[mkonops]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and would like some of your expert opinions. I am looking to buy an over/under as a gift.

It probably will not even be fired until it gets passed down, if ever. I'd like to spend in the range of 1,500 to 2,500 and get something special, preferably something that will be a good investment and increase in value over time. I have no particular preferences, except O/U design. Although an Italian manufacture certainly wouldn't hurt, it doesn't matter.

I saw some very nice Weatherby and Beretta models on the web, but I'm looking for some specific manufacturer and model recommendations for a nice mantle piece that will be a good gift and investment. Thanks so much!

[Ed/Pa]

I'd look at the Browning Citori Line of O/U's

[JohnBT]

First, I don't do investments. :)

Here's a nice field gun for $2575 and it's Italian. www.gueriniusa.com/gun_models/woodlander/Woodlander.shtml

http://www.gueriniusa.com/gun_models/woodlander/images/Woodlander.jpg

Don't look at any of the other guns on their site because you'll soon be thinking that the $3500 guns look good, and then it'll be the $4500 guns and so forth. I'm very happy with their entry-level Woodlander model. For now. ;)

Guerini has made quite a splash with their guns in just a few years and their customer service in second to none. You can actually call GueriniUSA in Maryland and talk to the President. In addition, Guerini is now advertising on shotgunworld and Mr. Lang is answering questions as his schedule permits.

And no, there's nothing wrong with a Beretta or a Browning if that's what you decide you'd like to have. They are great shotguns. I prefer the Berettas over the Brownings, but that's just me.

John

[theCZ]

In my opinion, the best looking shotgun in your price range would be a Browning 525. All of the ones I've seen have had very impressive wood and tasteful engraving. Should be right at the upper end of your budget.

[RKellogg]

I could be wrong , and most likely am . But if you are looking for an investment , I think the smaller gauges , like 28 and 410 , hold there value better . And from what I have heard , a 28 is just as good as a 12 if you are going to shoot it .

[JohnBT]

I hope you're right, my Woodlander is a 28 ga.

John

[LHB1]

If you are even thinking about better sales price values in the future, then look at the 20 gauge Browning Citori Lightnings. They seem to consistently bring higher prices used than the 12 gauges. The 28 and .410 do also but they are more specialty items IMO. You may be able to get a Grade III Browning Citori Lightning, 20 gauge, with screw-in chokes in your price range. Of course the Grade V/VI is even nicer yet but the price climbs as the grades climb.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

[BozemanMT]

2nd the Browning 525
2nd the Guerini
Any nice Beretta.

So, basically anything Italian
at that 2 grand level, there are TONS of options.
go out and drool, the one that knocks you over and says "buy me" is the one you want.

[RNB65]

I have a Browning 425 which I like very much. But if I was willing to spend in the $2k+ range, I'd definitely go for a Beretta.

But don't just buy the first Beretta you see. The quality of the wood tends to vary quite a bit within a particular Beretta model. Some are very plain looking with little visible grain. While others of the same model have lovely wood with a nice grain pattern. Pick a model in your price range, then take a look at as many as you can and go for the one with the sweetest looking stock.

[45auto]

All the names mentioned above are good.

The Weatherby Athena is probably one of the fanciest guns I've seen in that $2500 range.

I'm not sure I'd consider any in that price range as an "investment". They will appreciate in value over time(lot's of time), unused or very lightly used, but nothing that normal investments wouldn't outpace easily IMHO.

[byf43]

As an 'investment', I cannot comment. I've never been good at $$$$ advice. (Just ask my wife!) Well, she was a good investment!:evil:

As for what I think will be worth more, a Browning Superposed in 20 ga.
I've never seen them go down in price. Just up.

The Beretta Silver Pigeon II or III will only go up in price, too, I would think.


Thanks for reading.

[mkonops]

Thanks for all the replies, definitely keep them coming. Here's my thoughts so far:

1. Somehow I have gone until now with only my Remington Wingmaster, how did that happen? I am beginning to think I need one of these for myself, the gift can wait :evil:
2. I really like the Guerini line, but it seems I need to spend a little more to get something nicely engraved there.
3. I have gone out and seen the Whetherby Athena and Browning Citori Grade IV Lightning and love them both, though they are definitely at the upper range of what I can spend.
4. I think I will take your advice and go with a smaller gauge like 28 or 20.

on a side note, does anyone here own a Browning Cynergy? If I was going to buy something for my own use, I think that would be the one.

[hossdaniels]

+1 on the smaller gauges, seem to go much higher at sales:cuss: .

[AndyC]

I've been perving over the new Winchester 101's, myself - the Select Model 101 Field or Sporting (where's me drool icon?) - MSRP $2,000 - $2,300 respectively

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/new.asp

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/692/101fieldfc0.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7199/101sportingqa6.jpg

I prefer the Field model, but oh, man... the grain on that Sporting model - yum!

[JohnBT]

The bottom-of-the-line Woodlander might not be nicely engraved, but it's got a little gold bird on the bottom. The case color is coated with linear urethane to protect it.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/306934.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/img/325483.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/img/306968.jpg
That's greasy lint from a RigRag on it, not sloppy machining.