O/U for less than $500

[Mike J]

I am looking at purchasing my first O/U and wondering if it is possible to get a descent gun for less than $500. Cabelas has a Tristar ( can't remember the model ) normally $499 on sale for $399. Richard's has a Stoeger STF 3000 on sale for $349 after a $50 mail-in rebate and also a Remington 512 Wingmaster on sale for $499. I looked at the Remington HSOforum and didn't see this model listed so I am not sure what's up with than. I am just looking for a good gun that will hold up over time and not give me any problems so is it possible in this price range or do I need to step up to the $800 - 1000 price range? Thanks.

Mike J

[Random Sample]

Mike,

You might want to consider looking at a used O/U I have seen many high grade shotguns with little use for very good prices. You may find a very nice gun a year or two old in that $ range. I know there is a large gun show at the MN fair grounds this weekend or next that should have lots to look at and an opportunity to make a deal. A well taken care of gun can last a lifetime so purchasing a used firearm could make sense and it is fairly easy to tell the condition and upkeep of the firearm.

[Dilly]

Take a look at the Stoeger Condor, $349 in most stores, not a bad gun for the money if you're looking for entry level.

[Mike J]

Thanks for the heads up on the gun show. I did look at used guns at Cabelas last night, but their prices seemed high to me, but then again I am just getting into shooting so I don't know very much yet. Looks like Saturday might be a good day to head over to the fairgrounds. Any particular models I should be looking for or shy away from?

[Mike J]

Do you know if that is the same as the Stoeger STF 3000 that Richard's carries? I looked at Stoeger's and Remington ( for the 512 wingmaster ) and neither one had the model listed that Richard's carries.

[Neighbor_guy]

...descent...

That ^^^ is a funny word. You can find a "workable" o/u for $500.00. Stoger and Mossberg both have their strong points in that price point. I have a Mossberg Silver Researve. It would fall into that "workable" catagory. I have yet to have any issues with mine, but if you do a little research you will find a lot of people who are not as lucky as I have been. Several years of hunting and a lot of skeet, no issues.

All that being said, I strongly recomend you wait and buy a gun in the $850.00-$1250.00 range. If you dont, you will later... Trust me.... They are night and day for quality. Then you will end up spending a hole pile of cash and still only having one good gun.

Just my opintion...

[pureinsanity]

I started with a 20ga SxS when I was a kid. After one day out in south dakota i upgraded to a 12 gauge pump, and I will never go back to an O/U or SxS.... After U shot twice and missed because 40 birds were flushing out of a slough I figured its time to get a gun with a high mag capacity lol...

Id use an O/U for trap shooting only.

[camo_marc]

I would agree with Neighbor on this one. There are guns out there for under $500 and they do work fine. But in my experience working with guns these in that price range have a higher tendency to fail. Do some looking to see if you can find a quality used O/U in something like a Ruger Red Label, Franchi Renissaince (sp?), or Browning Citori. All very good quality used guns.

[169Sportsman]

I think that the Mossberg's are one of the better affordable over unders. Just my opinion. Check out my ad in the Waterfowl section if you are interested in a Mossberg with 20ga and 12 ga barrels brand new for a good price.

[Matt Breuer]

I would shy away from any Mossberg, O/U or not...

If you're interested in getting into an entry level O/U, check out the Stoeger's for $350. They're not the best, but you can beat them up and they hold their value somewhat. Down the road when you're ready to trade, be sure you get into the upper echelon, as the gun quality and workability goes up a great amount. Anything in the $800 plus catergory from a trusted name is going to last a lifetime.

[jigging-matt]

I have owned a mosseberg shotgun for over 18 years without any problems. Mossbergs are a nice reasonable price gun. I also have a Stoeger condor O/U and have had that for a few years now with no problems. i know several people that have the Stoeger and like the gun and the price. You do get a nice gun when you pay for it, but if you are looking for a cheap O/U for the price check out the Stoegers or Mossebergs.

[Muthagoose]

I have both, the condor is my favorite.good gun for the money..

