[9x19mm]

...is there a difference in shooting comfort (recoil)? Better patterns? Does anyone have experience of similar shotgun models made by the same manufacturer (eg Browning 425: non over-bored and Browning Ultra: over-bored) to comment on recoil differences? Are Browning Citoris (525s) over-bored? I am particulary interested in O/Us as you see. Too many questions huh!

Stay Safe ;)

[Dave McCracken]

Yes,yes,no,no,no.

With modern plastic wads, an overbore SLIGHTLY improves comfort and patterns.

I've shot 1100s with and without overbores, but not on the same day. The overbores add little that I can tell to a soft shooting shotgun.

It's still essential to keep the center of the pattern on the center of the target.

[HSMITH]

Assuming all parameters other than bore size are identical the overbored gun will kick a tad less and throw a little bit better pattern. Enough for the average shotgunner to notice? Maybe. One thing you get with the overbored barrels are long forcing cones. With the long forcing cones what you will have is a harder time throwing a BAD pattern, not necessarily will it be easier to throw great patterns. Long forcing cones make it a little more forgiving.

If you have the choice and the price is within $100US get the overbored barrels. If the gun you fall in love with does not have them don't worry, it will still shoot great.

[PJR]

Currently in the safe I have 12 gauge guns that are underbored at .723 all the way the .740. (Curses to the friend with the bore gauge.)

I don't believe it makes a difference on my end but the overbored barrels do seem to pattern a bit better. The backbored gun does kick less but it's also a pound heavier.

If the gun fits me and shoots reasonable patterns the state of the bore diameter is of far less importance. My current favorite measures out at .726 but it fits and handles like a dream.

Get the gun that fits and shoots where you look. The rest of it is fodder for magazine articles.

[Gila Jorge]

The answer is yes the backbored or over bored guns pattern more evenly and with lengthened forcing cones have less recoil. Stan Baker for years did this for Trap shooters. B. McDaniel did a Perazzi Skeet Mirage barrel for doubles and overbored ot with a continual taper from the receiver forcing cones to the choke forcing cones. Raised me to AA in doubles. So yes it makes a difference. Get Bob Bristers' book Shotgunning: The Art and the Science. Every one should have this book as a basic handbook on shotguns. Definitive work.
Blessings.

[9x19mm]

You guys are the best :)
My favorite Browning O/Us (GTS overbored or 425 non-overbored dilemma) won't be available for another couple of months, so I have some more time to contemplate..
I understand that the 525 (not imported here) is not over-bored. Is that correct? Thanx!

[PJR]

The 525 is overbored.

From Browning's website:

All 12 and 20 gauge Citori shotguns feature back-bored barrels. These barrels have a bore diameter increased to its maximum specification. This reduces the friction of the shot charge against the barrel wall, resulting in an increase in shot velocity. Because there is less constriction or pressure from the forcing cones on a shot charge, there are fewer deformed pellets — this leads to more uniform patterns than with standard barrels.

This is from their North American website and it's worth noting that their product lists aren't always the same between North American and elsewhere.

Paul

[45auto]

I am not sure whether you will notice a difference in "felt recoil" between the different bbls, but in the Browning 425 series you will notice a big difference in feel/balance. The American overbored version has heavier bbls compared to the Euro version with standard bbls. I am not sure about the GTS. By virtue of the heavier bbls, the gun "may" feel that it recoils less- less "whippy".
Also, slower to get moving. It's like picking different shades of grey.

I would be more concerned about the feel of the different guns then any perceived advantages of overbored, long forcing cones etc. The noticable differences in recoil are affected mostly by gun weight, shot charge and speed. That's assuming the stock fits you well.

Browning uses short forcing cones, others use longer. Some use overbored, some standard. Many of the higher end target O/U's use standard bbls. Championships have and are won with both styles so I wouldn't worry too much about pattern effect, IMHO.

The 525 is overbored, as are all Browning target guns offered in America. I have read, but not handled, that the 525 has lighter bbls and a "Euro stock design".

Good luck in your choice.

[9x19mm]

The 425 Sporter (approx. 3,5 kg weight non over-bored) and the GTS (approx 3,5 kg weight and over-bored, plus 3'' chambers) both feel a little bit barrel heavy. The fit and feel of the 425 Hunter (approx 3,2 kg weight, non over-bored. The SG seems to have a slightly different stock as well and a more narrow (6mm) rib) is a little bit better *for me*.

I appreciate your advice folks to get the SG that feels the best. Your help is greatly appreciated (again) :)