New Shotgun in my Future - Buy Online?

I am looking at making a shotgun purchase sometime in the next few months.

I am planning on purchasing a Browning or Beretta O/U for trap and clays. I currently own a Rem 870 Express ($267) purchased a couple years ago.

I purchase all kinds of things online, but is it crazy to make an $1850 gun purchase online?

Swanee

 

Not at all; bought a Beretta A400 (used) from an individual on another forum. Realize that while both "B" guns are well made, they are very different when it comes to fit. Definitely try both before you buy. Joel Etchen will have the best prices on Beretta.

 

I don't think it's crazy. I sent a $4,000 plus check from Ohio to Texas in 1990.

 

I bought my weekly range shooter (Citori Feather Lightning) off Gunbroker. Sometimes that's the best way to find exactly what you want.

 

Well up until this point I have saved the cash and set it down on the counter at the LGS.

But it looks like online is the best option to get exactly what I want.

Like OneOunce said, I need to figure out what shotgun fits.

 

If you have a Cabelas within driving distance you may be able to shoulder Brownings and Berettas of various models to see what fits you best. You may also be able to get a good deal from them via a special or price matching an on line source.

 

In MN, I suspect you have a Scheels - the one I visited in Reno made the Cabelas there look like an old Kmart - and they are both from the same time frame.

 

Try in store. Buy online

 

Actually, try at the gun club and buy wherever it is cheaper

 

IMO, the only thing that'd be crazy about buying a shotgun for that sort of use would be to buy a model (of any brand) that you haven't shouldered a number of times, and ideally fired a number of times, to make sure it fits you properly.

 

I've purchased 90% of my firearms online. Bud's Guns is a good dealer. Also check out the gunwatcher.com site. It helps you find the very best online gun deals.

 

I took MasterBlaster's advice and went to the store.

Unfortunately no Scheels within an hour drive from my location. I did hit the Cabelas and shouldered both guns. The clerk had no problems with me handling even the ones out of my price range. Really hard to tell, both B-brands felt really good.

I joined a trap league at work and my plan is to arrange shooting some practice rounds with both. Maybe this is not a big surprise, but you meet a lot of really polite and helpful people at gun ranges.

I did have a chance to borrow a Citori Field gun from a relative, that did not go well for fit, but not the same thing. I have arranged to shoot another relative's Citori Lightning Sporting Clays edition. I am thinking I need to shoot several rounds before it is fair to form too much of an opinion.

I have a good FFL, I am closing in on having the money. I just need to decide on the shotgun and find the right deal.

Thanks for the input - Swanee.

 

If you're not going to buy at a store, you shouldn't waste their time by handling their guns

Online dealers are cheaper because they don't provide that service

 

I will give a dealer a chance to match the cost, buying online, but they will rarely do it.

 

I agree. I went into the Cabelas side room. When approached by the clerk, I explained I was just looking. I was very careful handling their stock. I did not interfere with other customers or waste their time.

Also, I picked up some Tightgroup last week and purchase other hunting gear at the store.

If my LGS or Cabelas or any local store has the model I want and the price is close, I will consider purchasing local.

Swanee

 

Cabelas will deal. So will BassPro.

 

Yep - go for it. I bought 2 A400's last year on gunbroker. They were both from the same vendor which was some gun shop in Mississippi. Several hundred dollars cheaper per gun that anybody would do for me locally. I use a pawn shop as my FFL for $20 transfers.

 

Guns generally cost them more, which is why they can rarely match internet prices.

One should be willing to pay a little more for the convenience of being able to handle the gun before you buy, and walking out with it right then.

If money is your only concern, just buy online and don't waste the dealer's money either

 

I sold guns for many years and I know what they can and can't get them for. I do not like buying local and paying sales tax to help fund the welfare bunch either to be honest.

 

Next time you want an A400, give Joel Etchen in PA a look. He is a large Beretta dealer and usually beats everyone else. For service or seriously upgraded wood, no one better than Rich Cole.

 

I've bought a Citori 625 and a BT-99 from a dealer in Omaha. Shipped to my local FFL guy. No problems at all.