I don't do shotguns so would like some help in making a rec to him.

He says his budget is $1000, though I'd guess that could stretch to $1200.

He wants to shoot clay pigeons a few times a year + a little waterfowling. He's in Central CA but grew up in Nebraska shooting ducks so knows the game. The trap/skeet thing would be more about socializing than getting seriously into it.

He owns no guns currently so isn't tied to any particular brand, but wants something solid with current parts availability and steel shot capability.

New or used is fine, and I could help him out with the various 2nd hand sources.

Any help here is most appreciated!

Get a used Beretta Silver Pigeon

Thanks but it looks like those are more in the $1,800+ range.
That class gun without much adornment/engraving might be ideal.

quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
Get a used Beretta Silver Pigeon

1k over under. Just junk at that price point.

You might be able to sneak a Citori for that but instead of going for a lower quality gun to beat a grand, just get a nice auto loader like the Urika.

Saw a couple of 686 Onyx on Guns International for 1200 and less. Don't be afraid of the used market

Plain jane 686 might be the ticket for him. I'll tell him to begin by shouldering that one at some shops.

My Browning Citori has a couple hundred thousand rounds through it and is still going strong...

You get what you pay for and there are not many quality O/U at that price range. I would be patient and look for a used Browning Citori or Ruger Red Label. The bargain Turkish and Italian imports are junk.

I would get a Browning or Beretta, weatherby, or Win 101.
To get one of these you will have to look at used, but in my opinion you will be far better off than buying one of the cheaper brands new.
If you can stretch the finances, look for a used Beretta.

If part of the diet he intends to feed it is steel, then he would be better off avoiding a double altogether. The better ones have thin barrels that can be ruined by steel shot. The later ones made for steel shot are generally the less expensive and therefore are heavier, clunkier models.

If a person intends to waterfowl (legally) then they are best off with a dedicated shotgun made for steel shot. A more delicate double (either O/U or SxS) which would be appropriate for targets or upland game should be his second shotgun (and also should be in something like a 20 gauge.)

If your friend insists on a new O/U for $1,000 take a look at the Franchi line. He should be able to get one of those guns for around that price. I'd also look for a used Beretta or Browning but anything in real good shape will probably be more than $1K.

With patience your friend can find an older Winchester 101 in your price range that will be the best value for his money. This will almost certainly be a fixed choke model. Screw in chokes will likely cost several hundred above that price level. They were sold relatively cheaply for many years and it should be no real problem to find one with a relatively light use history. They are very tough guns that rarely break. They are heavier than some but light weight is NOT your friend when shooting a shotgun. Carrying it is a different matter.

Depending on what he intends to do with it, I'd prefer a IC/mod barrels for general hunting use to Mod/Full. If it was going to be an all around gun, I might consider getting a Mod/Full and opening it up to IC/IM, my favorite hunting choke combination. Even tho all my 101s are screw in chokes, I almost never change them unless the situation is out of the ordinary (long range pass shooting or preserve birds would be examples). I just gave a LW 101 (tubes) to my son to try and see how it works for him as he shoots for UT.

Thanks for the recs guys. My buddy is out of country at present but I'll refer him to this page.

Used Browning Citori or Beretta Silver Pigeon 686, 687,....

I have a used Browning Citori O/U very good condition 16 Guage $950.00 made 1998.

PAH..

cynergy's are sweet

Take a look at the CZ Redhead deluxe, lot of gun for the money, under $1k online. I just bought one in 20 gauge.