Over Under That Won't Break the Bank

[SandHill]

I love shooting clays and have been using my trusty all purpose Mossberg 500 for the most part. On occasion I have rented a Browning over under. Wow! So much better for clays. So now I am lusting after an over under, but don't want to drop $2,000+ on a Browning.

So school me on over unders. What is wrong with the cheap ones?

Big 5 has a Maverick on sale this week for $349: http://www.big5sportinggoods.com/pro...r-shotgun.html

Buds has a Mossberg for $478: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...FLD+12+28+CT5/

Buds also has a Russian Baikal for $466 that I believe is made at Izhmash and has good reviews on the forums: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...+Nickel+Recei/

So what is wrong with these cheap over unders? I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has actually owned one of these, especially if you can compare it to a Browning and provide insight one the price / value proposition.

[MeatyMac]

I have typically found the entry level OU's are often bulky and don't shoulder as well as the Brownings/Berettas/AYAs/etc. Have you looked at the CZ or the Savage OU's?

[-hanko]

Find a shotgun that FITS you, and a dealer that can help you with fit...that's not something you'll get on an internet forum, it's an in-person process.

Trying to shoot birds or clay birds on a gun that doesn't fit equals misery and frustration.

That probably doesn't mean the Big 5, and it definitely doesn't mean Bud's.

Get your budget up to about $1K, and you're looking at a used Browning or Beretta.

Go from there.

hth

-hanko

[midlife]

How long is the barrel on the 500? If I was you, I'd get a 28 inch barrel for it with a choke set, and then get someone to fit the gun to you, even if you just use moleskin etc.

[actium31]

I've shot clays with a Mossberg o/u for years and love it. Never felt the need to drop 3k for anything else.

[joefrank64k]

OP, I don't see what area you're from, but if you're in SoCal check out Pacific Sporting Arms: http://www.pacificsportingarms.com/

They're an awesome place to do business with, and they're competitive on price for what they carry. As others have said, good fit is key.

[Thefeeder]

Save your money....buy a used quality gun in the 1K range. A quality used gun will out last the cheep o/u's many times over.

[bcsquare]

Save your money....buy a used quality gun in the 1K range. A quality used gun will out last the cheep o/u's many times over.

If you're not dead set on an o/u, a used semi auto would be a good choice as well.

O/U's are an old but strong design. However the cheaper ones lack the quality control and precise machining to make them last.

[edgerly779]

I have a win 101 26" modified/ imp. cyl chokes in good condition for $800 in sfv. Just went to Ventura gun show and they won't allow any modern guns to be brought into show. I used it for skeet and 16 yard trap and sporting clays and dove hunting as an alternative to my browning.

[SilentPea]

I have the Baikal deluxe version in 20ga, and while it's serviceable -- not high quality by any means. If I had to do it again, I would probably spend the money on a comparably priced auto.

Problems I've had with the Baikal are the ejectors are very finicky, one barrel works 90% of the time, the other around 15%. I didn't mind all that much, just set them both to extract only. It's pretty heavy and there are a few sharp edges around the action that can cut you if you don't pay attention.

[edgerly779]

Do not get a baikal. Winchester/ browning/ beretta/ at the very least.

[SandHill]

How long is the barrel on the 500? If I was you, I'd get a 28 inch barrel for it with a choke set, and then get someone to fit the gun to you, even if you just use moleskin etc.

Thanks, Midlife. I have the 28 inch barrel and the choke set. Haven't had it fitted but I feel the LOP is just right as it came. I am completely happy with this gun for the first shot and if I only wanted to shoot one at a time, I probably wouldn't worry about it.

Its getting the second shot off quick where I feel the over under is worthwhile. I originally took up trap to get practice working the pump for a home defense gun and it has worked pretty well for that, but now I'm kind of getting into the clays as an end in itself. I don't think I will ever be as good on the second shot with the pump as I can be with the over under.

[SandHill]

I've shot clays with a Mossberg o/u for years and love it. Never felt the need to drop 3k for anything else.

This is good to hear. I love my Mossberg 500, and I find it hard to believe their o/u could be as crappy as some people say. How is the balance as compared to, say, a Browning?

It looks like there are some complaints about the Baikal, and maybe the Maverick is overdoing the economizing a bit. I think I am leaning towards a Mossberg Silver Reserve. Anyone know where in Norcal stocks them? Would like to shoulder one at a minimum before buying. If anyone knows where I could rent one in Norcal, that would be even better.

[bigbearbear]

Try calling Coyote Valley Sporting Clay, they have a pro shop and might have it for sale or even rental (they rent shotguns).

[wweigle]

Thefeeder above stated the best strategy for getting the best value in a quality gun. "Save your money....buy a used quality gun in the 1K range. A quality used gun will out last the cheep o/u's many times over". I agree with him, that how I have bought most of my gun, cars, and other high end (high dollar) items. Second hand is the way to save significant money.