[waterhouse]

So far I've found the Ruger and CZ, as well as some models of the 686, seem to come in a scaled down frame for 28 gauge. What other O/Us are out there that don't use a 20 gauge frame for the 28?

[oneounceload]

Your higher-end guns will come on a scaled frame as well (like Perazzi).

I also believe Caesar Guerini and Padrone are on scaled frames

[ArmedBear]

Can't argue with a Guerini or Padrone. Nice guns. There are a few scaled guns in more-affordable price ranges, too.

One way to tell is to look at the spec'd weights. If the 28 is a bit heavier than the 20, chances are it's a 20 Gauge frame. If it's a big lighter, chances are it's a 28 Gauge frame. This falls apart if you're looking at Berettas: they are really bad about accurately listing weight specs. Either they just put the same number for 12 through 28, regardless of barrel length, or they put nothing. This is strange, really, since unlike Browning which feels the need to lie about some of their obese shotguns, Beretta's sleeker designs have nothing to hide.

Ruger. The 28 Gauge Red Label is a really nice gun in the hands, available with a straight grip, too. I'm not excited about the 12s and 20s; though well-balanced, they're really heavy. The 28 is a different animal.

Beretta has different 12, 20 and 28 Gauge frame sizes. The 686 White Onyx is another affordable, scaled 28.

Unfortunately for those who want a true 28 Gauge gun, Browning and SKB, two other quality makers of affordable O/Us, use 20 Gauge frames. That's why I am more than happy with my 26" 20 Gauge SKB: it's lighter and a hair quicker than the 28, but I can shoot cheap bulk ammo instead of being tied to reloading for it.

I'm not sure about Fausti Stefano/Weatherby. It doesn't appear that Weatherby sells O/Us in anything but 12 and 20 at the moment.

[waterhouse]

One way to tell is to look at the spec'd weights. If the 28 is a bit heavier than the 20, chances are it's a 20 Gauge frame.

That's what I've been noticing. I've used a Beretta 20 for most of my upland needs for the past several years. When I started looking at 28s Browning and a few others listed them as a few ounces heavier than their 20 gauges of the same model and barrel length.

I don't need a 28, but I transferred one of the Rugers lately and liked the way it felt. I'll probably end up going with a Red Label or one of the scaled Berettas (which seem to have an S after the model number) but wanted to see what else was out there.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

The Stevens 512 Goldwing O/U also claims that all 4 of its gauges offered are specially scaled.

http://www.savagearms.com/st_512.htm

All frames scaled precisely to gauge for superior balance; sculptured receiver with gold-colored pheasant inlay in relief; chrome lined barrels; barrel selector integrated into tang-mounted manual safety; five screw in choke tubes; 12, 20, 28 Choke MC-5; 410 Choke MC-IC.

[oneounceload]

I can only tell from my personal experience - I had major problems with the Ruger 28...within three months it went back for warranty issues with ejectors....three times.....everything on the inside was replaced........finally got rid of it and won't buy another


This is MY experience....YMMV

[ArmedBear]

I haven't owned the Ruger.

If it came down to me whipping out the checkbook, I think I'd get another Beretta. Too many stories like oneounceload's with the Red Label -- although many people love theirs, too. And with the Beretta, you have the benefit of common controls. The only downside of the 686 is that you have to move up to a Silver Pigeon V to get a choice of grip styles -- and I don't even WANT a gold-inlaid CCH receiver for rough use.:)

[stiletto raggio]

Connecticut Shotgun.

Edited to mneitont hat my dad has had a Red Label for twenty+ years (he traded one toward another with interchangeable chokes). Stock geometry is not the best (I am a Beretta man myself) but it has been absolutely reliable.

[ArmedBear]

Does Connecticut offer O/Us?

[oneounceload]

Yes they do AB:

http://www.connecticutshotgun.com/agalazan.html

Experience is a wonderful teacher. It points to what works well, and what can work even better with a little extra effort.

The incomparable A. Galazan over & under shotguns bears this out.

Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company spared absolutely no expense, nor did they permit compromise of any sort, when they set about creating what is viewed by many experts as the finest hand-made over & under shotguns manufactured anywhere in the world. By combining the most sophisticated machinery currently available with proven, old-world craftsmen, they have produced the most sensibly engineered, strongest designed, absolutely no compromise full sidelock over & under possible.

Every aspect of this new shotgun is, quite simply, superbly engineered and executed.

The sidelock action is strong, simple and eminently reliable. The receiver is machined from a single billet of tool steel. Barrels are hand-built and fitted to the closest of tolerances. Trigger response is incredibly fast and smooth. Turkish Circassian walnut is matched for stock and forend, then custom-crafted to precise owner dimensions and tastes.

This mechanical excellence and meticulous craftsmanship make the A. Galazan over & under shotgun worthy of the description "best gun." Yet it is in the final finishing and custom engraving that this gun surpasses any in the world. Typical of the guns built as of this writing are those with fine rose and scroll.

A. Galazan full sidelock over & under shotguns are built strictly to customer order. All guns are priced individually, per the customers requirements.




All that means, they ain't cheap....IIRC, somewhere in the major 5 figure to 6-figure range for some of them.....

[ArmedBear]

Ah.

I always associated them with SxS guns.

Oh yeah... Franchi is worth a look, also.

http://www.franchiusa.com/firearms/renaissance.php#showhide