Thinking about an O/U upland bird gun...

[Bean Counter]

Humor your silly bean counter. I haven't done much bird hunting, but what I've done with my 12ga Mossberg 835 Ultra Mag I've really, really enjoyed.  I don't think pump action and 3.5 inch shells are really what spell an ideal bird hunting gun, however.

I work with someone who is an FFL/Dealer who will sell me a gun at his cost. I'm not sure what markups on guns are these days but that might push me into a half a step higher in the affordability bracket.

So now I'm left to wonder what the difference is between a $600 over/under by Mossberg or Remington and a $1,200-1,500 from Benelli or Browning is.  I'd like to spend $500-600 (keep in mind the discount above) and get a 20 gauge O/U with wooden stock that is nice and light for carrying distances in the field.  Is this doable? Is a lighter weight the main thing that more spendy gives you?   

[high country]

no offense, but mossbergs handle like a 2x4 compared to a real OU or SxS. there is a load of difference. for 500bux you are pretty much reduced to a used and beat citori or a 686 essential.....both fine guns.

[Gutpile]

They arent the best but I love mine. Might I suggest a CZ? I have a CZ SXS and really do like it. I just don't shoot shotty's enough to justify a $1500.00 gun so I bought a CZ. Anyways, just a thought.

[FALFire]

The CZ line is good and they do stand behind their product. I had a CZ 20ga O/U, it was a great field gun, sold it as I'm more of a 12ga guy and a friend seemed to really fall in love with it one day shooting clays.....Soooo It's gone but I would not hesitate to pickup another in 12.

[Skyvalhunter]

Stay with the gun you have, that is unless you can justify buying another gun and actually use it to make it worth the investment

[10Key]

The difference between a $500 O/U and a $1200+ O/U is the precision and finish. Both guns will go bang and both guns will drop birds, assuming you can hit them. Like someone already said, the fit is of the utmost importance.

If you plan on having the gun for many moons, don't be afraid to spend a bit, as O/Us hold their value quite well and the enjoyment you will get out of pulling a well built O/U out of the case each time you hit the field makes it worth it.

Kesselrings is a great place to start, they have a great selection of O/Us. Another place to check out is Cabela's. Other than that, most of the other dealers in the area just don't carry a vast selection of O/Us.

[floatinghat]

Well I know you can buy the Remington 310 for about $359 if you shop right.   But who said you have to shoot 3.5" shells through your current gun?  just buy the right load for your quarry.  90% of the people buy a load that is too hot IMO, I just ordered some 2 1/2 #6  1 low pressure shells for Pheasant.

[jackelope]

The difference between a $500 O/U and a $1200+ O/U is the precision and finish. Both guns will go bang and both guns will drop birds, assuming you can hit them. Like someone already said, the fit is of the utmost importance.

The other difference is that a $1200+ gun will shoot a lot more rounds before it falls apart or loosens up.  The fit of a shotgun is important because you are pointing, not aiming, and if it doesn't fit right, you're not gonna point it right.
Look at a used Citori or older Browning Broadway or something like that. Should be able to find a nice one in the $1200 range. Gunsamerica.com or gunbroker.com are good, or cruise your local trap and skeet ranges. Usually they will have a gun rack in the clubhouse with some shotguns for sale by owner.

[rainshadow1]

You'll LOVE handling it for Upland. As was mentioned, be mindful of the fit. But Boy do they handle great in the field.

I don't know the CZ shotguns, but I know them to be a pretty solid gunmaker.

I know the Mossberg, I have a friend who has one, and was so proud to show it off to me. We shot a couple boxes through it and it was literally falling apart in our hands. Stiff break, really shoddy workmanship. I told him, "Let me show you a REAL O/U...."

I have a Beretta S686 Special that I bought used in 1982. (Mentioned in the "My First Gun" thread. It's the one they decided was a classic, so they revived the 686 series recently.) It's fired 10's of 1000's of rounds and it's never failed! As close to flawless as any gun I've ever owned.

Don't buy a cheap OU. It makes a difference, and if you need the money back, you'll have it whenever you want it as long as you take care of it. 

[WDFW-SUX]

shotguns are like crack.....

id buy used for a field gun...

[Bean Counter]

You need to go someplace where you can shoot a variety of O/U's and find one that you like, and that fits you well.  There are some very expensive O/U shotguns that I've shot, and quite frankly wouldn't purchase if they offered them to me at half price.  Do not buy an O/U relying on others advice or reviews, get out there and try a couple.  With O/U's it really comes down to personal preference and fit IMO.

Thanks guys. I think this post receives the "best answer" award--though I appreciate everyone's thoughts. I don't want to go dropping anymore cash on a gun I haven't held much less shot.

[sticky]

I've had an SKB O/U for over twenty years now and I love it.  Shot Berettas and Brownings of my friends' and wouldn't swap guns with either one.  They were nice but I have never even had a hiccup with what SKB calls a field grade gun.

[KimberRich]

My vote is for a used 101 Winchester.  You can find a decent used gun for 600-800 and they are nice shotguns.  I shot a brand new CZ (about $700 I think??), that a guy wanted to trade me with some $$ for one of my model 88's, and it felt/shot cheap compared to the 101. 

But if I were buying a higher end O/U I would probably buy a Browning.

[tlbradford]

I have a Beretta S686 Special that I bought used in 1982. (Mentioned in the "My First Gun" thread. It's the one they decided was a classic, so they revived the 686 series recently.) It's fired 10's of 1000's of rounds and it's never failed! As close to flawless as any gun I've ever owned.

x2.  I found a used Beretta Golden Snipe in 20 gauge.  This is basically a 686.  It is about 95% and is light as a feather.  Points nice, functions beautifully, and is really pretty.  I bought it for just under $600 out the door.  It was made in 1967 according to the serial number.  Don't be scared of buying a o/u or SxS built from 1960 and up  that is in good shape.  Besides the auto ejectors and firing pin there is really nothing to malfunction.

Also, consider what type of dog you are hunting over.  I carried my SKB o/u for years when hunting behind my golden retriever (a flusher).  Now that he is to old, I am hunting behind weims (pointers) and don't really need any more reach than a 20 gauge provides.

If you know what to look for in firearms than browse classifieds and pawn shops for good deals.  Best time to buy is late winter and early spring when folks are done with hunting season and need to pay Christmas bills.   

[high country]

regulation seems to be better on better guns also.