O/U shotguns; I don't get it?

[cfullgraf]

I’m hoping to have 1500-2000 saved by some time next year. That puts me in the price range of some Citori models.

As George P said, get the Citori or Beretta 686 series that fits you the best. Gun fit is one of the important features of a shotgun that aids to better scores.

The Browning Citori or the Beretta 686 are excellent shotguns for both entry level and experienced shot gunner and either will serve you reliably for a long time. Many competition clay shooters use them effectively.

Budget priced O/U shotguns will shoot well but will not stand up to the round count competition shooters put their shotguns through,

When I was shooting competitive skeet, I used a skeet grade Citori with fitted tubes for 20 ga, 28 ga, and .410 bore. I have no idea of the round count through the gun but I shot practice or a match weekly for several years without a breakdown.

The price and options of sub gauge tubes have become an affordable option that can add to your enjoyment of your shot gun.

I also have a 28 ga Beretta 686. My dad started me shooting clay targets with a 28 ga side x side so I have a fondness for the gauge. The 686 has not seen the hard use of the Citori but I have never had a problem with it as well.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

Don’t forget, a used Superposed can present a real bargain if reasonably kept and not custom-fit to another ahooter.

 

[cdb1]

It has surprised me how low the price can be for a Superposed on Gunbroker.

 

[jaguarxk120]

The cheapist listed on Guns International is about $650 then the price goes up from there.
The top price was $50K

 

[MCgunner]

A nice 20 O/U with choke tubes is ideal for things like quail, pheasants, rabbits, and the like. For waterfowl, turkey, and dove, a 12 gauge auto like my Mossberg 930 is the way to go.

I do much better on doves with my O/U than my auto and both guns fit me well. The O/U is a 20 gauge. It practically points itself. My 12 gauge auto is a duck gun now days.

 

[tarosean]

In the age of reliable semi-auto shotguns; the only reason I can think of to use a pump is for the classic feel, odd shells (pump to feed anything), or extra reliability.

One plus is I'll never get a ticket for failing to put the plug back in my Semi's or Pumps..

I cannot say anything else that others have not already said..

 

[I6turbo]

No offense intended for anyone, but aside from the functionality already noted, if you've ever used a very nice single barrel, O/U, or SxS that really fits you and you still don't understand the appeal of the guns, then they probably aren't for you.

 

[milemaker13]

I had an inexpensive stoger sxs 12ga and loved it, til it fell apart that is. Never got the hang of a pump. But recently decided to try again with a mav88. So far so good!
I've always wanted an over under, but they always keep them in separate glass display cases (out of my reach both physically and financially, lol)

 

[jaguarxk120]

As one guy signs off with this statement, "Life is too short to hunt with a ugly gun!"

Matters not what kind of gun you use, just have a nice one. Nice bluing and good wood make for a better hunt
no matter if the game bag is full or empty.

 

[hq]

As one guy signs off with this statement, "Life is too short to hunt with a ugly gun!"

Matters not what kind of gun you use, just have a nice one. Nice bluing and good wood make for a better hunt
no matter if the game bag is full or empty.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't get me wrong, I love my O/U:s and SxS:s, but the Benelli M3 is still my absolute favorite as far as sheer appearance is concerned. A "tactical" shotgun with extra fancy exhibition grade wood is a bit of a shock to many and while it's parkerized instead of blued and there's no engraving in sight, the stock has raised more than its fair share of eyebrows over the years. It's just so darn heavy compared to most of my shotguns that it's been gathering dust in safe way too much.

 

[jaguarxk120]

If the M3 is your absolute favorite, then it should be your go to gun.
The one that's always used first.
Mine is a 75 vintage Charles Daly O/U made by B.C. Miroku .

 

[huntsman]

^ about 20 years ago a friend let me handle his 20 gauge Daly and I tried in the worst way to buy it, even offering $500. My only shotgun regret was not getting that O/U.

 

[hq]

If the M3 is your absolute favorite, then it should be your go to gun.
The one that's always used first.

You're right about that. It is, whenever I reckon can handle the 8lbs+ and the inertia of the steel-ribbed 26" barrel. I really like that gun. For long walks I often choose Centro Supersport semiauto or a 16ga Valmet Leijona O/U, though...

 

[Ironhand54]

For me the simplicity of the O/U is appealing, especially in competition. I don't have to think about anything but the shot. No pumping, no action cycling, just point and shoot.

IronHand

 

[jaguarxk120]

The Centro is a very nice and at 7 pounds or under you can carry it anywhere.
I have a Franchi AL48 close, but not the same, and it is very light nice carry in the field.

 

[MCgunner]

As one guy signs off with this statement, "Life is too short to hunt with a ugly gun!"

Matters not what kind of gun you use, just have a nice one. Nice bluing and good wood make for a better hunt
no matter if the game bag is full or empty.

Ostentatious, don't ya think? I'm more impressed by the guy with an ugly gun that can USE it. Now, if you can use it and it suits you, pretty or not, who am I to complain? Don't misread me, though, I do appreciate a fine looking $80,000 double gun, just ain't gonna quit bird hunting because it costs more'n my house and I can't afford it.

 

[entropy]

Like I said in a concurrent thread, I shoot Trap with an 870 Tactical Magnum with a SpeedFeed pistol grip stock (with a 28" barrel on it), and have a decent avg. going for not having shot Trap for 30 years. But that didn't stop me from looking at an L.C. Smith field grade today at a flea market. He even had a decent price on it, low of funds for now.
Oh, I take the 870 Tactical Magnum to the Hunt Club for pheasants, too.

 

[jaguarxk120]

I will still use my O/U's shooting casual trap and for hunting. It feels good carrying a nice gun in the field.
At the trap range I'll use anything from a Charles Daly to Remington TB trap gun.
I have a few field model to choose from and do shoot.

I know there some people that can break clays with a 18 inch barreled HD gun, that's great.
Just not my cup of tea!

 

[MCgunner]

I do love to shoot doves with the 20 gauge O/U, but someone said it, a gas gun mitigates recoil. Seems like the hotter the load, the more mitigation. I shoot heavy 2 3/4" fasteel loads on ducks and my gas gun fits me well and is sweet to my shoulder. I don't think I'd wanna shoot ducks with an O/U. A case could be made for shooting teal with one, I suppose, little buzz bombs.