Need opinions on some models for first 12g

[JMPhoto]

I am looking to buy a 12g for mostly sporting clays and skeet. I also would like to try some trap shoots that my Rod and gun club has once a month.
I would like to keep it to around $1000. I am also trying to narrow down to a semi or O/U. I looked at the Beretta 391 semi for about $1100 as well as the Benelli Montifeltro for about $1100 as well. In the O/U the only thing decent that I seem to find for under 1k is the Fausti Volo at Cabelas for about $999 and another place has CZ Redheads and Canvasbacks. They all seem like nice O/U for the price. I would love and O/U, but I CAN'T spend 1500 and up for a browning or others. Opinions and recommendations please.
Thanks,
Jason

 

[earlthegoat2]

If your limit is 1000 you are, out of practical necessity going to have to go with a semi auto as no decent doubles that would be worth a lick for trap will meet that price point. Some Beretta trap grade autos can be had on the used market for around 1000.

 

[JMPhoto]

Dicks has a Browning Citori for about $1200. They also have a Franchi O/U diamond for around 900. What about the Citori? I know it is a plain Citori, but I would think that any Browning Citori would be better than the off brand stuff.

 

[JMPhoto]

OK....I was at Cabelas last night. They have a beautiful Beretta AL391 Urika2 sporting used for about $1100. It looks mint. I can also get a Benelli Monte super90 new for about $1047. All the good O/U's were well out of my price range. Or Davidsons Gallery of guns has a Browning Citori Lightning colored case 12 o/u for about $1240.

 

[PJR]

IMO the best autoloading gun for clay target shooting is the Beretta 391. A very close second goes to the Browning Gold with 3rd going to the Winchester SX3 (a slightly modified version of the Gold.)

Any of these will get the job done.

 

[mhinagoya]

If you really want an O/U, check the latest CDNN catalog. There are several decent guns in there at your price point. You won't see a Browning or Beretta at $1k, but you will see Weatherby Orion and Winchester, as well as a couple of others.

I would second the notion that you stay away from the lower end O/U shotguns as has been advised.

Bill.

 

[Kingcreek]

another vote for the beretta 390/391 and I would not fear buying used if it can be inspected or comes guaranteed.
my 390 Sporting has many, many rounds through it and still going strong. (I actually prefer it to the 391s).