Gunners - shotgun recommendations???

[Barry Digman]

I shot some clays last week for the first time I can remember and it really intrigued me. Now I'm wondering about a versatile shotgun in a 12ga. I have a 16 and a Winchester Model 1300 Defender in 12ga (short barrel). Any ideas on a good 12ga that I could use for shooting clays and occasional Canada geese? (No, I prolly can't afford a Benelli semi-auto with custom engraved stock)

[bjerm2]

Why are there any other shot guns?

I use an old 20 ga Winchester 1200. Had that since 1970, and use it just for deer hunting in what is called here the southern tier. Up by my house, northern tier I use a 35 rem, or my 300 win mag. Far as clay sooting never go into it. Sorry. Now pistol league ......

Dan

[BULLSEYE BILL]

A Browning Citori is my first choice for skeet and sporting clays, BT 99 or 100 for trap. If you don't have the 12 to 18 hundred to spend then think about the Biakal. It is Russian made and imported by EAA. I have shot with others on my team that used them and they are strong and reliable. Should be in the three-fifty to four fifty price range. Go to the CDNN web page and check them out. CDNN is a clearing house and sell at wholesale prices through dealers. You could also see a more detailed description at EAA's web site too.

[Barry Digman]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>A Browning Citori...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sheesh. I looked them up. Browning Citori 525 Golden Clay - Mfg Sugg Retail Price = $4,363.00

I'll start looking in the pawn shops for a used Mossberg.

[chemistbert]

Remington 870. You can buy a few barrels for it and do everything. It's not the best at anything but is good at loads of stuff. Hunting and targets. My favorite. Mossberg 500 is real nice too.

[swarm_trapper]

i got a winchester 1400 they arent made any more but mine is great. if i had to get another i would get a in this order a winchester super x2, a remington 1100, or a remington 870. but of course benelly is best i like a auto or pump i just cant seem to hit as many clay or birds with a over under. regards Nick

[BULLSEYE BILL]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>I looked them up. Browning Citori 525 Golden Clay - Mfg Sugg Retail Price = $4,363.00<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wholesale $3433.34, I'll get you one for shipping and five percent mark up. $3625.00. You should be able to find a kitchen dealer who would do it for $3475 if the wholesaler will sell it to them. Most wholesalers try to protect actual businesses from those types.

Now if you really want an expensive citori look at the Robert E. Lee crememitive @ $11,500.00! I'll make you a smokin' deal on that one!

Most of the adaquate Citori's will run about $1500. with markup. If you are not a dedicated shooter, or just undecided, go for the Biakal, it's a good entry level gun that will do all you need it to for about four bills and the sporting clays model comes with a stock drop change kit and a full set of choaks (except skeet).

The Remington, Mossberg, and Winchester guns are all good basic multi-perpose guns, but are not going to let you shoot clays to your full potential.

[bjerm2]

coyote
Aren't you glad you asked us for help! We all aim to please.

[Andy]

Coyote,
I've got an old beat up model 120 WIN. that everybody makes fun of until I sift and fold a grey fox, gobbler, or big eastern yodel dog at 60 yards. It's a 12 GA. and it really likes 2s and BBs. I use 2s now because VA limts shot to two's in spring gobbler season, and I don't want to shop for umpteen different shotshells. I can't tell you much about clays but I know if I put the modified choke in I can kill bunnies in front of beagles, and if I use improved cylinder I can fold doves with surprising regularity considering my wing shooting prowess. An old shotgunning mentor once told me, "Pick a shotgun and shoot it often , if it starts out good , it will only get better." Something I would attribute to a concept called "back boring", good for shotguns but often called "burned out barrel syndrome" in rifles.

[Barry Digman]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Aren't you glad you asked us for help! We all aim to please<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was thinking that one of each would do the trick. My wife just gave me that "Shouldn't you be taking out the trash instead of babbling?" look.

[Rogerio]

Coyote, living in Northwest NM you're not all that far from Las Vegas, NV. If you ever go over there stay out of the casinos and instead hit the local pawnshops and look for base grade Spanish doubles, the ones without all of the fancy engraving and checkering. My wife has an AYA 20 gauge that mounts, points and swings like no other shotgun I've ever used, and she payed about what you would pay for one of those Baikals. They are essentially the same guns as the mid-four figure Spanish doubles, just without all of the expensive decoration. I have a Baikal, and it's a nice gun, but I only use it when I really need a 12 gauge, or my wife won't let me use the AYA.

Roger

[Barry Digman]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Coyote, living in Northwest NM you're not all that far from Las Vegas, NV.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uh, that's another place that's rather insistent that I not come back. Ever. But thanks for the advice.

[bjerm2]

Gee coyote, your really loved by everyone arn't you?
Dan

[Barry Digman]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Gee coyote, your really loved by everyone arn't you?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's some silly rule about counting cards at a blackjack table. Who knew?