Sidearms & Scatterguns O/U for sporting clays

#3
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!
 
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#5
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.
 
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#6
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
 
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#7
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
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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.
 
#8
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.
 
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#9
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!
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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!
 
#10
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.
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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
 
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#11
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!
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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 😂
 
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#12
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.
 
#13
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.
 
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#14
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.
 
#15
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.
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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.
 
#16
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.
 
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#17
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.
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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
 
#18
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.
 
#19
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.
 
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#20
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.
 
#21
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
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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.
 
#23
Not sure what DeathBefore means by Brownings are "clunkers", but I'm going to respectfully disagree that your only choice under $2,000 is Beretta. Not a sporting clays shooter, but I've been shooting trap for 6-7 years now. Own a Browning Citori (and a Ljutic and a Krieghoff). Citori has run flawlessly. Some people definitely prefer the Berettas over the Brownings, and they feel/fit differently, but Browning also makes a quality shotgun that is reliable. I know a ton of trap shooters that shoot Citoris, 725's and BT99 that have been very happy with their guns. I also know someone who shoots a Beretta DT10 that's had a bunch of problems with his gun.

So, if you can, I would try shooting both a Browning and a Beretta and see what works for you. But I wouldn't discount Browning right out of the gate.
 
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#24
Brownings are kinda “chonky.” I heard one shotgunner refer to a Citori as “trying to swing a 2x4.” And, to that point, the Beretta guns have sleeker lines and a more svelte look than the Brownings.

I tried to get my son a Beretta Sporting/Comp model, but he preferred the feel of the Browning. The Beretta with the adjustable comb was $400 (?) more than the comparable Browning. At the time, that was ~ 8 flats of shells.

The Browning didn’t hold him back any.

I will say, however, that if looking at “the B guns,” it was always a shooter with a Blazer that was having failure to fire problems with their gun.
 
#26
If you think a Browning feels like a 2x4 you'd think my Ljutic swings like a 4x6. :) Yes, trap is different than sporting clays, which is why I thought it important to include my background. I guess my point is that Browning does make a reliable, well built shotgun and how a gun "feels" is ultimately subjective.

And yeah, everyone thinks trap is easy and boring. My local club offers both trap and skeet and there is definitely a friendly rivalry between the two. The one occasion I tried shooting skeet I found the presentations pretty challenging and wasn't exactly smoking targets. When I was done I made some comment about how disorienting it felt to have a bird coming directly at me and one of the skeet guys sneered that "if skeet were easy they'd call it trap". :)

However, I will point out that the one skeet shooter who occasionally joins us on the trap field seems to struggle with our "easy" trap targets.
 
#27
Been a while but I used to shoot "continental trap" (wobble) and some sporting clays. I tried Beretta and Browning. I ended up using a first year 682X for 20 years and over 100K trap rounds and then picked up a used Citori GTI and put probably 20K through that. My knees finally killed that. The browning does feel clunky compared to an Italian gun! It just swings different and feels more boxy. That said they will do quite well. My Beretta swings faster and just feels more natural as I shoulder it. Either one can be rebuilt and shoots 100s of thousands of rounds.
 
#28
Wow, if you guys think a Browning swings like a chunk of lumber you should shoot skeet with a full weight K-80. More like a telephone pole than a 2x4”. But once you got it moving it stays moving. lol.

Brownings just sit a good deal higher in the hand and I think that’s the major contributor to some people’s perception of them being clunky. But, I’ve seen great scores shot with Browning’s.

I’ve owned a K-80 and a Kolar and they too have very different swing dynamics with the Kolar feeling more pointable (ala’ Beretta) and the K-80 swinging like the lumber already mentioned (aka’ Browning…but worse! Haha).

But the K-80 was great for skeet cause that gun kept moving very nicely through the shot.

Krieghoff came out with Parcours lighter weight barrels and they seem to be very popular with the SC crowd.

I have a K-20 w 30” Parcours barrels and to me it’s a near perfect upland gun (well, perhaps too long for grouse in northeastern forests). Great for quail, etc.

OP, good suggestion made above to try both Beretta and Browning. If you belong to a clay target club, most people will be more than happy to show off their shotgun and let you try it. If not, join a better club. lol.
 
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#29
I’m just stepping into this world with a Mossberg Gold Reserve black label bought $600 newsed (previous owner put about 100 shells through it when it was new)

some interesting info here. Where would you guys rate the Mossberg stuff on the scale? trigger is obviously not anything to write home about, but I’ve had decent success on the wobble trap with it averaging 18-20
 
#30
WindstormSCR said:
I’m just stepping into this world with a Mossberg Gold Reserve black label bought $600 newsed (previous owner put about 100 shells through it when it was new)

some interesting info here. Where would you guys rate the Mossberg stuff on the scale? trigger is obviously not anything to write home about, but I’ve had decent success on the wobble trap with it averaging 18-20
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On a scale of 1-10...about a negative 4.
 
