Re-posting from shotgun thread; not much activity there.

posted 05 January 2024 21:48
Competition days are gone and the only shotgun left in the safe is a Beretta A400 Multi Target (12 ga in nice shape). Bought new when ATA trap became too taxing. Thinking about a 20ga O/U or S/S for casual trap, skeet, 5 stand or sporting clays. Any ideas out there?

A S/S seems appropriate for an old fart and I really appreciate an adjustable stock, but I don's see any on S/S guns. Thoughts/suggestions most welcome.

TNX Mike

What do you want to spend? You can get a gun SxS built to your specifications and stock dimensions from Upland Gun Company starting around $2200.

Thanks loud-n-boomer, I'll take a look at that site. I think my a400 is worth $2500-$2900(?) so this is in the range I seek.

Mike

General consensus is that the O/U is a little easier to shoot (as in break more clays) than a sxs. I am a sxs guy and prefer them as that is what I grew up with and like. However, some guys have a little trouble getting used to them. There are a lot more choices in your price ranch for an O/U as well. Lots of good Italian guns as well as Browning among others.

bghntr416, Thanks for the response. I have used O/U shotguns for trap, skeet, sporting, 5 stand, and hunting since the 60's. Am quite familiar with them and like them. That said, a S/S for an old man to shoot now and then sounded tempting.

Mike

I won a Beretta Silver Pigeon 20ga in a gun raffle. I'd never owned a high end shotgun (I realize a Beretta is paltry compared to some shotguns) and was floored at how nice of a gun it is. I figured I would sell it, but it has fast become my favorite dove gun. Lightweight, points and shoots great.

I sent you a PM.

You might have a look at the Dickinson shotguns as well. I don't have personal experience with them but have heard that they are decent.

I bought a beautiful Franci Highlander sxs 20 ga.
I use it for most of my upland hunting, in good weather. They turn up at Cabelas and online. Well worth a look.

quote:

Originally posted by bghntr416:
You might have a look at the Dickinson shotguns as well. I don't have personal experience with them but have heard that they are decent.

Agree with the Dickinson. I have a 20 guage sxs that was marketed by Smith and Wesson for a few years and same gun is now called a Dickinson. I have pricier sxs in my safe but the S&W is very nicely finished for its price and a nice shooter.
FYI there are a number a very pricey sxs out there that are very poorly regulated. I suggest a pattern test before purchase if posssible.

Also consider FAIR shotguns. You can buy them from stock or special order one. Their sxs Iside models come in 12,16, 20, 28 and 410. I have a 28 special order left hand double trigger gun that Zi like a lot. And they are well within your price range.

I mentioned patterning a shotgun gun first if possible. I admit that I have never followed my own advice, However my brother recently purchased a brand new AyA in 20 guage from a reputable retailer that would be well known by fellow forum members. He is an experience shotgunner and just couldn't break clays with any degree of success. He patterned it, and the point of impact at 20 yards was nearly five feet apart from right or left barrels!! when he called the dealer he was told "yeah that happens sometimes. call the manufacturer".