O/U Shotgun Question...

[logistixz]

I just started shooting a lot of clay games (trap, skeet) and my question is, is it worth it for me to purchase a low end o/u gun like a stoeger or mossberg, or should i just keep renting what i can get at the local range (browning, huglu) and wait until i can afford a nicer setup.

[southpaw02]

Hi,

Here is my take.

Instead of the new low end gun. How about a used higher end gun,Browning,Beretta,SKB I did the same thing last year and opted for the used gun. I found a used Ithaca/SKB for about the same price as the Condor. The Condor I was taking a long look at as well.

The best piece of advice I can give you is get what you want and what fits.

SP

[logistixz]

sounds like good advice, a lot of people are telling me to go big or go home though and i feel like thats being a little biased? i figure see whats in my price range, see what fits best and i should be good to go? im just worried about reliability as skeet/trap guns take a pounding with as many shells they'll see through them

[goodoleboy]

southpaw has a point, find a good used o/u, that you can tell is sound, and just make sure you keep it well maintained. There shouldn't be a problem in terms of reliability and you'll have a nice shotgun to boot.

[logistixz]

i found a used nikko 5000 26" barrels at a local pawn shop. from what i know this is the same as the old winchester 101, the gun looks like it was barely used but does anybody know if using 26" barrels will limit my abilities in certain clay games?

[southpaw02]

Yes Sir, the Nikko is the same as a Winchester 101, similar to the Charles Daly/ Mikoru is the same as a Citori.

I am not a big fan of 26 inch barrels on a O/U. I prefer a longer barrels. So IMO the shorter tubes could be problematic. But that is just me.

Did you get to shoot it? I realize that could be a problem, some places will not let you shoot said gun.

So, are there any rentals with 26 inch tubes at your range? That would answer some of your questions regarding the 26 inch barrels.

I would be skeptical of the go big or go home advice. That sounds like some one who does not want to help, or has more money than brains. My apologies if I have offended anyone.

You touched on it though, skeet/trap guns tend to take a pounding, 20 to 50 thousand round or more per year. So I will repeat it a used higher end gun will more than likely give you better service than a new lower end gun.

Again, I will repeat this, get what YOU like and what fits. If that means taking a little more time about getting what you want then so be it. After all it is what you feel comfortable with. Not the go big or go home crowd.

Sorry about the rant. I tend to do that from time to time.

If I can help feel free to contact me.

SP

[logistixz]

thanks for all of your help! i really like the browning citori, as ive shot it many times since my local skeet range rents them out. only problem is they are at the higher end of my price range, cheapest ive found is 1400 used for a citori white lightning. ill just have to keep an open mind to all of my options and possibly find a store with a wider selection of o/u's for me to feel

[southpaw02]

I am sure you will find something you like. IMO looking is half the fun.

In the mean time I poked about on line and came up with these.
www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=134244512

www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=133783253

www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=133850450

www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=134182321

www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=133787546

The first 2 are Citoris. The next 2 are Ithaca/SKB and the last one is a Winchester 101.
Don't discount the older fixed choke models they are usually a lot less expensive.

I hope this helps. Good luck searching.