[rwwong]

I think you're talking about the Stevens 512 Gold Wing, There is no Remington 512 Wingmaster. I took a look at them yesterday at Richard's. I thought the gun looked really nice for the price, although I've heard of horror stories about the safeties getting stuck on a certain barrel selection.

[rundrave]

here is my experience with what sounds like the same tristar gun you are looking at I posted a few days ago: tri star thread

its currently in kansas hopefully getting fixed. what i thought was going to be a good gun has let me down in the middle of pheasant season, I will be looking for another o/u regardless fo the outcome with my current gun

so far their customer service is top notch, we will see what their turn around time is before I make my final call

[Mike J]

That's the one but their weekly flyer says it's a Remington.

[MinnesotaMongo]

I've actually heard quite a few good things about a Stoeger - unfortunately it didn't fit me. I ended up purchasing a used Citori from a guy in SD. I'm very pleased with it - and it was around 750.00.

[koonie]

Save your money and don't settle on a cheaper over-under. You can get a used browning or beretta and be much better off. Or you could keep saving and buy new. Check out the weatherby orion series, rrl and skb at the low end(I don't mean low quality) or step up to a new browning citori, beretta silver pigeon, winchester 101, or remington premier.

[Dooley87]

definatly get the stoeger condor, I think new one is like $370 but they have a combo and that is what I purchased, it comes with a 20 gauge over under barrel and a 12 gauge over under barrel. I bought one brand new this season at scheels in st cloud for $500 even, they didn't have any in the store and they don't carry the combo in the store but they can order it for you. I have an 870 but i wanted the over under and with this gun i can use the 20 gauge for doves and grouse and the 12 gauge for ducks and phesants, Its pretty much two guns for the price of one and it has preformed great, droped it in a few inches of water duck hunting, took the barrel off, dumped the water out of everything and still performed great before i could get home and clean it.

[MNUser]

Save your money up and get a quality O/U. I bought a Ruger Red Label a couple years ago and the gun is fantastic. Never one issue with it. It shoulders great and it a breeze to carry. My 12 year old likes to use it and has no problem bring it up to his shoulder. I got it for 1250. Save and get one that will last for years.

I looked at all the brands you speak about. If you are close to Reed's near Leech Lake, it is worth the trip.

[iland99]

Interesting thread. I bought a Stoeger Condor last September. Right now it's sitting at the factory in Maryland, and has been there for a month. Judging by the replies to this thread, it looks like I probably just have a lemon on my hands. Regardless, the gun is at the top of the list to trade in once funds allow for an upgrade.

[portageman]

I had basically the same question 2 years ago, but I was looking for an inexpensive auto. After doing much research I bought the Stoeger 2000. Nothing but problems. I actually returned it to the store (one location said no returns on firearms, the other location took it back) I spent the extra money and bought a Remington. Not one problem. I will never go the inexpensive route again. Stick with a pump until you can afford the better gun or look for a used one.

[scoutWBL]

I picked up a Remington Spartan in 20ga this fall. I had some giftcards to spend and got a good price. Sure I'd love a $1000 O/U but so far so good. I have a friend who has a Spartan and another with a baikal they both have had good luck. Fingers frossed but so far I really like it.

[deacon]

Keep in mind the gun you purchase in most cases you will used for a long time (20-30 years) and resell will be at least 50% of original purchase price. So the annual price of a $1,000 dollar gun is really not that much.

I purchased a fuasti 20guage about 5 years ago and absolutely love the gun. Having a light gun really has improved my shooting. So much easier to walk with the gun and allows it to be shoulder in the correct position so much quicker.

Not sure if these guys can still be purchased but if you ever see a used one I would recommend.

[jpettit]

I ALSO HAVE THE STOEGER CONDOR 2 YRS NOW NO PROBLEMS IT IS MY 1ST O/U. FAIR WARNING IT DOES GET A BIT HEAVY AFTER AQ ULL DAY OF HUNTING.

[Mike J]

I saw a used Traditions by Fausti at one of the Gander MTN stores. Anyone know if these are the same as a Fausti or how the quatlity is?