best O/U shotgun?

[Plain Lucky]

Seeking opinions from those who have shot lots of rounds through an over and under.

I've owned and shot a lot of shotguns over the years but have somehow not ever owned an over and under. At some point in the not too distant future, I'd like to buy a nice one in a 410 or 28 gauge. This will be a significant expense on a gun that I plan to keep forever so I want to get it right. It would be used for dove and quail hunting, maybe some skeet on occasion, and of course just pulling out of the safe and admiring when I can't find the time to hunt. As far as budget, I'd say $1,000 - $3,000. I believe the Beretta Grade V has been my favorite based solely on appearance and I've drooled over them for years. I know Citori, Winchester, and Zoli just to name a few also make a very nice O/U. I'm not at all opposed to a used shotgun either.

[Winman]

I am in your budget range . From my own experience I offer this. I have a 20 ga.Browning Citori ultralight. It is chambered for 2-3/4 length shells only.It has interchangeable chokes. I sent it to Magna Port for them to do their magic...I then added an adjustable butt plate. My total was around$2500. I would highly suggest the 20 ga over the 410 or the 28 due to shell costs and availability...on sale,you would save 50% on shooting. I don't hunt waterfowl so there is no problems in choice of available ammo. All in 2-3/4 in is readily available.

[Plain Lucky]

Thank you sir. The savings in shell costs is undeniable but really not a concern. On an average year I probably shoot 7 boxes of shells so at a savings of $7 per box it costs an extra $50 bucks per year to shoot the gauge I enjoy the most. Yes that adds up over time and would eventually even pay for the gun but hunting is all about doing what we enjoy.

Do you love the Citori Ultralight? Anything that you would do differently?

[Mud Shark]

I really like my Citori as well. It’s a 12 ga, but love it. Ruger red labels are also very nice

[Smart]

best O/U shotgun?

I am a big fan and owner of a Browning 725 20 gauge. It's a little more slimline like the Beretta but with the same Browning fit. I have the 32" Sporting model ... love it.

[8pointer]

Beretta silver pigeon

[WBT]

The Beretta is a good choice and I don't think you'll regret buying one. However, I'd strongly suggest you look for a basic Browning Superposed. They're fantastic guns that will only appreciate in value. The craftsmanship of the Belgian Brownings is a cut above anything produced today. I can't recommend the .410 though.

[TexMax]

If someone says yildiz or cz in this thread I swear

[texas shag]

look at berettas, B. Rizinni, and fausti. They all make a fine shotgun in your price range. I would say the fit and finish on their guns exceed their american competition, and most importantly, if you go sub-gauge, they make scaled frame guns. Thus you would be hunting with a 28 gauge or 410 on a proper frame, not smaller barrels on a 20 gauge frame.

If you are willing to look at older guns, I would highly suggest investigating browning belgium made superposed shotguns.These guns were made in the 50's, 60's and 70's and are all hand machined (no stamped parts). They are super fine guns, and can be had for 2-3K in good shape. A new gun of their quality would cost 6k+ from any manufacturer. The only downfall to these guns is they will only shoot lead or plated shot. No steel shot thru the barrels. But if you dont plan to hunt ducks, that shouldn't be a problem.

here are a couple of examples of the Browing superposed:

http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/browning-belgium-shotguns-o-u-superposed/browning-superposed-long-tang-quot-lightning-quot-20-gauge-ic-im-chokes-28-quot-.cfm?gun_id=100952471

http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/browning-belgium-shotguns-o-u-superposed/browning-superposed-lightning-20-gauge.cfm?gun_id=100946926

haha look at that, while I was typing up my long winded post, WBT beat me to it.

[Ohio Darin]

Hands down Beretta. Have a silver pigeon 1 sporting in 20ga and a 692 in 12ga. Number 2 choice would be Caesar Guerini Woodlander. You'll be hard pressed to find a finer gun than the silver pigeon at it's price point. Check gunbroker for used guns if anything to see which ones hold their value in case you ever change your mind or need to move it.

[Shane]

Look at all the ones mentioned and pick the one that fits you best. Close your eyes and bring the gun up to your shoulder like you're about to shoot a bird. Open your eyes. Are you looking straight down the barrel at the bead, or do you see the whole top of the barrel? If it comes up naturally to the point where you see nothing but the bead and feels like it's part of you, then buy that one.

[TexMax]

look at berettas, B. Rizinni, and fausti. They all make a fine shotgun in your price range. I would say the fit and finish on their guns exceed their american competition, and most importantly, if you go sub-gauge, they make scaled frame guns. Thus you would be hunting with a 28 gauge or 410 on a proper frame, not smaller barrels on a 20 gauge frame.

.

My next post. I haven't shot them all. Berettas fit me but if your going to shoot a 28 or 410 make sure it's a small frame

[J-DUB]

IMO, go and try as many as possible at a range, or gun shop to see what fits you best. there was a story on here this week about a skeet champion that bought a 52k shotgun, and he shot his 1k Browning a lot better, but used the high dollar gun instead. for me a Citori fits best.

[texas shag]

Look at all the ones mentioned and pick the one that fits you best. Close your eyes and bring the gun up to your shoulder like you're about to shoot a bird. Open your eyes. Are you looking straight down the barrel at the bead, or do you see the whole top of the barrel? If it comes up naturally to the point where you see nothing but the bead and feels like it's part of you, then buy that one.

This is true, but if you like the looks/weight/lines of one that doesn't fit you just perfect, you can have a gunsmith bend the stock to fit your needs. Keep that in mind as well.

Frankly, most production guns don't have the proper cast and drop to fit most people for optimum shooting.

[Balcones_Walker]

Beretta silver pigeon

x2 it'll make you want an o/u