Beretta 686 vs Browning 725

[CNobbe]

Trying to decide between these two guns... They both fit and feel great.

Not sure, but I swear the Beretta is made for right handed shooters..appears to feel nearly identical to my 391 w/ the cast off shims on it currently.

725 feels great too, can't pick between them. I only shoot skeet/trap, this gun may never be hunted with, but it's not totally out of the question.

Are Browning O/Us pretty much set for right handers and well as left handers?

I'm right handed, not too concerned about cast off, but my 391 seems to fit me perdectly.

Also not sure which company is easier to deal with for service.

I know Beretta only states a 1 year warranty, and Browning apparently doesn't even have a written warranty, so thats a concern as well.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

My last 2 Brownings had NO cast to them. All my Berettas do.
Funny, usually either one or the other fits certain shooters. Browning tend to have more ''drop'' in the stock from my experience.

I'm really not up on Browning's warranty. Most all of my guns were bought used.
The 725 has a new choke system, unlike their other models. {surprise, surprise} I assume in short order everyone will have aftermarket chokes available, if they don't already.

Either way, I would'nt be afraid to buy either ''B'' gun.

 

[oneounceload]

It is something that both seem to fit you equally, as that is typically NOT the case. Their stock dimensions are different. Berettas do have some RH cast off, Brownings typically have very little if any.

Yes the 725 has a new choke system, but they are no where near as bad as Beretta has been over the years

If you have an issue with either one, any gunsmith (not Glock or AR parts changers) can fix these and should have any necessary parts on hand. BOTH are notorious for crappy customer service which is why Art's in Missouri is THE Browning service guy and Cole's in Maine is THE Beretta service guy - both factory authorized, faster and they do better work

 

[jpalusk]

I'm excited to hear about this. I was going to ask a similar question a couple of weeks ago, but Berettas just fit me so much better that I have decided not to even look at Brownings. I am still interested in the information though so I'm glad you asked it.

 

[oneounceload]

jpalusk - try Joel Etchen for buying a new Beretta as well as Rich Cole's - both have good inventory and are famous for their customer service

 

[Hansli]

If you are talking 12 ga, I'd say the Beretta. The receiver is much smaller and lower. A Browning, to me, makes me feel like a locomotive driver. Of all the Italian guns (and I have owned many makes), I still prefer the Beretta. That said, both companies make excellent products. Aesthetics are all that really separates them.

 

[Mitlov]

@Hansli--the presence of the "lower-profile" Cynergy in Browning's lineup is perhaps the best evidence that the Citoris' reputation for a bulkier receiver is well-deserved.

I hadn't realized that Berettas tend to have a right-handed cast to them. I'm a southpaw, so I'll keep that in mind as I (very casually) shop for an O/U to supplement or replace my Browning BPS.

 

[oneounceload]

Cole's has LH stocks and will usually take your RH one in trade towards a LH one, but call to be sure

http://www.colegun.com/collections/beretta-12ga-680-series-left-hand-wood-sets

Personally, I like this one:

 

[Sauer Grapes]

+1 for Coles.
Someone ''Bubba'd'' the inertia block on one of my Silver Pigeons. Coles received the gun on a Tuesday, fixed it on Wednesday and shipped it back to me on Thursday. I shot it that Sunday.
I'm sure that's probably not the norm, but I was very happy.
Good people!

 

[CNobbe]

I tried a friends XT Trap for a round of trap, and skeet...now that was fun. Might be another one to consider, but I'm finding the 686 fits perfectly..

 

[MagnunJoe]

I'm in the market for a good o/u and I've been asking myself this very question. O far the Beretta 686 get better reviews.

 

[Milkmaster]

Why not one of each? It's only money.