over-under shotgun ideas?

[halfpipe88]

I'm thinking of getting an over-under shotgun for upland game.  I hunt about 8-10 weekends a year.  I'm not into firing off thousands of rounds at the range, just weekend hunting.  I don't want to spend more that $800, just because I've already got a good shotgun so my better half has given me a limit.  Any ideas?  Anyone experience any good/bad situations with guns around that price range?  Please help.

[CP]

I was on a mission to get a CZ Mallard awhile back but I couldn’t find one and got sidetracked with a Stoeger Condor ($350).  The Condor is alright, pretty basic gun, does everything that a gun should but I’ve never really warmed up to it. 

[singleshot12]

Charles Daly makes a good over-under for the price

[halfpipe88]

The stoeger seems very bulky to me, maybe it's just built like a tank but it just didn't feel right.

[jackelope]

Used Browning Citori or Broadway, although not sure you can find one for 800 bux.
May need a few more dollars.

[CP]

+1 on the Citori, but no, not for $800.

[bobcat]

Look for a used Beretta 686. They have several variations but the model that you will probably find in your price range is called the "Silver Essential."

Here is one that I found:    

http://buy.auctionarms.com/10125569/beretta-pietro-s686-onyx-silver-essential-12-ga-pristine


I have one and it's a good, solid gun, just not as pretty as most of the other 686's.

[halfpipe88]

I know many like the citori, but that's not a option for me.  I love the look of the new silverados...but that's all I can do is look.

A buddy of mine pushed me toward a Stevens 512 goldwing.  Looks very nice with good reviews...heard anything?

[Wacenturion]

Might look for an older Charles Daly made by Miroku in Japan in the 60's and 70's.  Pretty reasonable today for what they are.  Should be able to find a nice one for $600-$800  Every bit the gun the Browning were during the same period.

In fact Browning uses Miroku today...quality workmanship.

[Andrew]

I bought a Stoeger Condor in 16 ga. for 289 through Able, however, if I had the coin I'd throw down for a browning used or new.  They are more than 800...but nothing that a little secrete hording can't solve!

I had problems with the Stoeger on day one...flushed a pheasant...first round fired (missed)...second nothing.  Sent the gun to Benelli to fix and got it back at the end of the season just in time for the duck closer.  First shot got a double with one shell.  Ever since it has fired without a hitch.  I bought it cause my limit was much lower than 800, and I wanted to use it for chukar, and figured I'd beat the crap out of it since all I do is hunt...not a shooter, and didn't need anything fancy.  I do wish that it had screw in chokes.  I can live without the selective barrel and actually find that not having extractors is nice since I reload my hulls.

[270Shooter]

Get a used beretta or browning

[halfpipe88]

The mossberg silver reserve is a good looking gun, but I haven't heard much good.. ??

[10Key]

Hit up Kesselrings, Cabelas and any other shops that you know carry a good supply of O/Us. Throw up as many as you can until you find one that fits. Then, be persistent and wait to find that model used.

Also determine if it will be strictly a upland gun or versatile gun that you will waterfowl with. If it is strictly an upland gun, I would recommend a 16 or 20. I ended up with a 20 due to availability of shells, especially steel as many places are going steel only. You will love the weight of a nice 16 or 20 O/U, I have yet to end a day in the field in which I dreaded carrying my 686 20 gauge.

[KimberRich]

101 Winchester.      

Going to go up in value over time if you take care of it where your Charles Daly, CZ, or comparable cheaper gun will only decline in value.

[D-Rock425]

I have a mossberg and have never had a problem

[CP]

Take a look at the CZ

[WDFW-SUX]

I havee a 686 its a great field gun..

[nwwanderer]

Choices, choices.  Here is my list.  SKB (Japan) Ithaca imported for several years, Miroku (Japan) Daly and Browning, Sabatti (Italy) Daly and Remington, Beretta (to many models and choices to count), Valmet (Finland) some double rifle possibilities, and Ruger.  I have owned or used all of these, find one that feels and points for you.  You'll love it!  With some time and patience you should be able to stay under $800.

