[Izenrok]

Recently started shooting sporting clays and trap and really enjoy it. I have been borrowing semi auto benenllis and berettas and over-under kolhar, remington, beretta, and Brownings. I really like the over-unders and would like to get some opinions and thoughts on the best o-u shotgun for around $2k or under. Can my FTF friends provide some feedback?

Thanks.

[tonydewar]

imho beretta used 686 800+ 687 1000+ 682 2200 and up thay aint gona let you down and you wont wear them out and even the least expensive ones are pretty aint gonna knock any of the "B " or "k" guns but if your gonna shoot a bunch stay away from stoger

[tonydewar]

welcome to the forum its good to see someone looking for more than sd or zombiee killers here shoot sporting and trap myself

[Virginian]

The Brownings and Berettas seem to be the predominant brands you see in use by the O/U crowd, other than the "money is no object" Krieghoff, Perazzi, etc. bunch. Well, you will see the guys with the cheap O/Us, but I would discount all of those, and the cheap SxSs, from the start. I'm not an O/U guy, but both of those brands do seem to be well built and work well. Different handling characteristics and such, but both are good guns I think. The ONLY O/U that ever even tempted me was a svelte little Beretta 28 gauge. Very solid little gun with great dynamics. I would look at them and decide which feels best to you.

[Slugo]

If I was in the hunt for my first good quality O/U it would bet the excellent Beretta 686 White Onyx Sporter. Retails for over $2K, but they can be had new for $1850 or so. 12 gauge with 30" barrels would be a terrific life long gun...

[LUBrowningBoy]

I've been shooting skeet and sporting clays competetively for about 8 years now. All I have owned is Browning up until last winter when I got a Zoli. However, I have had opportunities to shoot alot of different guns. IMO you can't beat a Beretta 686 or a Browning 425 or 525. If you are a bigger guy like me, you might tend to stray to the larger framed Brownings

[Slugo]

I'm a big guy too and agree with LUBB. Here are my primary 12 gauge target guns. Both Browning Citoris with 30" barrels and purchased in the mid 90's...

325...


Lightning Sporting Clays...


Great guns to say the least...

[Izenrok]

Thank you all for your recommendations. I will be looking for a used Beretta (686, etc) and Browning (325, 425, 525). Once I get it, I will be looking for some competitions or atleast a good place in the area to shoot. I was able to shoot a 325 and a 525 the Friday after Thanksgiving and I really enjoyed them both. I appreciate your help.

[Izenrok]

BTW Slugo, those are some nice shooters there. You don't really need two of them do you? I mean I will happily take care of one for you. haha

[Slugo]

They are the only two guns I will never get rid of. Bought the 325 in 1993 used for $1050, and the Lightning in in 1997 for $850!! Both were LNIB with all papers and accessories. Replacement cost for similar Brownings today would be well over $3000 plus each. Yes sir, those two are keepers...