[KelBench400]

Would a 26" Silver Pigeon field gun work okay for sporting clays? I know a longer barreled one would work better, but would 26" suffice?

What would one consider a really good price on a NIB SP V field gun?

Can extended chokes be used on the field guns?

Would this retain it's value fairly well?


Thanks much

[ArmedBear]

Sure. Extended chokes will work fine, and can be used to add a bit of weight to the muzzle.

What Gauge?

Straight or pistol grip?

[KelBench400]

12 gauge & pistol grip

Beretta lists the choke type as MCF... is that the mobilechoke system?

[ArmedBear]

I think it's the newer Optima choke system if it's a new gun. I think... The White Onyx 12 I just bought is Optima, and AFAIK the various current Beretta field guns differ primarily in external appearance, with different finishes, engraving, and wood grade, though the walnut on my White Onyx is surprisingly pretty and figured.

I also believe MCF means "multi-choke or fixed" but don't quote me on that.

There's no particular reason that a 26" won't work; it will just swing differently from a 28". Note that the weights on the US site are wrong. The different gauge guns are all different weights, as they should be. Check the international website for correct weights.

I know a guy who uses a 26" 20 Gauge SP V with an English grip for all sorts of things including SC and American Trap when he feels like it. He is smaller than average, and British. Hits targets quite well.

The SP V is a very attractive gun. I'm a sucker for CCH. I needed a gun I could use in the field, though, without trepidation.

Is there a particular reason you want a 12/26"?

[KelBench400]

12/26" just because the opportunity may have presented itself for me to buy a gun I otherwise could not afford.

My only other clay shooting gun is an 870 Wingmaster with a 28" modified barrel. I'm half decent with that, so if the SP fits it can only be a step in the right direction... I hope.

But getting a high end over/under would be nice. I imagine the heft/swing of the SP would be comparable to my wife's 26" Stoeger 20ga.

[rugerfreak]

The whole point of sporting clays was to simulate conditions with a field gun---it got bastardized when it got competitive. 26'' is fine.

Pretty sure the Optima chokes are in 12ga only.

Buy it---its a great gun.

[ArmedBear]

I LOVE the balance of the Berettas.

Agree with rugerfreak re simulating field conditions. I've used my 20/26" and it's fun. I have fixed chokes IC/M. Great practice for what it's REALLY for, which is hunting.

I've compared my 686 with the nearly identical "Sporting" version of the same gun, since I shoot trap league with a guy who has it. Mine has 28" barrels, his has 32". They're really not that different in feel. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot either one for whatever. I don't think they're that different.

Now some beast like a Citori, yes. But those things are overweight. I don't like them with a barrel under 30". But the Berettas are different, and a 26" is a finely balanced gun IMO.

I'd get it if I were you.

I imagine the heft/swing of the SP would be comparable to my wife's 26" Stoeger 20ga.

Probably not. Probably would feel a lot better. A LOT! :)

[KelBench400]

Thanks guys. I'm convinced.

We'll see how this plays out. Hopefully by this weekend.