Retirement Gift, Help Me Decide

[chas08]

I'm retiring from my job of almost 33 years soon, and I want to commemorate the occasion with the purchase of a quality O/U. I've owned a Browning Citori before, and I know they fit me well, better than the Berettas do.

I'm leaning toward a 16ga White Lightning. Does anyone know if they are scaled to gauge? I've been unable to find one in a gunshop. So if I go this route I'll probably have to buy sight unseen from an auction site.

I like the odd gauges, so I'm not interested in a 12 or a 20. I have held, and swung, a 28ga Lightning at a local shop, it was very nice and might also be considered. I plan to spend up to $2k but not much more.

This gun will be used almost exclusively for Dove with an occasional clay game thrown in. It may also be used for a Pheasant hunt in the future before I'm too old to walk.(lol)

 

[oneounceload]

You might want to ask here:

http://www.16ga.com/

It is my understanding that Browning makes two frame sizes - 12 and 20 and fits everything else to them. I have heard there were rumors that some models and special runs were made, but I cannot confirm or deny the truth of those.

If a SxS can be included, AyA, Uggie, and the others from Spain (used) would be in your budget range and built on a scaled receiver.

If a 28 is in the mix, Cesar Guerini and Beretta both make scaled O/U.

With the "almost exclusive" use for dove, the 28 would get my nod. Ammo,. while not cheap, IS readily available - even in Walmart. If you reload, the low shot volume will save you than the 16

I envy your conundrum!

Good luck!

 

[chas08]

Thanks for the reply oneounce. I did compare a pair of field grade Citori's in the shop I mentioned. One in 20ga and one in 28ga. They were different sized recievers on each one. The 28ga was considerably smaller and was truly a dream to handle.

Ammo availability and price isn't a real concern. I buy my ammo by the flat online and the UPS man delivers. I'm not a high volume shooter, 500 to 1000 rounds in a year has been the norm here of late since old man arthritis has taken up residence in my shoulder.

I'm fond of the 16 because it was my Grandfathers gauge of choice for his only shotgun, and they can be loaded heavy to a medium 12ga. or loaded light to a light 20ga. But what truly makes them great is when they are scaled to gauge. That is the bit of information I'm lacking on the Browning O/U's. The BPS's appear to be, but they run heavy anyway.

 

[oneounceload]

Here ya go - Browning on scaled receivers:

http://www.billhanusbirdguns.com/browning16.html

Looks like he has one model left - but you can get the model names and start looking around

 

[chas08]

Thanks once again oneounce. I'll start looking, severance package doesn't come until August 1, so I have some time.

 

[Hotshot10]

My friend has a 16-gauge Citori that I have shot, so Browning definitely does make them. I do have to say, though, that his gun kicked just as hard as my 12-gauge Citori, which kind of surprised me.

Any way you go with a Citori, you can't go wrong.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

I looked at one at Gander. I'm about 90% sure it was scaled to 16 size. As far as I can remember all of Browning O/Us are scaled to gauge. With the exception of 4 barrel Skeet set.

 

[Kendal Black]

Sounds like you like the 28 Citori. (Who wouldn't?) Arthritis is not one of those things that improves with age. If the smaller gun will do the jobs you have outlined, this may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

If it will do almost all of what you want, get the 28, plus a 12 gauge pump and a tube of Ben Gay for the other targets.

 

[chas08]

Any way you go with a Citori, you can't go wrong.

I agree, I owned one for about fifteen years, lost it in the flood of 98. It's time for another one. They fit me right out of the box, at least my old one did.

I tried a Beretta White Onyx, a very nice gun also, but the LOP was too long for me. I'd have to get it cut and padded before I could use it effectively.

As for that 28ga. it's not out of the running. There may someday be room in my budget for both. It may even be first.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

Check out the CZ wingshooter. They are made in all the popular guages including 28. A realy well made and beautiful shotgun for under $1000.

 

[Hotshot10]

I tried a Beretta White Onyx, a very nice gun also, but the LOP was too long for me. I'd have to get it cut and padded before I could use it effectively.

That's a nice gun, too, and they handle and shoot about the same. I tried one out before I bought my Citori. I wanted porting, though, and I couldn't find any on the Onyx. That, and that high-gloss finish on the Onyx can be a pain to deal with.

 

[451 Detonics]

I owned a 16 gauge Gran Lightning (Grade V) years ago and and have kicked myself in the ass ever since I sold it. It was scaled smaller than the 12's and shot like a dream but when I was offered double what I paid for it I sold it...bad move on my part.