Recommend a good O/U for $1500 or less?

I think the best buys on O/U's are the Belgium Browning Superposes....far superior quality to many made today. Downside is that these had fixed chokes. The Belgium Superposed is the epitome of quality classic shotguns.

Speaking of 12 Gauge only...

I've borrowed and shot a Superposed trap gun for a few months. Tried to buy it off the guy but he wouldn't sell because he has a hand injury that affects his trigger finger, and it's one of the few guns that doesn't double on him.

It's a fine gun.

Due to the ancient receiver design, it's pretty heavy and very bulky, though, and I wouldn't want it for much besides trap. It's durable, but you pay for that in weight. I wouldn't want the field version (I can't stand the cheap Japanese knock-off Browning makes now, either -- the Citori that is). It was also made long before steel shot was invented, should you want to use it for anything that requires non-toxic shot.

A Superposed in 20 and/or 28 is a dreamy little gun. The receiver scales down so much between 12 and 20, it's a whole different shotgun. A Superposed in 20 is one of those things I'll try to buy if I ever see it for a sane price.

But in 12, I'll take a new Beretta 686 White Onyx any day of the week, for all-around shooting. I got mine for $1500 NIB about 6 months ago. I've loved it since, and it's not like it's the only shotgun I own or have shot. In 12, though, it's my hands-down favorite. I know that the cool kids insist on a gun that's at least 20 years old, but I know what I like to shoot. The rust-resistant receiver is also a big plus. I've rusted a blue O/U with sweat.

That's all my personal preference. Some people really love Citoris. I prefer a sleeker, lighter gun (the Beretta is a pound lighter in 12 Gauge). I'd skip the Rugers and Citoris, though I have shot decently with the Rugers. I want a gun I can use in the field, and both those guns weigh 8 lbs. Too heavy for anything but trap and waterfowl.

Again, in 20, things change a lot.

Regardless, if you can, try before you buy. Some guns may work for you and not me, or vice versa.

A used White Onyx falls within your budget. And, it's one of the best O/Us ever made.

-1 Red Label
I have had nothing but bad luck with this gun since it was new. Started off firing both barrels, then has been sent back to factory twice more due to the barrels seperating from each other

Brownings and Berettas are both well-made and long-lasting shotguns; however, their dynamics are completely different....so try each along with any others you might be interested in...

don't rule out the SKB either...

good luck in your quest

SKB is one of the best values out there, IMO. Durable, sleek, a natural pointer, and some great prices. I have an old 20 Gauge that's another personal favorite. Mine's 30 years old, cost me 500 bucks used, and it's a wonderful gun. Still works perfectly.

http://www.skbshotguns.com/

Franchi Renaissance or Franchi Alcionne. Great guns for right at $1000

romeo- Do you have a Renaissance?

Question has to be asked...

The question is - what are you planning on doing with your O/U? I have a 1997 Browning Citori Lightning 12ga 26" that is my goto upland bird gun. I also have a 2004 Browning Citori XS 12ga 28" that I use for skeet and sporting clays. I have had to do work on them both so that they 'fit' me - but they both swing, shoot, and just feel better (IMHO) than the Ruger's. Determine what you want the gun to do (birds, turkey, birds and clays, clays only, skeet only, skeet and trap, whatever - and what modifications you want or are willing to do to make the gun better) - then you would probably solicit some suggestions as to what are good choices in your price range.

Beretta. Brownings are too bulky and heavy in my opinion.

You might want to download the CDNN 2008-3 catalog. They're showing a Cynergy walnut field 20 for 1,399.00, Weatherby Orion upland 20 for 980.00 and a glitzed up Athena Grade III for 1490.00.

20 Gauge upland with a 1,500.00 budget looks to me to be a "perfect storm" - lots of choices.

If you're into playing mind games with your own self, the "Cynergy Club" will allow the more imaginitive to rationalize 500.00 smooth off the tariff of a Cynergy. It even works with those of us that think the hard case should have been included if we hold our mouths just right while concentrating.

I've tried a Cynergy. Only current Browning that feels good to me. It's low-profile like the Berettas or SKBs I like. Note that I don't say, "looks good", but beauty is in the eye of the beer holder anyway.

Note that the Weatherbys in question are SKB's with Prince of Wales stocks. If you go to CDNN, I'd shell out the extra 100 bucks and get the Orion Grade II or whatever they call it. The base model has a blue receiver, and for me, that's led to some rusting. We hunt in a desert climate and sweat all over our guns here.

Also, I think that some of the Faustis and Rizzinis they have are good guns. If you do go with a 12, the Winchester Select Energy Field is a great gun, and they have it for $899. The Winchesters are 12 Gauge only, but they're nice Belgian-made guns with reinforced alloy receivers. They are not overweight like the 12 Gauge Citori or Superposed guns are.

You still can't go wrong with a Beretta.

Swing 'em and see what you like.

...beauty is in the eye of the beer holder anyway.

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Indeed. In addition to actually liking the looks of the Cynergy, if I strain just right it reminds me of the 682 Beretta. Might just be the receiver embellishment but they look like cousins to me.

One day I'll own a Cynergy with a composite stock and engage the services of a local college student to paint the thing. I've always wanted to treat a stock like a deck chair with a can of Krylon. I'm not sure what kind of paint job I want though - perhaps an elvish hunter scene?

Browning, Beretta, SKB, used Japanese Winchester 101, or new Belgium Win Select or 101.

Thanks for your service. We appreciate that you guys make it all possible for us back home. Please be safe and let us know when you get back. Post pics of your new shotgun. You'll love hunting with a 20 gauge. That's what I use for upland birds as well.

For that money, I'd look at Brownings or Berettas and wouldn't pass up a good used one.

Browning would be my pick based on fit, finish and reliability compared to others...but how they feel to you is most important.

I have a Charles Daly Superior Hunter in 20ga that I use for grouse. I also have a Beretta in 28ga on permanent loan to my dad that he uses for grouse. Both were under $1k with the Beretta being used and the Charles Daly new. You can get some great guns for a good price it just may take some time. That's one of the better past times though isn't it? Shopping for shotguns.

Personally I want a Beretta Onyx someday.

I have run Citoris, and SKBs and recommend these.
I have also run Rem 3200s, Perazzi, Krieghoffs, Win 101s and other as well that are not in your budget.

Beretta is one I have run over the years, and never personally owned a O/U, just the Semi, the 303.

Armed Bear- I do not currently own one but have shot my friends on several occasions and fully intend to make that my next shotgun purchase.

I just handled a Renaissance Elite 12. Felt like a 28, but still well-balanced. Really nice field gun! Probably a bit light for all-day range shooting, but then again it's got a really great recoil pad -- the term "recoil pad" doesn't do it justice. I'd love to get one, maybe in 20.

Also checked out their Highlander double. What a nice gun. Not free. Still, it's one of the most affordable double guns that really balances well.

I've got a Ruger Red Label 20 gauge, and it is my favorite of all the shotguns I have ever owned, besides my Sportsmans 58. I have shot mlw332's Red Label 12 gauge and it did not point as well for me.

Something like this is what I'd get:

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=144884

Beretta 686 White Onyx (field)

- 12ga., 28" bbls.
- Real wood (not the “treated” wood we see today)
- Original hard case, manual, 5 original Mobile chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F), etc.
- 1 owner; purchased from Cabela’s in July ‘06.
- In the field only once; range use of no more than 3 flats fired
- Gun is in like new condition (no scratches, dings or noticeable wear on any part of the gun)
- Midbead (installed by a competent gunsmith)
- $1,250. shipped to your FFL; buyer pays for shipping and insurance

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