Why are semi-autos/over-unders so expensive?

[Javi]

I'm most likely going with a CZ 912, 712 or 720 as my clay shooting shotgun because they offer a wallet friendly price and I've read great reviews on their semi-autos and the canvasback as far as durability goes. Tom Knapp being on the team is the cherry on top. Too bad they're not popular in my area, yet, as I can't mount one in person. Coming from the handgun/rifle side of things, there are MANY great firearms that are $600 or less. Why do a lot of these things seem to start at $1000? Franchi's are the cheapest 'high end' ones, I guess, at $800. Doesn't really appear to be a sport that's open to people with light wallets, apparently. I'm not looking for custom hand etched engraving or the rarest wood(I'd prefer a gun with wood furniture as opposed to synthetic) on the thing.

[Ergo the Qualmed]

You may be interested in buying used. I was in the same position as you--preparing to shell out $500+ for a basic semi-auto trap shotgun. But then I bought an 80+ yr old Browning A5 for $250, and I most recently kept pace with a guy using a $4800 Perazzi trap gun. The gun is not everything.

Remember, as they say, that fitment is as (or more) important than the gun itself. Many times it is, anyway. So I would hesitantly suggest that before you shell out a ton of money on an expensive new autoloader, perhaps consider something used, like an 1100 etc, that would work/fit you just as well.

EDIT:

I just realized I didn't answer your question at all.

I would assume that they are expensive because...well, because they can be. I personally do not see a reason why a semi-auto shotgun needs to be as expensive as it is. The break-open ones are, I guess, artistic pieces sometimes. And perhaps that is the issue; these guns are designed to look good (unlike a number of rifles and pistols), and part of being a high-class/aesthetically pleasing item, is the cost. To create a sense of exclusivity.

I am talking out of an orifice other than my mouth I am afraid...

[Thefeeder]

><

If you have not taken advantage of the the Skeet Clinic down your way....you most definitely should. You can use some of the shotguns and try different ones to see which is right for YOU. And the price for the Clinic is a steal!

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=329160

You will be better prepared to choose a shotgun in your price range after the clinic.....costs are what they are no matter what you buying......smart shopping will always pay off.


Don't buy a clays gun on price.....Wrong way to go about it. Here is another link to help you along.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=425953

Welcome to our sport and remember to try to break ALL the clays

[Javi]

You may be interested in buying used. I was in the same position as you--preparing to shell out $500+ for a basic semi-auto trap shotgun. But then I bought an 80+ yr old Browning A5 for $250, and I most recently kept pace with a guy using a $4800 Perazzi trap gun. The gun is not everything.

Remember, as they say, that fitment is as (or more) important than the gun itself. Many times it is, anyway. So I would hesitantly suggest that before you shell out a ton of money on an expensive new autoloader, perhaps consider something used, like an 1100 etc, that would work/fit you just as well.

EDIT:

I just realized I didn't answer your question at all.

I would assume that they are expensive because...well, because they can be. I personally do not see a reason why a semi-auto shotgun needs to be as expensive as it is. The break-open ones are, I guess, artistic pieces sometimes. And perhaps that is the issue; these guns are designed to look good (unlike a number of rifles and pistols), and part of being a high-class/aesthetically pleasing item, is the cost. To create a sense of exclusivity.

I am talking out of an orifice other than my mouth I am afraid...

As far as Benelli's, Franchi's, Berettas: Yeah, I'd definitely have to buy used but I'm afraid those wouldn't fetch a whole lot lower, though. Haha BJ has mentioned the 1100 A LOT to me, might have to recheck that out. I really, really can't do $1,000 guns. I don't earn much and that would be put to better use on paying off my Mazda. That's what I like about the CZ's: Great price point and they're durable from what I hear. I follow a person's thread on "Shotgun world" whenever I'm back in the mood to shoot clays. This is his results with his CZ 912:

"So 2011 with the 912 went like this.............

March 2nd got the gun, March 3rd first shooting session

On 08/08/11, round # 1,979 the hammer broke

Sent gun to CZ, got it back 09/19/11.

