Rifle vs Shotgun Purchase

[dak0ta]

Hi,

I have the option of a Belgian FN Browning Auto 5 (1965) Light 12 for $325 or a Husqvarna FN Model 98 Mauser in 8mm Mauser for $350. Both are classic designs that speak to me. I've always wanted a mauser that shoots 8x57 mauser, but I've shot a Auto 5 and it's a dream to shoot! What would you guys pick and why? Ideally I'd get both too!

 

[heeler]

What is the intended purpose of the firearms??

 

[dak0ta]

M98 would be hunting/range. Auto 5 for trap/skeet/sporting clays

 

[doc2rn]

What do you intend to do more? Skeet/ trap= shotgun
Hunting/ target = rifle.

 

[belercous]

Both are pretty good deals. I'm a target shooter so I'd go with the Mauser. But $350 for a Belgian Browning A5 is a great deal too. The forestock of an A5 tends to crack cuz the wood is thin, inspect that part. Look for the decal inside to see if it's original.

My advice; get both if you can afford it, if not, pawn a kidney and then get both. Those are good prices if the guns are in decent shape, if they're in excellent shape, check to make sure they're not stolen.

 

[dak0ta]

The auto 5 comes with both a synthetic stock and the original wooden stock. no vent rib, not sure of choke, but probably fixed full? some scuffs on the finish but nothing major.

 

[dak0ta]

Heck, I'm getting both!

 

[ZCORR Jay]

Getting both is the simplest solution.

 

[oneounceload]

The A5, while a nice shotgun in its day, is not really what you want for skeet or sporting clays. Light loads are a nemesis, recoil action many will cite as being "slow", fixed full choke only applies to handicap trap and is a hindrance for skeet or sporting clays -

in short, while it is an excellent gun - for the applications you have listed, I would get the rifle if only one was my option.....(and I am a BIG sporting clays shooter)

 

[Hocka Louis]

I am not a fan of the "well what do you want to use it for" answering of a question with a question. I dunno, they usually seem like unnecessary and condescending non-answer anwsers. You know they are different guns and you want both -- that is established. These aren't necessities! And like everyone on THR you are above average and probably aren't confusing one gun for the other, so, you know what you want and why. The question really is what is the best deal for the money I feel.

Well, although it is a shooter with some pedigree, 8mm's sure have gone up in price in recent years. And the Auto 5 is very nice but is aged and isn't a Sweet 16. So, I'm PASSING on BOTH unless there's a hole in

1. my collection
2. my wallet
3. my head

 

[BIGGBAY90]

Heck, I'm getting both!

Thats the answer