not made any longer and haen't been for quite some time and there is virtually zero support if anything breaks on one. (Sorry tzahoy, no reflection on you or your fine shotgun, just a fact.)
I have heard stories of having items break on one of these shotguns and no way to fix it because all of the parts have been used up and no new ones are made. So it's either a custom made part, if you can find someone to make it, or it becomes a paper weight. Either one of those options is not the best.
They are just over the hill with respect to parts, very unfortunate because it is a very good shotgun and that is the only reason I would not buy one.
Browning or Beretta are both very good guns that will last a long time and are of good enough quality that breakage is probably not going to be an issue. If it is, there is still by and large support for these guns.
Cannot go wrong with a Citori or 686, both good calls.
You might try checking out your local clubs bulletin board for used buys, there are normally some pretty decent items for sale on the board at my range. The only caution would be that some may be shot-out from a competitive shooter, so just be aware of what you are looking at and how much wear it may have.

[Jonathan Doe]

I'd recommend a Beretta.

[Revoman]

I have a Beretta 682 Gold E and I like it a bunch. It has the adjustable cheek stock, is very reliable, no break downs as yet, with about 15,000 rounds through it in the past few years.
I bought mine new from Pacific Sporting Arms in Azusa, CA, really a nice place by the way, it came with a set of sub-tubes and Americase.
It is very easy to clean as most of the inner parts that are usually exposed in the receiver are covered/hidden and the nitrile style finish on the receiver is good. (Some that are older do not have that finish, I don't know if the one you are looking at does.)
The only caution that I have is that while the unique checkering looks inoquous, it actually really works and can give you chafing or blisters relatively quickly if you aren't careful. (After a few hours of use, I'm talking the forearm only here.)
This should be one of those "The last shotgun you'll ever need to buy." type guns and should last pretty much a lifetime......with care of course.

[Jonathan Doe]

I have bought several Perazzi, Beretta, Blaser and Krieghoff shotguns at Pacific Sporting Arms. The owner is a nice man who has an extensive knowledge in shotgun shooting and a skeet champion. Maybe you can stop by and talk to him. He may suggest one that fit your needs within your budget.