Sidearms & Scatterguns O/U for sporting clays

300zx_tt · Saturday at 10:41 PM

Anybody have any recommendations for a good O/U for under $2,000?

Main use is sporting clays

Help a brother out here, just getting into the O/U world

phxfa · Saturday at 11:00 PM

Beretta Silver Pigeon ,,,,used in the $1800.00 area
Browning 725, same money Great starter guns

dzeke · Saturday at 11:00 PM

For that price point I think one of the Browning CX models are a very good value. I also highly recommend you get some type of target model with an adjustable comb. It's tempting to buy a field model but the features that come with a sporting model is worth the added cost. I've been very lucky and I've shot everything from the cheapest Turkish guns to some of the most ridiculously expensive European guns made. I currently shoot a K-gun, I shot a citori for 15 years before that. They are very well made and shoot very good. Someone is going to recommend a Beretta 686 for that price point. Beretta makes an excellent shotgun, their high end stuff, DT11, etc, are amazing. I personally have never liked their lower lines. They always have had more felt recoil than Brownings in my opinion. Shotguns are all about what fits you. Your experience may be completely opposite of mine. If you can, go to a range and try different guns before you buy, that is always the best. Most people are happy to brag about their expensive shotguns and will let you shoot them!

Good luck! Sporting Clays is damn fun and very addicting!

jpjulian · Saturday at 11:14 PM

Beretta 686 Onyx Sporting. 687 Silver Pigeon Sporting. Citori 725. I've not shot any of the Turkish competition models but understand they can be very good values and shoot pretty good for the money.

K80/6.5 · Sunday at 4:30 AM

Used Browning or Beretta make sure it has an adjustable comb. Make sure to feel both if possible. They feel completely different to me. I was always more of Browning fan before my Krieghoff. If you prefer Beretta you might progress into Perazzi or Blaser. Buying used is pretty safe most of the time both companies you can put thousands of rounds on them before needing for it to be rebuilt. Don’t go any shorter than 30in barrels or you will probably end up regretting it in the long run. Also buying used if you decide to upgrade you will not really take a lose on your beginner setup if you sell. I would also try to go a big sporting shoot a lot of vendors will let you take the guns out and shoot a couple rounds if looking to buy a shotgun from them. Paxton arms, Briley, Cole guns, are just a couple good people to buy guns through whether new or used.

Budrichard · Sunday at 4:41 AM

The only problem with a sub $2K o/u is weight, they simply are not heavy enough for comfortable shooting, especially if you are shooting a lot.
You want an o/u in the 9# range and even then, I prefer 1oz loads for less recoil.
My Clays gun is almost 9#’s and my single barrel trap gun is 8# 9oz.
You also want at least a 32” set of barrels and 34” if you can get them.
A dedicated clays gun gets a lot of use which is why dedicated shooters spend the money for a gun that will last before service.
-Richard

K80/6.5 · Sunday at 5:00 AM

Budrichard said:
The only problem with a sub $2K o/u is weight, they simply are not heavy enough for comfortable shooting, especially if you are shooting a lot.
You want an o/u in the 9# range and even then, I prefer 1oz loads for less recoil.
My Clays gun is almost 9#’s and my single barrel trap gun is 8# 9oz.
You also want at least a 32” set of barrels and 34” if you can get them.
A dedicated clays gun gets a lot of use which is why dedicated shooters spend the money for a gun that will last before service.
-Richard

I agree with you on everything but the 34inch barrel could be difficult for beginner to swing unless it’s a trap barrel. I personally prefer 32in but that can be long for beginners that’s why I recommended no shorter than 30’s.

ggmanning · Sunday at 8:50 AM

SKB 585 is a solid gun in your price range. Good weight, solid action. Next choice would be used Beretta or Browning for your price point. SKB has inertia triggers, higher end guns have mechanical. I've never had an issue with either. I have never been in the 32 to 34" camp. No longer than 28-30" on my clays guns. I shot a lot of competive skeet and sporting clays in my younger years and I never cared for Krieghoff, Dupont, Perazzi etc. Not that they are not excellent guns, but I shot skeet and sporting clays to be a better wing shooter. Those purpose built bricks don't translate well to the field or sporting clays set ups in my opinion. You see vastly different guns from skeet to trap to ZZ birds to sporting clays. Dedicated clays guys are more cliquish and tunnel visioned than any group of shooters I have ever been around so like every opinion on the net....read them for entertainment.