1,275 rounds since the hammer broke, and I have fired a total of 3,254 rounds through the gun.

So far I am real pleased with the 912."



He shoots out on his property and reloads so me getting to 3,000 shells will take forever! Almost certain I will be going with a CZ. The 912 is the better looking version of another they have and I've seen them go for under $500. Would be nice to see the bigger brands make budget priced guns without hindering quality. Haha, love your edit there I agree. I don't get why this sport has to be more aristocratic. I just want to get out there and shoot

[Thefeeder]

><

You type fast........use what you can from the above post


Look for Browning Gold t.....hey are going for some real bargin right now

[Thefeeder]

[QUOTE=Thefeeder;7757684]You type fast........use what you can from the above post


Look for Browning Gold .....they are going for some real bargins right now

[RayPDA]

Materials, technology, overhead, importation, labor, craftsmanship, production run, exclusivity, etc - some or all of these come into play in different ratios, all depending on the manufacturer (just like most other goods).

I agree with the others above - making sure of fit and going used are good ideas.

Definitely look at the 1100. Also see the Beretta 3901


Oh, and if you don't mind saving up a little bit more...Turners has a couple of new Beretta A391 Urika 2 Synthetics that are on their discontinued clearance list ($750)

[ysr_racer]

Guns are like cars. A Corvette or a Ferrari will both get you where you want to go, one costs a lot more.

[BigDogatPlay]

Quality over / unders are, in some respects, hand made guns. That kind of workmanship is going to cost. The CZ over / unders seem to be pretty well made, and come in at a mid-range price point assuming they work for you.

Don't overlook an 1100 or 11-87 if you try one and it feels good to you. I've owned other 1100's and shot many 11-87's and they work nicely for me. With that history, I picked up a lightly used and very clean 1100 with a half dozen choke tubes here on the forum earlier this year for < $500. Had the stock worked just a bit and I am consistently shooting 22 or better per round of trap, and took home a turkey at my clubs November meat shoot with it.

The Feeder's advice is sage... if you can get to a clinic or a club where you try a number of guns to get an idea of what works best for you before you go shopping you'll have a much better time of it.

[Newshooter]

I agree with Ray...check out the beretta 3901. It is an excellent gun. You also can't go wrong with a 391. The only reason they are being discontinued is because of the new a400.

I do have to say there is a special feeling from shooting a break open gun!

[L4D]

I found a Remington spartan 310 in excellent condition for $350.

It's heavy but is for some reason extremely satisfying shooting doubles than it was with a semi-auto.

[Javi]

Thefeeder: I took that class maybe 6 months ago or sooner. I went from wanting a pump to a semi(doubles are hard enough). Bj's citori didnt fit me although Id like to give that another go. Mounting correctly was really uncomfortable but coach managed to form me to a reduced length stock 20-gauge. Forgot the brand now but it is also a pricey gun. I know fit is super important but with CZs, its looking like a "buy before you try". Length of pull is .25" shorter than what Ive been looking at which sounds good but I wouldnt be able to go shorter with its diff. Recoil pad. Im probably going to go rent at Prado to see what dimension stock would work. Like I mentioned before, I dont have the green for the berettas, benellis, franchis, brownings, etc. that I want. Out of the 4 guns Ive put money down on, 3 I had to use layaway because I work parttime at a retail store. Even if I saved $1000, thatd be a big hit for my wallet and itd take time to get it back haha. Im just ranting that there should be cheap and durable clayguns. I forgot I was looking at the Browning golds months ago. New, price was too high but Im wondering if I could fond a cheap one locally to fit.

[Javi]

Ray: Ive seen and liked that synthetic Beretta but with preferwnce in mind, Id like to go with wood if possible I like the eureka

[Javi]

Bigdog: I thought I heard the 11-87 notro wasnt too good but im not sure

[BigDogatPlay]

I shoot regularly with a fellow who uses nothing but an 11-87 Trap. He does quite well and the gun runs 100%. But each shooter is different.