What sets the $1k gun apart from the $2-3k? some is fit and finish, some
is practical features. For example the 725 line has mechanical triggers so
if the first barrel doesn't fire you can pull the trigger again to fire the
second barrel. Inertia trigger guns won't do that. The higher $$ gun will
probably have more decoration on the receiver and the wood (hehehe) but
it's still going to be machine produced. The engraving on the SP1 is done
by machine but still looks nice while the 725 has a rather boring laser
engraved pattern on it. I would expect a $2-3k gun to stay tight longer
but honestly we're talking about tens of thousands of shells and none of us
are going to get there so it's not as big a factor.
Erich hit the nail on the head; the best gun is the one that fits. The
caveat of course is it can't be an unreliable piece of shit. I shot my
first 2-3 seasons with a well used Beretta Silver Pigeon I and got to the
point where I could break in the low 20s consistently. I spent a lot of
time getting ready after stepping onto the pad though, a lot of shifting
around to get things just right. I shouldered up a Browning CX during one
of our Addieville outings and it just popped into the right spot. I put it
down at low ready and mounted it again and again it was in just the right
spot. After shouldering multiple Beretta and Browning guns I can say that
Brownings fit me better. I sold the SP1 to Mike K (one of Erich's son's
MIT buddies) and it fit him perfectly. When he shouldered my Browning it
didn't fit worth crap. I also need a good deal of "cast off" in my stocks
to bring the barrel to the correct point (even on the Browning) so I went
with an adjustable stock that's currently shifted strong 1/4" to the
right. Now I step onto the pad, put shells in, lift the gun and call for
the bird. My rhythm is faster because the gun fits right and I'm breaking
low to mid 20s consistently with the occasional straight.
Stew and Steve shoot SP1, Sean just got the Browning Cynergy CX, I have a
725 Sporting (and the new used gun I picked up last night). Shoot a couple
stations or whole round with each of those platforms to see what feels
best. Most of the other brands will fall into those two camps for fit.
As for one to do it all - the sporting models, 30" barrels might be a good
compromise but I can't say for hunting cause I only hunt orange disks.
I've shot a little under 5000 shells through the 725 over the past 2 years
and it's done great in skeet, sporting clays, 5 stand, and trap.
I don't have experience with the CZ but stay away from the turkish imports
if you are going to do a lot of shooting. the ones that shoot well shoot
well and the ones that don't are horrible....seems to be a real either or
and nothing in between. There's probably a bunch of different stuff out
there but in the world of OU guns Browning and Beretta own the $1-3k range
and both brands will get the job done for tens of thousands of shells.
That gun Sean picked up seems to be the winner at the price point...it's
not going to win any beauty contests but it looks well built and it's
destroying clays.
now if you have a little more $$ to spend we can talk about the K guns or
the Guerinis ;-). Probably don't want to be wandering around the woods
with those though
On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 7:25 PM Erich Thalheimer <thalheimer@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Brian,
I did quite a lot of research on this subject a couple years ago when I
was buying one for myself. Interesting that you use the CZ as an example.
I nearly bought that one. There are lots and lots of O/U shotguns in the
$1k to $2k range that will serve you for all sporting needs and hunting.
All the shotgun guys will correctly tell you, it all comes down to what
gun fits you best. I ultimately narrowed my search down to the Beretta
Silver Pigeon vs. the Browning Citori White Lightning - both costing around
$2k. I went with the Browning after getting a chance to lift both of them
to my shoulder. The Browning, which has a higher action profile, pointed
much better for me. The Beretta with its lower profile was difficult for
my eye to find. Beretta lovers will tell you they choose theirs for the
same reason - personal fit and preference. I also liked the idea of the
all steel receiver better with the Browning than the aluminum one on the
Berettas.
Will you be at Saturday's indoor match? I'll be there, we can share notes.
Erich Thalheimer
INCE Board Certified Acoustical Engineer
27 Peterson Road, Natick, MA 01760
H: (508) 651-9772
C: (617) 785-8249
Thalheimer@xxxxxxx
www.ErichThalheimer.com
-----Original Message-----
From: hsa-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:hsa-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Brian Laska
Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2019 7:13 PM
To: hsa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [hsa] Looking for advice on a versatile O/U shotgun
I�m not what you would call a shotgun guy (yet), but I�ve shot skeet a
little bit this year (literally starting Jan 1), and I really enjoy it -
been getting better and better every round - with a lot of help from many
of the folks here.
Question One: That said, I am looking for an over/under shotgun that is a
bit versatile, meaning I�d like to use it for skeet/trap/clays as well as
bird hunting. Am I asking too much for one gun?
Question Two: There are too many options out there, so I suppose my
question comes to cost vs quality� As a newbie to the sport & hunting, what
sets a $1k CZ O/U apart from a $2-3k Browning?
All advice is appreciated.
Brian
