Shotgun help

[Wolfy]

I have a friend who needs help picking out a shotgun the criteria are as follows.


OU
less than $700
Wood stock
Medium weight
Skeet/ Sporting clays


Please help me out with recommendations.

 

[kudu]

OK for that price range there is some economy type O/U's available, but like always you get what you pay for. If I only had the $700 to play with I would look real hard for a used Browning, Beretta, or Ruger. To get one of these new start around $1000 depending on models.

For someone who wants the gun for skeet and sporting clays, spend the extra money for a durable gun that will last and has good warrenty work available.

I mean a round of 100 sporting clays is gonna set you back about $30-$40 depending where your at plus shells, you have up to $60 in a one day shoot. A good gun is a small investment compared to the cost of shooting. It's all relative of how and where to spend the money. A 870 for $200 and spend the rest on shells.?

 

[rust collector]

There are more economical O/Us available now than there have been in a long time. Assuming your friend is just going to try things out and doesn't want to invest heavily until he sees how he likes it, a Khan, Baikal or Stoeger may work for him. He would need to be sure and play with one to see if works for him before buying, but he has some options.

I agree that a lightly used higher quality double is a better long term investment. If he gets serious about the sport he'll want to trade up pronto. Nonetheless, he can get his feet wet inexpensively as long as he understands that he won't get get a Perazzi or Piotti for the price he's paying.

 

[Wolfy]

If it was my gun I would buy a Beretta but my friend can't justify that cost factor. He is comfortable with $700 so I told him I would do some research.


What about the EAA SXS?

 

[Preacherman]

If he wants a gun for the long term, the Baikal (now offered by Remington in their Spartan line) is the toughest O/U I've ever seen... the darn thing's built like a tank! Of course, it doesn't handle quite as easily as a lighter gun, but then, in a cheaper O/U, a lighter gun isn't going to last as long.

 

[wardog]

For that price, I would suggest a Huglu.

I've got a Huglu O/U and I love it. I paid $700 if I remember correctly. Excellent value, great fit and finish. Most people assume it cost well over $1K. They were/are imported by ARMSCO and CZ just recently anounced they are importing them. I got a chance to look at my dealer's price list and catalog from CZ, and if you can avoid a high priced gun shop several of the models should come in right around $700. (No info on CZ's website about the Huglus yet though.)

Video Clip
http://www.cvpproductions.com/ARMSCO-Commercial-WMV.html

http://hugluarmsco.com/

Another guy sells them under his name as well. Some good photos and info, including prices here.
http://www.dhshotguns.com/