Questions I never thought I'd ask: Help with O/U purchase

[Snarlingiron]

Ok, I have always wanted a nice Over / Under, but had pretty much decided that I just wasn't going to part with that kind of money. I am a serious clays shooter, but don't shoot competitively. Those of you that follow these threads know I am a huge fan of the Beretta 390, but the O/U calls to me. Besides, a buddy just got one and I can finance the bulk of the deal with the sale of an unused AR. So I have some questions and I am hoping some of you can help me out.

1. I have found a couple of Berettas that are in my budget. What are the differences between the White Onyx, the Onyx, and the Silver Perdiz? Are they essentially cosmetic? I will say if I had no monetary restraints, I would just walk into a store and buy a White Onyx. I really like the machined finish. The gun fits me well.

2. I have also found a plethora of used Browning Citori's. So, what is the difference between the Citori and the Citori Lightening? What is the difference between the Citori and the Cynergy? I shouldered a Citori at a shop the other day and it seemed to weigh a ton, noticeably heavier than the Beretta 687.

3. Where does the Winchester 101 (the new one) fall into the FN made line up?

4. There are lots of great deals on SKB made Weatherby Orions, so that is another possibility.

I am fortunate to be able to rent Berettas and Brownings at a couple of local clubs, and I intend to do that prior to buying. My budget is around $1600.00.

 

[oneounceload]

All Beretta 686/687 series are mechanically the same - bling is the difference

Don't overlook SKB's by themselves - they make good target guns

Browning Cynergy is a different gun (and some say not as good), as the Browning Citori series. The 525 and 625 are good target guns

Odds are this - buy the gauge you want, because Brownings and Berettas are different animals FIT wise. Find the one that fits YOU the best - this will result in a minimal of tweaking to get the fit just right. One is NOT better or worse than the other - just different.

IMO, the SKB's tend to be more similar in design, fit and feel to the Beretta

Have fun with your quest - renting and trying is the smart thing to do

 

[Dave McCracken]

All 680 series Berettas share the same mechanics and action. The 686E does have a replaceable part for really high volume shooting, but the need for that is several hundred thousand rounds away.

The big difference between Berettas is cosmetic.

My W/O is holding up well. With some judiciously added weight, it comes in at 8 lbs at the curb.

The Orions,IMO, are more high end field guns, though plenty of folks disagree.

Haven't shot a new 101 yet.

Do rent a few first. That's what I did and why I ended up with the W/O with 32" barrels.

Citoris are decent guns but on the heavy side.

 

[ShowMe2]

My experience has been primarily with Citoris and I did purchase a Belgium-built Winchester (Platinum Sporting) a couple of years ago at the recommendation of a gunsmith-friend of mine who had handled one and liked the quality.

I'm just a recreational clay shooter who shoots a variety of guns, but over the past couple of years the Winchester has become my go-to gun, and the Citoris and the Remington 1100's stay home. IMO the overrall fit and finish of the FN-built guns is just as good as a Browning / Beretta at hundreds of dollars less.

 

[d2wing]

Which one points at the target when you bring it to your shoulder. Things like cast off, pull length and more are different so pick the one that fits you best. I am very happy with my 686 Onyx. I like the fit, balance and the weight.

 

[sfc_mark]

I love the balance and light weight on my 687 (SP II). I had almost decided on the Onyx Reserve before I found this one on sale for a couple hundred bucks off.

A good friend has the Cynergy Classic Sporting. It's also wonderful, if a bit unconventional in appearance. The looks are enough to turn some off, but it has grown on me somewhat.

IMO, both handle/swing better than the Citoris, but then I could as easily have bought the White Lightning.

Bottom line: Test shoulder/swing as many as you can, and pick the one that feels best to you. Of the three (686/7, Cynergy, Citori), I doubt you will come away disappointed.

 

[BRad704]

I got to shoot my dad's Franchi Renaissance this past weekend... wow Wow WOW!!! Handled like a dream!!!

Stock image from website, but his is the same...