300zx_tt · Sunday at 2:10 PM

dzeke said:
For that price point I think one of the Browning CX models are a very good value. I also highly recommend you get some type of target model with an adjustable comb. It's tempting to buy a field model but the features that come with a sporting model is worth the added cost. I've been very lucky and I've shot everything from the cheapest Turkish guns to some of the most ridiculously expensive European guns made. I currently shoot a K-gun, I shot a citori for 15 years before that. They are very well made and shoot very good. Someone is going to recommend a Beretta 686 for that price point. Beretta makes an excellent shotgun, their high end stuff, DT11, etc, are amazing. I personally have never liked their lower lines. They always have had more felt recoil than Brownings in my opinion. Shotguns are all about what fits you. Your experience may be completely opposite of mine. If you can, go to a range and try different guns before you buy, that is always the best. Most people are happy to brag about their expensive shotguns and will let you shoot them!

Good luck! Sporting Clays is damn fun and very addicting!

Yes, I’ve been looking at the CX models online. They seem relatively well liked as an entry level gun. Seems to be a bit of a debate between going new entry level or one step up, but used.

Have an uncle with a CG Summit, he said go Citori or 686 used for under $2k he also said get a sporting model and not a field gun as well.

I was eye balling a K-32 on gun broker but it got up to $3k and I stopped bidding.

Appreciate the reply!

300zx_tt · Sunday at 2:16 PM

K80/6.5 said:
Used Browning or Beretta make sure it has an adjustable comb. Make sure to feel both if possible. They feel completely different to me. I was always more of Browning fan before my Krieghoff. If you prefer Beretta you might progress into Perazzi or Blaser. Buying used is pretty safe most of the time both companies you can put thousands of rounds on them before needing for it to be rebuilt. Don’t go any shorter than 30in barrels or you will probably end up regretting it in the long run. Also buying used if you decide to upgrade you will not really take a lose on your beginner setup if you sell. I would also try to go a big sporting shoot a lot of vendors will let you take the guns out and shoot a couple rounds if looking to buy a shotgun from them. Paxton arms, Briley, Cole guns, are just a couple good people to buy guns through whether new or used.

32” barrel seems to be an all around good set up for most of what I’ll be doing. So that’s what I’m looking for. Would definitely consider a 30” set up as well but nothing shorter.

I thought about just heading up to my local cabelas to get hands on a bunch of different guns. They seem to be the only place around that has a big selection of stuff.

Wanted to specifically look for used stuff since I have a tendency to progress in hobbies quickly. Figured I would take a small monetary hit if any with used stuff.

Will check out Paxton arms, Briley and Cole guns. Appreciate the recommendations

dzeke · Sunday at 3:12 PM

300zx_tt said:
Yes, I’ve been looking at the CX models online. They seem relatively well liked as an entry level gun. Seems to be a bit of a debate between going new entry level or one step up, but used.

Have an uncle with a CG Summit, he said go Citori or 686 used for under $2k he also said get a sporting model and not a field gun as well.

I was eye balling a K-32 on gun broker but it got up to $3k and I stopped bidding.

Appreciate the reply!

Yep, nothing wrong with a good used O/U. In fact I bought my K-80 used from DuPONT/Kriegoff. Saved me quite a bit of money and it'll far outlast me. When looking at used guns pay attention to the stiffness of the action and the top lever. If the action still has some stiffness and the top lever is right of center, you can be sure there is still a ton of life left before a rebuild. Which you will likely not have to do unless you plan on putting 10,000 rounds a year through it. Nice thing about shotguns is you don't have to worry about barrels being shot out

houndog · Sunday at 4:22 PM

You are getting top notch advice. If new, look at the Browning Citori line. I think the Browning 725's will be out of your price range unless you can find something used. And yes, definitely get one with an adjustable comb.

