Seeking Over/Under Advice

[archerben]

I'm considering picking up my first over/under shotgun. Initially, I was very intrigued by the Browning Citori, however, as I've looked around I have found that they simply don't fit me. I have found the same problem with both Berettas and Ruger Red Labels as well. The only two guns that I've found that do fit me are the CZ Woodcock and the Fausti Stefano Volo Deluxe, and thus have narrowed my search down to these two guns. I know very little about either and have not been able to find much information about the Fausti Stefano line of guns. Although, everything that I have read about their higher end guns has been good. The CZ seems to have a variety of mixed opnions and thus has me leaning more towards the Fausti at this point. Could anybody here comment on these to guns?

Thanks,

Ben

 

[ArmedBear]

Fausti now makes guns for Weatherby.

http://www.weatherby.com/

SKB did until recently; I think the geometry is similar. Check them out, too. Excellent guns.

http://www.skbshotguns.com/

A bunch of Fausti's for cheap: http://www.cdnninvestments.com/ download the catalog.

I won't buy anything Turkish. I've known too many people who have had problems with the things (CZ's are actually Huglu shotguns re-badged). Others will differ, but that's my opinion.

Now what is it that doesn't fit you? The Woodcock seems to fit me okay, though I haven't shot one. But so does a Beretta. I'm no fan of the Citori, though that has more to do with balance and weight than with fit. I'm not sure how a Woodcock would fit you if a Beretta doesn't (Berettas come with two different buttpads, also). Can you elaborate?

 

[bannockburn]

archerben

It might also help if you could tell us what you plan to use the O/U for; sporting clays, trap, skeet, upland game, etc. I'm also curious by your statement that certain guns don't fit you. Is the length of pull too long or too short? Do you need an adjustable cheekpiece for the stock? Many of these fit problems can be easily rectified by some add-on accessories, or modified by a gunsmith. I've never really liked the feel or the balance of the Citoris, but give me a Beretta O/U, and I'm in shotgun heaven.

 

[archerben]

Concerning the fit, the comb of the stock is too low on every Ruger, Beretta, & Browning that I've shouldered. To elaborate, when I get my cheek down on the stock I'm looking at the back of the rib or the lever used to open the action, depending on the gun, and I cannot see the bead. I seem to have this problem with a lot of shotguns. I just reshimmed my Super Black Eagle over the weekend to correct this problem for that gun. I pulled the C Shim out (which was in it when I bought it) and replaced it with the A Shim. Now it fits me well.

 

[archerben]

Sorry, I forgot to mention the intended use. I plan to use it for skeet and upland game hunting.

 

[BozemanMT]

Have you thought of getting one with an adjustable comb? As it sounds like that it what you need.

 

[kentucky_smith]

Friends don't let friends buy Turkish shotguns. Get a Fausti. (I'll admit I've become enamored of these of late)

 

[archerben]

So how do you go about getting a shotgun with an adjustable comb? I've seen a couple on the shelves, but they have a price tag about double what I'd like to spend, and it seems as though the extra components involved would just make the gun heavy. Can you have a stock modified to include an adjustable comb?

 

[ArmedBear]

Yes. Sometimes, it's not too expensive. Depends if you can find someone in your area who will do it.

However, if you know that the stocks on most guns are too low, you can start perusing web sites for dimensions.

Compare them. Typical drop will be 1.5" at comb, 2.5" at heel. Find guns that are straighter (comb and heel numbers closer together) and/or higher (drop is smaller).

 

[BozemanMT]

starting at around 1500 on up
here's a sample

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976937211/Guns/Shotguns/Franchi-Shotguns/Renaissance_Classic_Sporting.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/91494240...ns/ZOLI_VERONA_LX_980_12_GA_30_W_ADJ_COMB.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976995744/Guns/Shotguns/Rizzini-Shotguns/RIZZINI_VERTEX.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/93589719...TA_682X_TRAP_WITH_FACTORY_ADJUSTABLE_COMB.htm

anyway, you get the idea
LOTS out there.
in that same price range for certain. My friend has a 682 beretta with the adjustable stock and it works fine for him.

 

[Cougfan2]

Anyone know who distributes Fausti here in the U.S.?

 

[ArmedBear]

Weatherby does, now.

CDNN has a lot of Fausti models available right now for good prices. Download their catalog.

I don't know if anyone will sell Fausti under its own name now that Weatherby is selling their guns (and unlike with their SKBs, Weatherby is actually using the name Fausti Stefano Arms in their literature).

http://www.faustistefanoarms.com/azienda.asp

 

[RNB65]

Buy the gun you like and then have a gunsmith modify the stock to fit you. Don't let the stock dictate which gun you buy.
.

 

[archerben]

Anyone know who distributes Fausti here in the U.S.?

I've been looking at them at Cabelas. They sell them under the Fausti Stefano name.

 

[kentucky_smith]

Fausti's are sold by Cabela's, like AB said, Weatherby's are made by them, the LC Smith Marlin's are same (not sure how long that's going to last though...)and anytime you see an E. Rizzini, you're looking at a Fausti.

I just ordered one of the Fausti Elegant's CDNN is selling for my wife's Valentine's Day present. 20ga, extractors, $489. Will report when it gets here.