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#31
#32
WindstormSCR said:
I think that might be a bit harsh? I’ve tried a couple of brownings and aside from a slightly stiffer trigger on the mossberg didn’t notice too much of a difference on the trap range.

so we’re sure we’re talking about the same thing, one of these: https://www.mossberg.com/gold-reserve-black-75473.html
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Turkish shotgun, rebranded for Mossberg. Probably quite fine for the weekend bird hunt. But, shooting a competitive SC schedule will probably shoot it apart. My son burned a flat of shells, 2x per week, just at practice. Enter a couple of matches at a weekend tournament and you can easily shoot another flat. Go to a big shoot, and closer to 2 flats. Go to nationals and you can shoot all the shells.

On a personal note, my son shot my Ruger All Weather until the barrel rib let go. It didn't take as much as you might think.
 
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#33
I'm not a big fan of Mossberg's. They are simply not going to last with large volumes of shooting or they would cost a lot more. That being said, if that fits your budget, and fits you relatively well, have fun and put some shells through it. If you get really serious about the sport you will eventually buy something else. But by that time you will know what you like in a gun. Maybe you prefer a lively nimble Italian gun, a heavier smooth swinging German gun, or something in the middle.

Some people can't put aside their personal preferences, but luckily that doesn't change the fact that there are a ton of excellent guns on the market. Just like the precision rifle market, this is the good old days of what is available to the consumer compared to 20 years ago. That doesn't mean old guns suck, they don't. But the amount of options that are available in new guns is awesome. Adjustable combs, adjustable ribs, trunions made to replaced to simplify a rebuild, etc.
 
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#34
hlee said:
Turkish shotgun, rebranded for Mossberg. Probably quite fine for the weekend bird hunt. But, shooting a competitive SC schedule will probably shoot it apart. My son burned a flat of shells, 2x per week, just at practice. Enter a couple of matches at a weekend tournament and you can easily shoot another flat. Go to a big shoot, and closer to 2 flats. Go to nationals and you can shoot all the shells.

On a personal note, my son shot my Ruger All Weather until the barrel rib let go. It didn't take as much as you might think.
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Yeah, A flat is a couple weeks for me, more a social event. Didn’t realize it was rebranded Turkish, that’s somewhat disappointing considering the American made reputation of the 590

I think you’re right about it being a good beater to discover what I want out of something better
 
#35
WindstormSCR said:
Yeah, A flat is a couple weeks for me, more a social event. Didn’t realize it was rebranded Turkish, that’s somewhat disappointing considering the American made reputation of the 590

I think you’re right about it being a good beater to discover what I want out of something better
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Many years (actually decades) ago a girl said to me "you just have to fuck with the dick you were born with"! hahaha

Sort of...kind of...maybe not really like saying shoot clays with the shotgun you can afford/have.

Yes, the Mossberg Turkish guns will not hold up to competitive...or even very enthusiastic...clay target shooting. But its a start and you don't even yet know that you will like the sport. So, shoot it and if you get the clay target bug, you will be upgrading.
If you just do occasional upland bird hunting, a Turkish gun will serve you well but again...if you get enthusiastic about it you will upgrade.

Run your Mossberg, see if you really love SC/skeet/trap/whatever and then, if so, you can decide if you want to invest the substantial amount for a better quality OU.

Top quality OU (and even autos these days) are very expensive and most people who are just starting in a clay target game would balk at the cost of a Perazzi, Krieghoff, even good Berettas...all of which are very pricey.

I'm in Maryland also. I do shoot out of the Damascus IWL. Are you anywhere near there at all? If so, I would be glad to meet you and let you shoot my K-80 or one of the loaner guns we have at the club.

Cheers
 
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#36
The issue is, they are worthless when it's time to buy a real gun. So if you already have it run what you brung but no one informed should be wasting money on those paperweights. Parts when it breaks are non existent they have zero resale so they end up in the back of the safe collecting dust and wasting space. The best thing you can do is SBR it and cut it down into a 5" pirate gun. That would at least be cool.
 
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#37
Baron23 said:
Many years (actually decades) ago a girl said to me "you just have to fuck with the dick you were born with"! hahaha

Sort of...kind of...maybe not really like saying shoot clays with the shotgun you can afford/have.

