Good over/under other than a big "B"

[Armed 24/7]

I have an older Japanese made SKB that is quite nice and a Yildiz from Academy that's functional, but no frills.
I do like the CZ branded guns made in Turkey, they are worth a look.

 

[PzGren]

Merkel and Krieghoff are probably one step above the B's.

 

[entropy]

No probably about it. Of the two K guns, Kreighoff are the better. Merkels are not as common here, particularly clays games versions, but they are also excellent quality guns, highly prized hunting shotguns.
The reason the B guns are often mentioned, particularly for those wanting a gun for starting clays games is they are less expensive than P or K guns, but are of a lifetime investment quality, and hold decent resale value for those that decide clays isn't their game, or want to step up to a K80 or MX-8.

 

[doubleh]

I know little about today's shot gun quality. Many years ago I bought a Valmet O/U in 12 guage for hunting dove and blue quail. Great gun but it didn't fit me well enough to be fast so I gave it to my son that is taller than I am. He loves it. I bought an Ithica in 20 guage that was a Japanese made SKB. Wow, perfect fit and fast on the draw. Neither have ever had a problem. Last year I handled both an O/U and S/S made by CZ. Fit and finish were excellent and both felt right shouldering them in the gunshop. I have always had a soft spot for S/S shotguns and If there had been a need the CZ would have come home with me. I have seen some Turkish made O/Us in the LGS and they were finished very well. As I know no one that owns one I have no idea of their durability. Browning certainly has a great reputation but they are very well paid for it.

 

[Roverguy]

For what?

Occasional clays and light hunting? There are a number of viable options in the sub-B gun price range.

Regular clays games @ 4000 rounds a year and more? The B guns are the entry level options.

The Turks can make some very good looking guns. And they can make some just plain good guns. But anyone who thinks that a sub-$1000 o/u will stand up over time to regular clays usage is mistaken.

 

[12Bravo20]

For what?

Occasional clays and light hunting? There are a number of viable options in the sub-B gun price range.

Regular clays games @ 4000 rounds a year and more? The B guns are the entry level options.

The Turks can make some very good looking guns. And they can make some just plain good guns. But anyone who thinks that a sub-$1000 o/u will stand up over time to regular clays usage is mistaken.

I have a Turkish made 410 O/U and love it for field use. But there is no way I would use it for monthly clays/skeet. I use to use my 410 Mossberg 500 for skeet but even that won't hold up after a period of constant use shooting skeet.

 

[cfullgraf]

A gunsmith recently recommended that any o/u I buy should have a name that begins with "B" - Browning, Beretta, or Benelli.

Are there any other brands out there that are durable, reliable, and smacking of similar quality?

Not to sound like a broken record but...

The use of the gun determines alot on how reliable it will be in the long run.

For clay games, serious shooters shoot ammunition like somebody else is paying for it. Browning and Berettas are considered good, reliable entry level guns (I have no experience with Benelli).

In the early 1990's I bought a mid-1980 vintage skeet grade Citori. I had it tubed and shot competitive skeet for a number of years. I did well with the gun with no reliability problems, I don't shoot competitively much any more but I do bring the gun out for most of forays on the skeet field these days.

But, if the gun is to be used for a few days of hunting and a few rounds on the clay target field, their are less pricy shotguns that will serve you well.

As far as new guns, I do not know what is on the market today, but for out of production guns, Ruger Red Lalel, Remington, and Winchester shotguns. The Mossberg O/U may fit the light weight use bill as they do have a good reputation in the shotgun market.

These days, Browning shotguns are made by Miroku. I'd expect if another brand bought Miroku guns they would be on par with the Brownings. They may cost as much as well.

My 2 cents worth.

 

[12Bravo20]

@cfullgraf your sentiments match most everyone' else's on this. A CZ, Mossberg, or Weatherby O/U will suit one's needs quite well for hunting and an occasion round of sporting clays. Even my Turkish made Gazelle 410 O/U is fine for this use. For anyone wanting to get serious about any type of sporting clays/trap/skeet then spend the money for one of the B's.

Now nothing wrong with wanting a B for occasional use if you have the money to spend. But one of the less expensive O/U's from a reputable manufacturer will suit just fine.

 

[ms6852]

I am not a competitive shooter but do like shooting skeet and do dove and pheasant hunting. About 25 years ago I bought an inexpensive O/U at Academy the Yildiz. They are lightweight shotgun and if you are the type that think you have to pay thousands for a reliable shotgun, than Yildiz is not for you because you only pay hundreds, but they have expensive ones too, and their stocks are Turkish walnut.

 

[entropy]

The Yildiz are on the higher end of the Turkish O/U spectrum, and are a great gun for your uses. And yes, Turkish walnut is among the best stock woods. I have a Turkish Mauser that has the most beautiful stock I've ever seen on a military rifle.

 

[eastbank]

if you enter into the clay games and keep in it, the cost of the shells and fee,s will soon out pace the cost of a decent shotgun. don,t ask me how i know.

 

[12Bravo20]

if you enter into the clay games and keep in it, the cost of the shells and fee,s will soon out pace the cost of a decent shotgun. don,t ask me how i know.

Which will make the price of a Beretta, or Browning seem trivial.