Over/Under Shotguns Question

[Powerstroke]

I took my first deer with a 1900's Ithaca 20 gauge sidexside. It had curlback hammers that struck the firing pin and double triggers. Can't get much older than that without it being a muzzleloader. It was a great gun. Only complaint was the weight. They really knew how to build a gun back then.

[Ferny]

Hey Guy's, I picked up a Turkish made cheap <$300 used O/U a couple years ago. It was just an experiment to see if I would like one...well I have hardly used my 870 pump since!

What I like is the thumb safety for grouse hunting, it's comfortable all day. I like the ability to switch between IC and Mod chokes for the first shot. It is also a joy to carry around the woods. The barrels are only 2" shorter than my 870 but the overall gun length must be 8"-10" shorter.

I just broke a firing pin on it and that's the only thing I had happen in over 500 shots. I don't have a problem without extractors. I also think as someone said there's less movement that the pump and more accuracy (for me). I think I am more safe in my handling also since I break it open whenever were near each other planning our next move.

Now that I love it I am thinking about my lifetime O/U. I have always liked Ruger Red Labels and Browning Citori's. Now a co-worker just picked up a Berretta based on a gunsmith's recommendation. He said he NEVER works on them???

So many choices for a big $$$ investment, now to got Momma to OK it I just joined the local range with the family membership so that should help!

Ferny

[GrousetoBluebill]

My dad told me along time ago that a shotgun is maybe the only piece of sporting goods equipment that doesn’t really lose much value over time. Sometimes they actually even increase in value!

I have had a Browning O/U since 1984, and bought another in 1987. A 20ga with 3 inch is pretty effective for pheasants, 2.75 works great for everything else. I would look for a good quality used O/U before buying a more inexpensive one. A O/U forces shooting discipline rather then blasting away.

It will take more time, but if your not in a hurry you will find it.

[Bullwinkle]

Grab the net,

Where did you pick up that 16 guage citori? I've been looking for one but I didn't think that they made them anymore. I don't know if I want to buy one online for the simple fact that you don't know what you're getting. I want to shoulder the gun and make sure it fits properly before I throw that kind money down. Thanks for any info!

[grab the net]

I found mine at Scheels, I just saw one at the General Store in Osakis, MN a couple weeks ago. Very nice, I have only good things to say about Browning and the 16 gauge. Wonderful upland gun, deadly on roosters with Fiochi # 5's

in bottom and Federal Magnum copper plated 4's on top. They come with three choke tubes, Improved, Modified, Full for lead, and Modified and Full for steel. The full lead choke is for lead only. The Modified lead is Full steel, and Improved lead is Modified steel. Shells can be a little hard to find but once in awhile I find some deals, just picked up 3 boxes of # 2 steel for $9.00 a box. That is all I shoot on WPA's for roosters, does a very nice job.

Crazy part is for Federal 2 3/4 inch copper plated magnums it was $23.99 a box, same shell in 12 and 20, $10.99

I just saw a Citori 28 guage with 26" barrels the other day, picked it up and just about wrote a check. Talk about sweet, think it would be a great gun to use over a pointing dog. Price was right on it, maybe a late Christmas present or early B-day.

Be careful, once you pick it up and it fits, you won't put it down. Bring your check book.