And definitely consider buying used. A good quality Browning or Beretta is built to be shot for hundreds of thousands of rounds, so you really aren't going to wear one out. There is also Perazzi, Kolar, Krieghoff, Caesar Guerini, etc. but even used those are probably going to be out of your price range.

And if looking for used there are a bunch of reputable dealers I would look at. Indiana Gun Club. Jacques. Cole.

Finally, my background is trapshooting, not sporting clays. But you want to be sure you get a gun designed for sporting clays. My understanding is that at least one difference is that a trap gun will be designed to shoot somewhat high - i.e. 60-80% of your pellets will be above your point of aim. That's because in trap the bird is always rising. I suspect sporting clays guns will be flatter shooting.

Baron23 · Sunday at 6:02 PM

I strongly advised buying used for two main reasons:

1. You’re not going to get a great OU for your budget. Yes, they are expensive.

2. You can get a great OU used for your budget and a great OU…even used…will last you a lifetime.

Personally, I far prefer Berettas vice Brownings but that’s a matter of personal choice. I just think they point better and Brownings always seemed to knock the crap out of me in comparison. YMMV.

Yes, the top lever needs to be to the right of center but I really don’t know anybody who has worn out a Beretta to that extent including some that were campaigned in registered skeet for decades. But, wear does happen and it not a big deal to have that fixed.

Likewise on monoblock shoulders. I have a Beretta 682 Gold (the OG one w the Ti nitrate receiver finish) and it has shoulders that can be replaced (they are held in w a screw). Sounds great, right? I’ve never met anyone who actually replaced them.

Advise to get an adjustable comb is a very good one. If the gun you want to buy doesn’t have one, any stock smith can cut a comb and install the hdwr. Used to be at bigger shoots there would be gunsmiths and stock smiths and people would take their shotguns to them to have an adj. comb job done overnight. It’s extremely common. Country Gentleman is one outfit that traveled w a trailer and did this type of work. Goggle them, they have a site.

I also have a 1985 vintage K-80 that I bought used from an older gentleman who was selling off his shotguns. I campaigned this gun in skeet for 20 years without ever a single failure. And I’m talking putting 15k+ rounds/years thru it. A top shelf shotgun is worth scrimping and saving for. Keep looking and you will find something that fits your need and pocketbook.

gearguywb · 2024-11-18T16:46:06-0500

Cheap and good do not go together when talking about O/U's.

Used Beretta68* would be your best choice. The Turkish guns are fine....unless you start shooting quite a bit, then no.

Spend the money (buy once, cry once), get a great gun, the figure out which of your grandkids you want to inherit it.

300zx_tt · 2024-11-18T17:47:04-0500

gearguywb said:
Cheap and good do not go together when talking about O/U's.

Used Beretta68* would be your best choice. The Turkish guns are fine....unless you start shooting quite a bit, then no.

Spend the money (buy once, cry once), get a great gun, the figure out which of your grandkids you want to inherit it.

I’m not into sporting clays enough to make a buy once cry once purchase, yet.
I’m in my early 30’s, own a construction company and have an 18 month old and trying for a second…

I’m past the point of wanting a Turkish gun but not quite at the spot where a dt-11 or a k gun makes sense.

dzeke · 2024-11-18T19:04:13-0500

Please don't think you need to buy a crazy expensive gun. For 2k you can get an awesome Browning or Beretta and enjoy the heck out of it! The Rizzini BR110 Sporter is another great option, probably a hair more than 2k new, probably around that price used. I have one in 410 that is a ton of fun. Almost all of the big name companies have a gun close to that entry level price point. New might be a little more than you want to spend but there are plenty of great used guns if you look.

Also, dive into Target Focused Life on YouTube, Steve has reviewed a ridiculous amount of shotguns. A lot of semi-autos but he has done quite a few O/Us as well. He takes a very systematic approach to his reviews and are very honest in my opinion.