[wildweeds]

For whatever it's worth.........I've got a browning belgian superposed,a japanese citiori and a CZ.............................The CZ ain't nearly as pretty as the brownings BUT is equal mechanically.I'd looked at the cz's when they were in the 600 dollar range but didn't buy one till they were 1000.I've shot it alot at the range and hunting on the westside release sites.It's a .410 woodcock.I've got somewhere around 5 thousand rounds through it and haven't had a problem with it yet.Nicely balanced and a good shooter

[Emptyhanded]

I like Ruger Redlabels a lot, but i am not sure the price on them anymore... A used one maybe. 

[03dynasty]

Check out the weatherby (SKB) or the various lanber models on www.cdnninvestments.com.

[Ellensburg]

I have a browning cynergy. LOVE IT. If you want more details about them ask me! Shot it about an hour ago. 2 shots, 2 ducks!

[thinkingman]

Check out the weatherby (SKB) or the various lanber models on www.cdnninvestments.com.

I agree...other than the 'B' guns, this is where I'd look.

[halfpipe88]

Lanbers...never heard of them but a couple forums elsewhere spoke highly of them.  Selling 10-1 in Australia?!  Any thoughts?

[jackelope]

There's a 685 Beretta in the classifieds posted yesterdday I think for $850.00

[bobcat]

There's a 685 Beretta in the classifieds posted yesterdday I think for $850.00

That's a good gun. Probably should be "686" though. If I was in the market for an over/under that's what I'd get.

[WDFW-SUX]

Whats a 685?

I know 686 and 687..

[jackelope]

Whats a 685?

I know 686 and 687..

685 is 1 less than a 686 and 2 less than a  687.

 

I have no idea...I just read what it said in the ad.

[ribka]

less than $800

SKB, some older Citori's and Winchester 101. The 101 is a heck of shotgun for the $

[carpsniperg2]

If is was going to buy a o/u i would look hard at the Ruger Red Label.

[Ellensburg]

Got a Franchi Renaissance, Ruger Red Label and a Browning Citori. Like them all for different reasons. If you shop around you should be able to find one of these used in the 800 range. I've never had a CZ but was looking one up and down pretty hard. I haven't read great things about the Turkish guns but sounds like a few people here like them. Loved the 16 sxs I was looking at. Should have grabbed it.

The 685 in the classifieds is a 685. Looked them up on gunbroker. Thought about grabbing that one myself.

I was lookin hard at that franchi. Light and beautiful isn't it?

[MP123]

Yeah, I got a Rennaissance too.  It's been a great gun, very light and reliable.

They make several different recoil pads for it so you can dial in the LOP you like best.  I switched to the longest one and the gun fits me very well now.  I have the field grade version which is kinda plain but I don't worry much much about it getting banged up.

That Cynergy is pretty nice too, I considered it at the time I got the Rennaissance.  O/U is a fun change from semi-auto if you're used to that, I don't really miss having that third shot (too often) 

[wildweeds]

I'm old school I guess.................I'd rather knock the cobwebs off the old 870 than tote a cynergy.......................hideous looking IMO

[jetjockey]

Here ya go.  You can thank me later!    A great O/U for $650.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=211866432

I would look very hard at the Miroku's.  Miroku has made guns for Browning, Charles Daily, and also for themselves.  They are very well built shotguns and IMO they are much better quality then the CZ's, Red Labels, and the other lower priced double guns.  A cheap double is kind of a like a cheap call girl, there's a reason they are cheap.  O/U's and SXS's are not ment to be cheap guns.  They cost a lot to build correctly.  However, there are some O/U's that are mechanically very good, yet will not break the bank.  You won't get beautiful wood or fancy engraving, but you will get a gun that balances well and is mechanically a very good gun.  Miroku's fit this market very well.  They aren't fancy, but they are very nice guns.  Im kind of a shotgun nut, and appreciate a very nice double.  Im fortunate enough to have a few friends and a father in law who have the money to purchase really, really expensive shotguns, so Ive been able to shoot and hold RBL's, Beretta's (really expensive Beretta's), Cesear Guerinis, AYA's, Brownings, Parkers, and my Father in Law has a $13,000 Conneticut Shotgun Manufacturing A-10 on order..  I hunt with a Beretta 686 90% of the time.  With that said, my wifes uncle has a Miroku 12 guage and it is a very nice gun.  A little heavy, but it balances well and handles well.  Miroku's give you Browning/Beretta quality in a less expensive gun.  If I was in the market for an inexpensive O/U 12 guage, I would jump on the one I posted above for $650.  YOu can see other Miroku's here.http://www.ebang.com/prgs/gbc4_metacatalog_displaycategory.cgi?action=search&searchphrase=miroku

