Autoloader vs Over/Under for all purpose

[osteodoc08]

I'm looking for a new shotgun and was set on getting an over under, but the more I read about shotguns and shotgunning, has me wondering if I should get an auto.

On the list was either the Browning Citori field model or a Beretta 686. Approx $1500 each depending on model variation. I am used to hunting with an older fixed choke model citori and felt comfortable with it (it is my fathers) that is why I immediately thought of the Citori.

Read an article by Chuck Hawks in favor of the auto and it got me thinking. I will be using it as mostly a field gun. Squirrels, rabbits, quail, dove, etc. It will also be used for informal clays in a field. No real places to shoot organized events locally, but you never know what the future holds.

What do ya'll think. I did a search of autoloader vs over under and read a little, but what about my particular situation.

 

[Dookie]

This may sound like useless help, but either would be great. I would recommend you pick the one that fits you best. O/U's are known for their quality for trap/bird hunting as they swing amazing. But the S/A has an extra shot and if it fits also swings very nicely.

I would also recommend that you give the Benelli SBE a good look.

 

[cfullgraf]

I am partial to over/unders, but there are lots of good autoloaders out there.

If you reload or ever think you might, get the over/under. Chasing hulls ejected from an autoloader gets old after a while on the clay target range.

Of course, I guess there are ranges around that would prefer shooters to police their hulls anyway.

 

[jmr40]

Guns with 2 barrels are great, but I believe you get a lot more gun for the money with a quality semi-auto.

Of course if you are used to the O/U you may never be satisfied with anything else.

 

[lebowski]

I started with an auto (benelli cordoba) and wish id started with an o/u. Tho I mostly shoot trap - I'm usually the only guy on the line shooting an auto and picking my empties off the ground.

 

[Harvey Mushman]

In my somewhat limited experience with shooting trap over the last several years, most people seem to just gravitate towards one or the other. I started with a pump and did fine. Borrowed a Citori and it felt like I was born with it in my hands. I still get the single barrel out from time to time, but I am most happy with my O/U in my hands. I shoot regularly with guys who are just the opposite. I would recommend shooting as much as you can with each before making the purchase. My experience is mainly with trap, but I think it holds true to shotguns in general. They each have a different feel and balance. If you try a few guns, the right one will find you.

 

[oneounceload]

but I believe you get a lot more gun for the money with a quality semi-auto.

That is very true - a NEW quality semi from the likes of Beretta or Benelli might be around 1500 to 1800, while a new Browning or Beretta O/U can run close to twice that

 

[blitzen]

I think that more important than action type is the fit of the shotgun. Does it shoot were you look? Does it fly to your shoulder, feel balanced in your hands, swing smoothly? Once you find one that does that, your question will answer itself.

 

[osteodoc08]

Thanks for the replies so far. I am very familiar and have hunted for several years with my father's citori, so I was set on that, then saw the Beretta 686 and read some dissenting opinions on O/U as a whole compared to S/A. I am just confused as ever on which is the best to get.

As a side note, whichever I get will need to have wooden furniture with bluing. Not sure if that makes a difference or not with the semi auto selection.

 

[lebowski]

If you are comfortable with the citori and it fits you well, I'd say your best bet is to just get that. I recently picked up a nib 20ga citori lightning for $999, and I think they had a couple of 12s left at that price. Marks outdoors in alabama.

 

[blitzen]

As with my first post, I'll still try not to steer you one way or the other as it is a subjective matter. As for myself I started with a field grade Citori in 1979 and I have shot thousands of rounds at clay target ranges and in the field. You'll be hard pressed to find a better gun for your stated purpose. Although I have split the bulk of my shooting between 2 citori's, my original one locks up as tight as the day it was new.

 

[Kristensdaddy]

A simple free fix to picking up hulls on the trap line is to wrap a rubber band around the receiver at the middle of the loading port. The bolt will work fine but the empty hull will be stopped from ejecting. No more bending over or hitting the guy next to you.

 

[d2wing]

If you like the Citori and it fits you right, I'd get another one that fits just it.
If you switch to something, it could throw you off a little and drive you nuts trying to adjust or refit the gun. On the other hand, if the 686 swings up just right for you like it did me, get it. A nice over under will last and be something you are proud to pass down. Semi-autos have less recoil and give you more firepower. Most feel the over/under has an edge in pointing, balance and weight for carrying. No bad choices here but you know you won't make a mistake with the Browning. Or you may want to try something different to see if you like it better then you can switch down the road. After trying all types if weapons myself, I would have been better off sticking with one I shot well to start with and kept it.

 

[6x6pinz]

I like an auto loader for hunting but when I just can't seem to get the birds to fall, I always go back to the O/U to get me back in line. I find the O/U is easier to get back to the basics of shotgunning than an auto (or any other action). I do prefer mixing up my sing shooting with different styles of shotguns. I feel it helps me be a better all around gunner.