300zx_tt · 2024-11-18T19:37:01-0500

dzeke said:
Please don't think you need to buy a crazy expensive gun. For 2k you can get an awesome Browning or Beretta and enjoy the heck out of it! The Rizzini BR110 Sporter is another great option, probably a hair more than 2k new, probably around that price used. I have one in 410 that is a ton of fun. Almost all of the big name companies have a gun close to that entry level price point. New might be a little more than you want to spend but there are plenty of great used guns if you look.

Also, dive into Target Focused Life on YouTube, Steve has reviewed a ridiculous amount of shotguns. A lot of semi-autos but he has done quite a few O/Us as well. He takes a very systematic approach to his reviews and are very honest in my opinion.

I know $2k can get me in the door and it’ll let me get more involved in the sport. If I decide it’s worth investing into a better set up I can always use the shotgun I buy now as a loaner or back up.

I was pretty competitive with my 1100 12g 28” barrel and fixed choke (modified) went 72/100 with it. Lower score than I expected but it was a blast and I’m going again the weekend after thanksgiving. They have 686 rentals there so I might just do that and see how it feels. The br110 caught my eye as a potential purchase but I wasn’t too familiar with Rizzini.

I’ll check out target focused life, I’m always looking for new channels to watch and I have a feeling I’ll be buying a couple more shotguns in the upcoming years

dzeke · 2024-11-18T20:32:31-0500

Awesome! It's a great sport and one I have enjoyed for over twenty years. If a Rizzini ends up being what catches your eye and fits you, buy with confidence. They make a solid gun and make a lot of actions for other Italian gun makers. TGS outdoors is another fantastic shotgun YouTube channel. He just did a factory tour of Rizzini a month or two ago. Great video.

DeathBeforeDismount · 2024-11-18T20:41:06-0500

Something Beretta. It's the ONLY option in that price range. I am a shotgun dude and I spent my early years competing in sporting clays and working as a trapper. Have trained and shot with the best shooters in the world. Have owned everything from cheap Turkish shit to zolis and perrazi.

Browning are clunkers. Granted the quality of Beretta is not what it used to be but they are a better design and have better resale value.

I would look for an older sp1 sporting or a 682. Maybe something like a 686 onyx sporting if you can find one. These guns are designed to last hundreds of thousands of rounds....then you send it in to coles or joel for a rebuild and it's good for another half million.

Be carefully buying a rizzini or any other Italian brand. There are different companies with the same names that put out all different levels of shotguns. They can also be hard to sell when you want to upgrade. There are like 5 rizzinis out there, 2 zolis then you get into franchi and Benelli and the stuff owned by Beretta corp. And a few dozen other brands you never heard of where parts are impossible to get. Beretta 68x parts will always be available and easy to source.

Imo the price range for a well built Italian shotguns with inflation and cost of European labor is probably closer to $6k+ and getting closer to 10k for a gun built to last. That's why you buy used. Cheaper prices on higher quality. If you can double your price you can get into some real quality used shit like zolis, higher end Berettas and cesear guerini.

hlee · 2024-11-18T20:43:43-0500

My son competed through highschool with a Browning CX. It started not resetting the triggers unless snapped shut pretty aggressively around the 18k mark. It spent a couple of weeks with Briley and was back in action. It’s lasted through being drug behind a highschool student for 4 years, leaping to its demise from a golf cart, being literally rode hard and put up wet after rainy shoots, and generally being treated as a tool over the duration of its life.

As to the adjustable cheek, if the difference is a lesser gun with the adj cheek and a better gun without it, I’d opt for the better gun. You can use foam and vet wrap to kludge a cheek riser until you scrape up some additional scratch.

I’m sure it’s already been said, but shotgunning is all about fit. A less expensive gun that fits better will shoot better than a “nicer” gun that doesn’t fit you well.

DeathBeforeDismount · 2024-11-18T20:49:41-0500

300zx_tt said:
Anybody have any recommendations for a good O/U for under $2,000?

Main use is sporting clays

Help a brother out here, just getting into the O/U world

Where are you shooting? M&M, Hopkins, pintail? I have a bunch of shotguns if you want to try some out. Mostly Berettas now that I downsized but both ous and semis.

gearguywb · 2024-11-18T21:09:09-0500

If you are in KC I will tease you with a pretty K gun

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