Sporting Clays O/U for under $1,000

[dennab]

Need some feedback/opinions on the following:

1.) Looking to buy my first O/U for Sporting uses only and want some opinions on the best shotgun for under $1,000.

2.) Is a 20 gauge an appropriate set-up for sporting uses?

3.) Ideally, I'd love to have a 12/20 gauge combo - know of any good combos out there in my $$ range?

Thanks!

[Thefeeder]

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It would be best for you to try different shotguns and then decide which is best for you. Try to buddy up with someone and try different shotguns. Buying a shotgun based on price or name is not a good way to go. Each has a fit, feel and weight that may be one shooters favorite but not anothers cup of tea. Many shooters will let you try their guns at the range.

A quality 12/20 combo for 1000 is not likely...if one exists.


For 1000 I would look at used O/U's

Browning Citori
Beretta 686
Weatherby Orion (japan)
To name some possibilities

Many Sporting Clay shooters use a 20ga. 12 is the most popular


I would chose a shotgun with choke tubes for sure

[bjl333]

Please remember one thing when shopping for a shotgun. Dont limit yourself to a cheap gun just because you dont wanna spend over 1G !!! There are guns that'll fit your needs at that price point, but none I can think of that'll last you for the long haul !!! If you buy used then there are deals to be had out there, but you have to be patience.

The post above suggested some good firearms, but look for something in a 30" barrel for sporting. My suggestion would be a used 680's series Beretta, second would be the Browning Citori. These have been around for a long time and the gunsmiths all know how to work on these guns.

The 20ga is good for subgauge events, but are usually a little more then a 12ga gun. I would probably tell you to take some lessons as lessons can help you enjoy the game a lot more.

GOOD LUCK !!!

[ysr_racer]

Where in AZ do you live? If you're near Phx, swing by Ben Avery or Rio Salado.

Those are the two SC clubs in Phx.

In Tucson it's Coyote Springs.

Talk to people.

You'll NEVER find a decent 12/20 combo for under $1000. I use these in my 12ga to shoot 20ga. They work well.

http://www.chambermates.com/

[aGunForEachHand]

You could pick up a pre-owned Browning Citori for around $1K. Don't get the light model (you will want 7.5-8 lbs) and stick to 28" barrels with invector plus chokes. I am pretty biased toward Brownings, but there are many other good brands (Beretta, Benelli, Wetherby, Ruger, etc.) You can also get a decent semi auto for under $1K (Remington 1100, Browning Gold, etc.) There are even models of these popular semi-autos that are designed for sporting clays use with additional features such as ported barrels.

[jafount]

Remember this...

"Buy cheap, buy twice"

There is a lot of good advice here. Another gun to look at that's a "bargain" gun is the SKB. Good luck.

[dennab]

Thanks guys! Some good advice here.

YSR Racer - I live in North Phoenix and only about 10 miles from the Ben Avery range. I have a lesson scheduled for this Sat with one of the private instructors there. It's a beautiful facility and the people are very helpful.

I'll try a few shotguns from their rental pool as well as some from the other shooters there.

There are some classifieds posted at the range and I did notice a few used Citori's for sale for around $1300.

[Piper1]

O/U Shotgun

Check out Stoeger Condor Competition O/U shotgun. It's a very nice O/U for the price. I picked my up on gunbroker for under $600 brand new. The one that i got is a combo O/U with a 12 & 20 guage barrel. Has 30" barrel and is ported. Comes with choke tubes also. Take a look at Stoeger website. I have taken it to the skeet range and I love this shotgun.