Yes, the Mossberg Turkish guns will not hold up to competitive...or even very enthusiastic...clay target shooting. But its a start and you don't even yet know that you will like the sport. So, shoot it and if you get the clay target bug, you will be upgrading.
If you just do occasional upland bird hunting, a Turkish gun will serve you well but again...if you get enthusiastic about it you will upgrade.

Run your Mossberg, see if you really love SC/skeet/trap/whatever and then, if so, you can decide if you want to invest the substantial amount for a better quality OU.

Top quality OU (and even autos these days) are very expensive and most people who are just starting in a clay target game would balk at the cost of a Perazzi, Krieghoff, even good Berettas...all of which are very pricey.

I'm in Maryland also. I do shoot out of the Damascus IWL. Are you anywhere near there at all? If so, I would be glad to meet you and let you shoot my K-80 or one of the loaner guns we have at the club.

Cheers
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It's not a poor man's sport. Like PRS if you don't have a decent amount of disposable income it's not worth trying to play until you do. Shit the cost of shells today are like $100 a flat for garbage promos and clays are like .35+ per. When I competed 20 years ago a new sp1 sporting was $2200. Promo shells were $40 a flat and clays were like .20. Today that same gun is $2400 new.

The cost of the gun is cheap part.
 
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#38
I have a Lanber sporting with 30" barrels, and a Weatherby Orion sporting with 30" barrels.

Both are fully capable. I don't think I've put a shell in the Lanber since I got the weatherby though.

I did a few comb adjustments to the Orion and it brought my scores from the low 70s to the high 80s.
It's a Turkish gun. My example has great fit and finish. Took a few cases to break in and start to feel smooth, has about 25 cases through it now and the lock is still right of center.


I have access to Browning's, Berettas, and Rizzenis. I don't shoot them any better, and I only shoot maybe 10-15 cases a year. So I can't justify the cost to myself. (My Dad may have a gun problem).
 
#42
Look for an early Zoli Z Gun made for Dakota Arms. Technically a Sporting Clays gun. Mine weighs 8# 10 ounces. Larona was also an early importer. I believe the top and mid ventilated ribs are silver soldered. Current Zoli Competiton Z Guns start at about $10K.

The big question is what are you going to pay today if you can turn one up? I think $3K would be a very good buy. $3.5K is probably more likely. $4K or more and I'd be looking for an alternative. My gun is a Grade I. I mention the weight because to me it is a tank.
 
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#43
Baron23 said:
Many years (actually decades) ago a girl said to me "you just have to fuck with the dick you were born with"! hahaha

Sort of...kind of...maybe not really like saying shoot clays with the shotgun you can afford/have.

Yes, the Mossberg Turkish guns will not hold up to competitive...or even very enthusiastic...clay target shooting. But its a start and you don't even yet know that you will like the sport. So, shoot it and if you get the clay target bug, you will be upgrading.
If you just do occasional upland bird hunting, a Turkish gun will serve you well but again...if you get enthusiastic about it you will upgrade.

Run your Mossberg, see if you really love SC/skeet/trap/whatever and then, if so, you can decide if you want to invest the substantial amount for a better quality OU.

Top quality OU (and even autos these days) are very expensive and most people who are just starting in a clay target game would balk at the cost of a Perazzi, Krieghoff, even good Berettas...all of which are very pricey.

I'm in Maryland also. I do shoot out of the Damascus IWL. Are you anywhere near there at all? If so, I would be glad to meet you and let you shoot my K-80 or one of the loaner guns we have at the club.

Cheers
Click to expand...
I’m in central, I mostly shoot at AGC or Loch Raven. Make the occasional trip down to Delmarva or out to WV (or private land in PA) for longer range rifle stuff
 
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#44
Quarter Horse said:
Look for an early Zoli Z Gun made for Dakota Arms. Technically a Sporting Clays gun. Mine weighs 8# 10 ounces. Larona was also an early importer. I believe the top and mid ventilated ribs are silver soldered. Current Zoli Competiton Z Guns start at about $10K.

The big question is what are you going to pay today if you can turn one up? I think $3K would be a very good buy. $3.5K is probably more likely. $4K or more and I'd be looking for an alternative. My gun is a Grade I. I mention the weight because to me it is a tank.
Click to expand...
You can also find a zoli Kronos which is the same gun but without some coatings on the trigger group and a little less or finishing.

Then there is the Verona LX980. It's a zoli Kronos with ported barrels imported by Verona. Absolutely best deal out there in shotguns if you ever find one. $2k_$3k for a legit $5k gun.

Zoli prices have gotten nuts but imo they are every bit as good as perrazi and in some areas like the barrel regulation...have no peers.
 
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