O/U Trap Gun for <$750?

[Hammilton]

I'm trying to find a decent over/under 12g I can use in trap competition for less than 750USD. I could go a bit more, probably, but if there is one in the 500USD range, that'd be awesome. Basically I want to get rid of my 11-87 and replace it with something more suitable for trap. My 11-87 was always perfect for me, never had a problem. I used it for trap when I was in high school and probably put about 2000 rounds through it before I relegated it to pheasant hunting. Now I can't get 20 rounds through it without having issues. I want to get it fixed and sell it before something else goes wrong!

Regardless of how much I love the gun, it's not right for trap competition. Sending shells flying at fellow competitors is bad form, and even a shell catch only holds the last round fired, the first will be on the ground if I fire two rounds.

So far I'm choosing between the following:

Mossberg Silver Reserve 28" O/U (I saw an advert for one at $540)
CZ Mallard 104A ($521) - has dual triggers, though
CZ Canvasback 103D ($758)
Stevens 512 ($665)
Remington Spartan SPR310 (under $400, I think)

I like the Mossberg, I think it's a pretty, decent gun, but I'm worried about all of the the reports of firing pins breaking when it reaches 1000 rounds. What I can find all seem to have been from 2005-2007, and reports that they had fixed it, but I can't find anyone who's saying that their fix actually fixed it.

The Mallard looks nice, and it's cheap, but the dual triggers thing is something I don't like. The more expensive Canvasback doesn't have that problem, but it's not nearly as nice looking for whatever reason.

I really like the Steven's 512, and I really like Savage Arms in general. How is it really though?

The Remington Spartan is super cheap, and it looks nice. What's wrong with it? I assume there's a really good reason it's cheap and those reasons will manifest themselves in down the road, much like the mossberg's.

I think I'm leaning toward the Mossberg Silver Reserve, if nothing else I could replace the firing pins right away and not wait for something to go wrong. I have a Mossberg pump that I like, which I've been shooting a lot lately, but I don't want to compete with a pump

 

[Anger]

I'm going to try the yaldiz which is an inexpensive o/u available at local academy sporting good stores here in Texas.

 

[bubbacrabb]

I have the 512, Im just a weekend warrior with it though. So far I've been very happy, it was pretty stiff the first 500 rounds, but is workable now. My girlfriend even enjoys shooting. I picked it up onsale for 500 at Dicks sporting good about 5 months ago. Good luck with your decision, I was torn between that and the mossy also. Im happy with my choice

 

[hopper810]

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=253741&sid=e33931b6c5d9b98fa591db55c79a720b

You might read this then make up your mind,if you going to get serious about shooting trap there are better options out there. Think used

In the long run the gun will be cheapest item you buy( gas,range fee's,shells etc-etc)you get the idea

 

[Frankl03]

I just purchased a Lanber 2097 Sporting Lux for $699 from CDNN. I haven't picked it up from my FFL yet. It has 30 inch barrels. I sprang for the extended chokes for an extra $30.00.

I'm looking forward to trying it out on the trap range.

 

[gunut]

Id first look 4 a used Browning Citori or Beretta 686....If you have to have a new one in that price range....Lanber is the way to go...

BTW...Your 11-87 should be fine...maybe a good strip down and going over...but a few thousand rounds is just a break in period....

 

[BloodyCactus]

lanber +1, they are EXCELLENT guns

 

[Hammilton]

I think I like the Lanber 2097. I think that's what I'll go with. Beautiful looking guns.

 

[ky40601]

I picked up a nice used Winchester Model 101 for under $600.

 

[451 Detonics]

I recently bought a Valmet 412 for $700 that had one box of shells through it. The key is not to be in a hurry and watch for a great deal on a used gun. You can watch gunbroker, your local state forum want ads, or keep an eye out here... http://www.armslist.com/ . Sadly today's economy is making for some really great gun deals of late in what would be considered non-essential guns.

 

[frankge]

I've had my Lanber 2097 for two years now and have been really happy. Got it at CDNN it was a "blem". I'll eventually upgrade - but would absolutely say its the tops of the low prices OUs

 

[tlatoani]

Lanber 2087 blem from cdnn. $450. love mine so far.

 

[Pete D.]

O/U?

I have always heard good reports about the Lanber.
Double triggers - I love them. A much easier choice between chokes when in the field. Pretty much instantaneous.
As for Trap.....you are only using one barrel for most Trap shooting. So... one trigger.
Guns....spend the money or part of it fixing the 11-87. Spend the rest on ammo.
My first Trap gun was a used Mossberg Country Squire pump gun, 30 inch, fixed full choke. I had thousands of shells through that gun...bought used for $250.
Pete

 

[jimbo-indy]

I shoot trap with a Stouger Condor Competition. Out the door at Dick's for about $600. Thought it was a good deal as it has adjustable comb stock and choke tubes. I have had some issues but was able to fix them myself but I happen to have a high mechanical aptitude. Stock was not properly inletted and would bind hammer springs, causing light strikes on primers and the trim between the barrels came loose and had to be reattached. Most probably wouldn't have put up with it. Spent some time at the pattern board to see where it shoots and got it adjusted to where it shoots 60/40. Top and bottom barrels shoot close to the same point. so now it works well for me. If I could have a do over, I'd look further, like a used gun of better maker.