[bobcat]

That looks like a great deal but of course the only problem with it is the fixed chokes, being improved modified/full it could be choked a little tight for a lot of the hunting a guy might do. Would make for a pretty good late season pheasant gun, and would be good for chukar- but for them I prefer to have three shots. I suppose you could get a gunsmith to install choke tubes and then it would be a much more verstatile gun. 

[jetjockey]

Heres some more.  12 guage with 26 in barrels choked IC/Mod for $850.....   There's a bunch out there just like this one.  Guys can get too hung up on choke tubes though.  What did we do when we didn't have replaceble choke tubes??  We waited a half second longer to pull the trigger.  

http://www.gunsamerica.com/948454451/Guns-For-Sale/Gun-Auctions/Shotguns/Charles-Daly-Shotguns/Over-Under/130N_CHARLES_DALY_MIROKU_12GA_26_IC_MOD.htm#

Heres one for $600.  It wouldn't cost much to have the bores opened a little if you wanted either.  Its going to be very, very tough to find a decent O/U with choke tubes for under $800.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=212236266

[Ellensburg]

I'm old school I guess.................I'd rather knock the cobwebs off the old 870 than tote a cynergy.......................hideous looking IMO

The gun in my signature is a cynergy classic. Classics look different than the other cynergys.

[CP]

Here's a Citori for $700

http://www.wcwinc.org/classifieds/shotguns.html

Hurry, before I buy it.

[WDFW-SUX]

mod/ full is the best for fixed choked barrels for upland

[wildweeds]

Unless you got a pointing dog that points em till you flush em..........I/C Mod is the way to buy for this method of attack,unless you got the self control to count missisippis

mod/ full is the best for fixed choked barrels for upland

[2dognight]

I have a mossberg and have never had a problem

Me too

[bobcat]

When I hunt pheasants with my Beretta over/under I often like to use the improved cylinder choke in the bottom barrel and a full choke in the top barrel. With this combination I can take a bird that gets up right at my feet with the bottom barrel, and not have to wait it out. I'm not good at waiting for a bird to get out there, many times that will blow my concentration and I'll miss. For the bird that jumps up at 40 yards, I can switch over to the top barrel and take the shot.

[KimberRich]

mod/ full is the best for fixed choked barrels for upland

x2

I usually get excited and miss with the first shot and hit them with the second one.  If you practice and you're a good shot the choke shouldn't matter.  Shot plenty of quail with my fixed Full choke 1100.  Had to pick more shot out of them but it got the job done.

[bobcat]

Shot plenty of quail with my fixed Full choke 1100.

      

[KimberRich]

Shot plenty of quail with my fixed Full choke 1100.

      

What's bad about it?? If you can hit a wild quail with a full choke you can hit pretty much anything else.  Might have a couple extra pellets to pick out though.  Makes shooting slow, fat roosters a piece of cake.  I trap shoot with a full choke also.  I don't get perfect scores but it forces you to be a better shot.  It's helped me in the field big time.

[bobcat]

I used to shoot a lot of trap and used a full choke too. I've never heard of anybody using anything else for trap, but that's because your shots are at 40+ yards. I haven't done a lot of quail hunting, but when I have, they are usually about 10 yards away and don't give you much time to shoot. I'd want a 20 gauge or smaller, with either a skeet or improved cylinder choke. If you ever hit one with the center of a full choke pattern, even if you let 'em get out to 20 yards, I don't imagine you'd find much left of the bird except a few feathers.  

But, maybe where you hunt you're shooting them at 50 yards. I guess anything's possible.  

[sakoshooter]

The best place I know of to look at a lot of over/under guns would be at any of the shotgun clubs. Especially when there is any kind of shoot going on. Many of these guys will even let you try them. Plus there's always a bunch of them for sale or someone knows someone etc, etc. You could also put a WTB sign up at a couple clubs and check out the options after the phone starts ringing.