[AKElroy]

I am not a pro, but I do enjoy an occasional round of clays. I know some of you can shoot 50 out of 50, 50 rounds in a row. My best round is 43/50, so I do not need or want a pro rig. I am looking for suggestions for a decent Clay O/U for under $1500.00. I am partial to Beretta & Ruger Red label's; would welcome suggestions for barrel length, special features I should look for, etc...Thanks--

[waterhouse]

A LOT of guys will let you shoot their gun if you ask politely. I'd shoot as many different models as you can get your hands on and buy what fits you best. $1500 should get you a very nice used O/U, even lots of choices in the new market.

I like the 686 line and the Browning Cynergy because they fit me. Others like the Citori because it fits them.

If you go Beretta and want to save some cash, keep in mind that the lower end models are functionally the same as the more expensive ones, you just get less impressive wood and engraving.

Barrel length is also a feel thing. Some guys go 28", others prefer the way 32" barrels feel.

[AKElroy]

I have a Benelli Montefeltro 20 w/ a 28" tube, and I definately think 30"or 32" is the way to go. Way to light, way too much flip. My cheek gets bruised before the round is over. I have a cheap Russian double (baikal) that is built like a tank, but ugly as a mud fence. I limit dove with it, but I am too shallow & superficial to actually shoot a round of clays in public with it.

[oneounceload]

In your price range, the 4 that you should be able to find used but not abused are: Browning, Beretta, SKB, and Ruger. Having had bad experiences with Ruger, personally, I won't consider them. The others you should try to shoot. While all are well made, there are differences between stock designs. What this usually means is that if one type fits you really well, odds are the other ones won't. This really tends to be noticed when comparing Browning and Beretta.

There aren't too many folks I know, (and a lot of them Master Class shooters) who can grind out 50/50 once, let alone round after round shooting sporting clays, so your 43/50 is a very good score. I would imagine with agun that fits, possibly a little coaching, and some practice you'll be breaking more than that.

Good luck

[earlthegoat2]

I am the first one to say that Rugers in general are all great guns but I will agree with 1ozlode on this one tell you to stay away from them.

I would go with Browning or Beretta as they have the options and reputation.

[AKElroy]

I actually have not shot a full round in over two years, so I do not know how I would shoot today. I have a charity shoot coming up in August, so I need to get back into form so I don't embarrass myself. Thanks for the insight---

[Pete409]

For under $1500 for an O/U for clays, I would recommend a good used Browning, Beretta, SKB, or (SKB made) Weatherby. Caution: SKB quit making the Weatherby O/U's about 2 years ago, but there were many well made SKB Weatherbys made for 20 to 30 years prior to that.

[Two Cold Soakers]

When you say you prefer Rugers and Berettas (as do I) is it because of the way they sit down in the front hand?

I found several of the other leading brands of stackbarrels seemed to sit a bit too high in the forend.

Define what it is that you like about the guns you prefer. Qualify it.
When I was able to do that (by asking nice and shooting other's guns) it was easier to make an informed decision.

One exception I found was the Browning 425. Something about it was different, and was about the only Browning o/u I could mount consistently.

Shoot a bunch, and make your decision.

[Bill B.]

Just one other thing to add on the Ruger's and Beretta O/U's is the felt recoil they dish out is worse than the Brownings. Casual shooters may not notice it but if you ever fire either day in and day out with back to back tournaments of 200 & 300 target days it starts to take it toil on your score. I would look for a Browning O/U! :)

[NCsmitty]

Give the CZ Redhead a look. Reasonably priced and a pleasure to shoot and capable of the best patterns that I've seen.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=84478


NCsmitty

[ranger351w]

Listen to all and none of us. Everyone has preference and a lot of it is what is thought to be cool and to impress. some just want to be like bob or joe. I have nothing bad to say about any makes. It is up to you,I have a Ruger red label and
absolutely love it. Chevy Ford thing and look what happened there. The GM Gods had clay feet.

[redneck2]

I was typically shooting high 50's-60's with my 870. Got paired with a guy that let me shoot his Browning with the recoil reducer. He was almost exactly my size and build, and the thing fit like a glove. I ran 20 straight.

I ended up getting this Weatherby Orion Grade II (SKB). I typically shoot in the mid 80's or better with it. The ability to move the butt up-down or to the side lets you custom fit the gun. Got this for $1,100 a few years ago.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e283/Indianaoutdoorsman/Gunpix016.jpg

[navajo]

Like folks have said, try as many as you can.
My preference is the 3200. I like the weight, for a 12 bore it does not beat me to death.

Older Charels Daly guns are fine also.
Nothing wrong with SKB. Browning has never appealed to me.

K-80 does appeal but it is a little out of your price range.

[AKElroy]

When you say you prefer Rugers and Berettas (as do I) is it because of the way they sit down in the front hand?

I have a buddy with a Silver Pigeon, and it feels great but it's out of my range. I assume the whitewing would balance & feel similar, and I can swing it price wise. I have hunted with a borrowed red label 20, and love the way it points & shoots. I have not tried any Browning double, and based on this thread I need to before I buy. Thanks for all the good advice---

[Pete409]

Listen to all and none of us. Everyone has preference and a lot of it is what is thought to be cool and to impress. some just want to be like bob or joe. I have nothing bad to say about any makes. It is up to you,I have a Ruger red label and
absolutely love it. Chevy Ford thing and look what happened there. The GM Gods had clay feet.

Is this the Ruger you bought a little over 1 year ago and that has a top barrel that shoots 6" to the right at 15 yards?

BTW, my recommendation has nothing to do with impressing anyone. Rather, it's based on MANY years of clay target shooting with numerous guns of my own PLUS the accumulated experiences of hundreds (or more) of people I've shot with over those years. I have several Ruger handguns and like them, but I won't own a Ruger O/U. I've seen FAR too many problems with them. Sure, every manufacturer will have some quality control problems, but Ruger has way more than their share of these problems with their O/U's.

Besides, if I were trying to impress someone with a shotgun, it sure wouldn't be with a Browning, Beretta, or SKB gun (which were my recommendations). Those are good quality serviceable guns (far better than Ruger, IMO), but they certainly won't impress many people....... unless that person is shooting a low grade clunker himself. The Browning, Beretta, and SKB O/U's are the best bang for the money (by far) in O/U's.

[SimpleIsGood229]

Shoot a bunch, and make your decision.This is the best advice you will ever get from a forum. We simply cannot tell you what fits you, what balances according to your preferences, etc. So, get out there and shoot some guns! :)

[Aka Zero]

I inherited a browning citori. I thought I was naturally good at killing ceramic birds. Turns out it was mostly the gun. Can't do it the same with any other guns.

Looked at getting a CZ for myself.

Just get one that fits, and lower the ceramic disk population.