Confused on which over/under.....HELP!!!!

[sixgun MAK]

There are a few guns I found yesterday that I really like. Winchester Select, Weatherby Orion III, Franchi's Alchione, Rennesaince, and Veloce, and a Verona. I found others that I liked as well but out of my price range.

I am a bow hunting fool who wants to take up bird hunting this fall. I live in Minnesota and will be hunting ruffed grouse mostly and sometimes pheasants. I have ties in the Dakotas and can go back there as well. Will I regret getting a 20 gauge? I'm worried about that because I really love that Franchi Veloce.

Would I regret a 26" barrel or should I stick with 28"?

Will I regret any of those guns, or is there something better I can get for up to $1500.

Thank you for all opinions, comments, and suggestions. I really need some expert advice.

 

[gunut]

?????????

For the 1500 or less price range you have Id look into the gr1 Browning Citoris or Berettas line of O/Us....The 20ga would be a fine choice for what you would be using it for...Id stick with the 28in barrels...

 

[ArmedBear]

Check out an SKB. AFAIK they make the Orion, but under their own name you can get a nicer gun for a good deal less money.

You probably won't regret getting any of those guns. Or a Browning or Beretta.

Note that the Browning Citori has very different geometry than the rest. You might love it, or not.

IMO, though, SKB offers some of the best bang for the buck in an O/U. And I'm not alone in this opinion.

All of that said, a 20 and a 12 handle VERY differently. Shotguns are like golf clubs. If you have any regrets either way, they'll more likely be about the mount and swing characteristics of the gun, than the payload in the shell.

 

[RNB65]

Take a look at the Ruger Red Label or the Browning Citori. Both are great hunting O/U's. Stick with 12ga for hunting. I'd go with longer barrels (28" or 30"), but it's really a matter of personal preference and won't have any significant impact on performance.

 

[sm]

Try before you buy if can; visit a range and shoot some for gun fit along with other features.

Lots of good used guns out there; some one just pays for more cosmetics and finish.

SKB was mentioned, great gun! That 505 is a nice gun, plain old wood and blue field gun, it does not get a lot of talking up, still SKB makes a great gun.
These and other models hold up to clay game shooting and hunting use.

Do NOT shoot a 28 ga one.
You have been warned.

Don't come crawling to me with a bad case of "wants", drooling, carrying- on and all...I warned you.

 

[Onmilo]

Beretta and Browning are also my choice in over under guns.
The Browning is somewhat clunky feeling compared to the Beretta but it is probably built to handle more abuse than a Beretta will tolerate.

I have found the Russian made Baikal guns to be one of the best buys in an over under if one does not wish to spend bathtubs full of money though they can be as clunky feeling in the hand as a Citori.

The Baikals are offered under the Spartan name by Remington right now.

A 26" barrel is an excellent choice for upland and pass shooting on ducks and geese.

 

[ArmedBear]

I'd go with longer barrels (28" or 30"), but it's really a matter of personal preference and won't have any significant impact on performance.

I disagree!!!

(not about longer barrels, but about not having any significant impact on performance)

30" barrels are great for longer-range shots, since it's a lot easier to swing them in a smooth arc and accurately hit a more-distant moving target. But good luck hitting a fast-flushing bird with a long, heavy Citori, unless that bird sticks around long enough for a trap-style swing. (I love a 30" Browning O/U, and even my 34" Browning single, for trap.)

Conversely, 26" barrels and lighter guns are great for getting the gun shouldered and pointed quickly, and nailing a bird that pops out in front of you or that "jinks" a lot like a dove, but a handicap when shooting at passing targets moving in a predictable line. (I have a 26" 20 Gauge SKB O/U for quail, hunted here in heavy brush and rough mountain terrain where you have 2-3 seconds to hit the bird, or it's gone.)

28" barrels are in between 26" and 30", for more all-around use.

Terrain, bird type, etc. will determine the best gun choice, and it does make a difference. You probably won't know what YOU prefer right away. That's why we end up with so damn many shotguns...

 

[win71]

I think you should listen to ArmedBear

I shot skeet for years with a SKB and they are rock solid. I shoot a Ruger Red Label 28 ga. now for birds. Pheasants, Quail, and Grouse mostly. For several years I used an AYA 20 ga. double. All with shorter barrels. The shorter barrels and overall lighter guns are a plus in the field. When you are young it doesn't matter much. After 50 years of hunting I'm starting to feel the weight now. On occasion I take a Browning superposed 12 ga. out for old time sake. Makes me glad I have the 28.

 

[koja48]

I have 3 Red Labels - 12, 20, & 28. I don't use the 12 much anymore, use the 20 the most, and love the 28 in close cover & on long hikes. All are 26" barrels. A longer barrel swings better (read "follow-through"), but I just prefer the 26" versions. I have had no complaints with any of them, unless you consider the weight of the 12 . . .