Need your opinions on Brand/model of 12ga Over & Under...

[TundraKing]

Hey guys, I've been looking for a used Charles Daly Over & Under 12ga. My Dad and brother both have one and they are outstanding guns. What I'm looking for mostly is a gun that has good weight distribution. The Charles Daly has more of its weight in the barrel and lighter in the receiver and stock. You can really tell the difference when you pull up. The stock comes right up to your shoulder. I'm having a hard time finding one though.

For those of you that have experienced this in your Over & Under, what brand/model do you recommend?

[bigswede]

My wife bought me a Ruger Red Label for Christmas lst year and have shot lots this summer with it and love it. I am REALLLY happy with it.

[Walleye Guy]

Browning Citori.......

[Kodiak]

red label and the citori are good, i have had both, out of the two the citori has my nod but that aint saying much lol

[FOOT]

I lucked out an got a Red Label several years ago brand new in the box for $700. The guy wanted to buy a single shot trap gun but didn't have the money.

Then 2 years later I was at the DU State convention and put $10 down on a 100 number board and won another Red Label. This one I gave to my son. Now we both use them for ducks and pheasants.

I've tried the Bikal (now its a Spartan owned by Remington) and I tried a Citori and Remington 3200. The Bikal is a good inexpensive O/U and the Citori and Rem are nice but I guess I still like the Red's better.

Just personal choice, probably cause I own one.

[TMan]

Anyone try the O/U Spartans or Stoegers in 12 Ga? I'm considering one as a backup...

[FOOT]

Yup, a friend has a Bikal (which is now the Spartan licensed by Remington). He loves it and like I said for the money it's a pretty good deal. I've shot his and the parts are tight and it feels good as you bring it up.

[carpshooterdeluxe]

i love my citori. just plain love it. havent shot any other model of o/u, but then again i love my citori so there is no need to even deviate! i think it all falls back to that age old "matter of preference" that always comes up when choosing guns. my primary shot gun is a winchester superx2 which has functions flawlessly for me but my buddy has the same gun only in a camo finish has problems with cycling. go figure.

[Nova]

Without question the Browning Citori is the only one I'd get. Have shot a couple others, but will only own one. Had mine since 1983 never a problem.

[DuluthGuy]

Check out the Franchi or Weatherby Orion

[surfs]

I shoot the Franchi Alcione titanium o/u.

web page

Best of Luck!

[birdswacker]

Beretta Silver Pidgeon is the gun you need to look at. It's a little more expensive than the ruger.But well worth it. I had a ruger red label tried my buddies new Beretta and liked it.It seemed alot more balanced and better quality made gun.I think I paid $1600 three years ago and I believe the ruger is at $1200-1300.

[Gadgetman]

I agree with Duluth guy and surfs. Both are really nice guns,but depends what fits you best. I ended up with the Franchi Alcione T

[T-ProGuy]

Haven't tried the Stoeger in the 12 ga., but I have the 20 ga.

I love it...inexpensive gun, and shoots really well!

[cheektowaga]

I was looking for one last year used, loved the citori's but couldn't bring myself to spend the cash. I ended up getting a Bikal and I really like it. Got it for right around $260 in a 12ga, it's reliable, and in real good shape.

Obviously there are some brands out there that are nicer and have better reputations, but for the money, I'd recommend the Bikal.

Saw a Charles Daly at Cabelas yesterday and if I remember right it was around $780 (used).

[TundraKing]

There's been alot of real nice guns recommended! Since I've never owned and hunted with an O/U, I also couldn't get myself to invest in a more expensive model. So today, after checking them out at several stores, I bought the Remington Sparton SPR310 (Baikal). I got the 12ga 3", 28" barrel with the nickel receiver. I actually wanted the 26" barrel but Dick's Sporting Goods only gets in the 28" and they have a sale on them right now for $399.

I'm pretty excited to get out there and start shooting it. I brought it home and my springer went nuts when he saw it!

[Hap Shaughnessy]

About a dozen years ago i went on a search for O/U I hit the local Gander in Duluth and looked hard, getting the feel of several, the Browning, the Baretta, the Winchester and the Ruger. The Browning felt all wrong, too unwieldy, the Winchester was a club, it came down to the Baretta and the Ruger. The Baretta had a shoddy fit & finish. The last I looked at was the Ruger. It was balanced, and it was right. It was about $950 in 1993 dollars. So i bought the Red Label, 26", stainless reciever model. First 2 shots from that gun dropped 2 flushing partridge. (that's grouse to you folks south of Highway 2)I use the skeet chokes while hunting partridge.

First time I tried a Sporting Clays course, I shot a 32 of 50 with that gun, out scored my friend who had a club membership, and haven't been invited to shoot with him since.

I vote Ruger Red Label, 26"