New sporting clays gun....

[Carbon_15]

I have decided to treat myself to a nice shotgun for sporting clays. I have given myself a $2k budget and Im leaning toward the Benelli Super Sport. All of my friends are trying to sway me towards an O/U. I just like the inertia semi-auto better.
Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated

 

[451 Detonics]

Both will do fine...just depends on whether or not you want your hulls for reloading.

 

[goosedowner]

I personally like O/U's because I can put in different choke restrictions in each barrel if needed. I also found that I swung to fast with a auto gun, the O/U seemed to slow me down a bit.

 

[stan rose]

The nice thing about an O/U is the ability to have two chokes at one time. Other than that which ever you like better.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

I've been an NSCA instructor since 1998 and everytime somebody asks me what shotgun they should buy, I always ask them back "what kind of shotgun do you like?"

Semis are usually lighter and the Benelli is super reliable and very easy to keep clean and you can get a dandy one for under $2K. O/Us have the advantage of two different chokes, but, honestly, screw in an IC in a single barrel gun and go to town. I have consistently hit fast crossers at 45 yards with an IC choke tube. No kidding!!

 

[oneounceload]

One thing to consider about the Benelli - it is lighter, so actual recoil will be higher. It is NOT a gas gun, so felt recoil will also be higher than a heavier gas gun or over under. If you really want a semi auto - do yourself a favor and check out the Beretta 391- shoot one, preferably at the same time as that Benelli - you'll notice a difference

 

[Carbon_15]

I curently shoot a 1960 browning A-5 with no recoil pad...so recoil will most assuredly be LESS

I owned a Beretta 391 for a little while. Its a great gun, but it wasnt for me. didnt like cleaning and reassembeling the gas system.
I think I prefer the weight of the O/U. I shot a friends for a few rounds and it really smoothed out my swing over the way too light Beretta (why I like my ol Browning) Im a little concerned that the Benelli might be too light also. I just dont like having to open and close the action and take off the safety 50 times per round of clays...

 

[oneounceload]

NONE of my target or field guns have auto safeties.....SKB, Browning and Beretta, even my S&W field SxS have manual safeties - won't own a gun with a manual safety that I can't change

 

[gshipps]

I've got about 300 rds thru my new super sport. I sure like it. Shooting 2 & 3/4 dram 1145 fps loads thru it. Cycles just fine. Some people say they don't like light loads but that's all I've shot since new. Adjustable stock. Those cheek pads are high and hard to find though.

 

[oneounceload]

What weight are you shooting?

I reload 3/4 and 7/8 - both have an inconsistency in a Benelli

 

[gshipps]

1 1/8 so I guess not real light. Cheap Winchester white box.

 

[oneounceload]

Try shooting 7/8 or 1 oz loads -your shoulder will thank you

 

[RUT]

>>screw in an IC in a single barrel gun and go to town<<

Works for me!

 

[throdgrain]

And me

In fact my current sporting clays gun, an 1100, runs a fixed skeet choke, and, despite my reservations, I've not noticed any difference.

 

[Virginian]

You do not need an O/U. The perceived O/U "cool factor" amongst target shooters never ceases to amaze me. You are not a new an inexperienced shooter. If you want the Benelli, I'd get it. One of the joys of life is being able to shoot what you want to.

 

[Carbon_15]

Got the Benelli today @ lunch. Went to compare and contrast a few guns...but they knocked the Super Sport down from $1790 to $1525. Seemed too good to pass up. Going to the clays field next weekend...cant wait. then I have a 2 hour lesson with Dan Shindler (as seen on Shooting gallery last week) From Paragon Shooting School the folowing week. gonna be a fun couple weeks!

 

[oneounceload]

Good for you - clean it good, lube it properly and go have fun