I'm in the market

[johnr]

I have a side by side Kmart 20 gauge, not even sure exactly the brand, I picked it up from a guy needing some cash. Used it on one hunt, now it sits in my safe with the other relics.
Might take it out next season, as I kinda forgot about it.

 

[5575]

Bought a Franchi Instict SLX a couple years ago, it's a pleasure to shoot. It's lite and the price is right as well.

https://www.franchiusa.com/over-under-shotguns/instinct-slx

 

[snow2]

For us target shooter's heavy

Trigger pull on a shotgun means nothing. You Slap or Punch the trigger so a 5 lb pull is nothing.

Trigger pull usually results in a flinch,a smooth move to target and slight pressure on trigger results in excellent performance, try it sometime. Shooting 300rds in one event trigger pull means dead bird or loss.

Agreed whocares in the field about trigger pull.

 

[Jiffy]

Trigger pull definitely matters when shooting a shotgun.

+1 on the Franchi.

 

[Callem'In]

Bought a Franchi Instict SLX a couple years ago, it's a pleasure to shoot. It's lite and the price is right as well.

https://www.franchiusa.com/over-under-shotguns/instinct-slx

I had this same O/U that I used for sporting clays. The gun shot nice and shouldered nice, but the shape of the grip and trigger guard beat the heck out of my middle finger. After 50 rounds fired I would not be able to move my middle finger and it would swell to double the size. Sold it and replaced it with another Beretta Silver Pigeon. This was the only firearm that I owned that made me wince when I shot it.

 

[1lessdog]

Years ago, when I was going to Gunsmithing school down in Oklahoma. I had a older guy come in and wanted the trigger pull lightened up on his Winchester Md 12 trap gun. I said I would have it done in a few days. The next day he came in and are instructor gave it to him. Thinking I had honed the trigger and hammer a little bit. The next day he came in and was so happy. He shot the best he had ever shot. He said he shot 4 rds and scored a 25, 25,a 24 and a 25. He was so happy he wanted to give me 100.00 tip. I didnt have the heart to tell him I never touched his shotgun.

I did not take the 100.00

 

[Phill Latio]

I have two 12ga Ruger Red Labels and one 20ga Red label. The 20 gauge is awesome. Super light and i can shoot lights out with it. The 20's are a little harder to find and can get just as expensive as a higher end citori though

 

[Wall-eyes]

I used to have a Ruger Red Label. Very nice. Great balance. Sold it for a Beneli Ethos. Never looked back.

I have 12 guage no troubles fit's great to me, just really sits in gun safe now days bought it 30 years ago

 

[Wall-eyes]

When in a few stores I have shoulder a few of higher end ones cant remember exact name do damn many sure fit, nice build and price tag was too. Stay away from cheaper stuff not worth troubles I have heard over years.

 

[snow2]

I had this same O/U that I used for sporting clays. The gun shot nice and shouldered nice, but the shape of the grip and trigger guard beat the heck out of my middle finger. After 50 rounds fired I would not be able to move my middle finger and it would swell to double the size. Sold it and replaced it with another Beretta Silver Pigeon. This was the only firearm that I owned that made me wince when I shot it.

Tough deal,these breech loader's zero felt recoil reduction,same with pump shotguns.

Its common practice to install recoil reduction items such as "kick Ezz" gel recoil pad and in my citori i installed a 9oz mercury reducer in the gunstock after trigger work...the ammunition helps as well, i seen shooters get bloody noses,cheeks from poorly fit shotguns,maga blend target ammo that kicks like a mule that takes the fun outof target shooting,why close your eyes,grit your teeth every time you call "pull".

 

[espringers]

+1 on ejectors as a necessity. i got my first and only one as a gift. it didn't come with them. i don't think the gift bearer even realized they make em with out them. nonetheless, its definitely a pain in the ass when you are used to hunting with a third shell at your disposal. now i am shooting 1, opening a breech, looking (cause i can never remember) for the spent shell, grabbing and replacing. meanwhilst, 3 more roosters flush and the dog looks at me like i am an idiot. which is mostly correct.

 

[1lessdog]

Tough deal,these breech loader's zero felt recoil reduction,same with pump shotguns.

Its common practice to install recoil reduction items such as "kick Ezz" gel recoil pad and in my citori i installed a 9oz mercury reducer in the gunstock after trigger work...the ammunition helps as well, i seen shooters get bloody noses,cheeks from poorly fit shotguns,maga blend target ammo that kicks like a mule that takes the fun outof target shooting,why close your eyes,grit your teeth every time you call "pull".

Unless you have a Citori 725 or a Cynergy that has mechanical. It is very hard and time consuming to adjust trigger pull on Inertia driven shotgun.

 

[grumster]

I have a berretta 686 and absolutely love it.

The Berretta is on the list to handle..

I appreciate all the advice, I've been looking for a bit now and been handling o&u's of different makes and models when I get the opportunity.

And don't fret fellas the auto 20 will be in the truck if need be....

 

[Dryfly36]

I went with Benelli and I am happy with it.

 

[Jigaman]

I have a Citori 725 Sporting and really like it. I like the feel of the 725 Field as well bat have never shot one.

 

[Pheasant 54]

Tough to shoot triples with them

 

[grumster]

Tough to shoot triples with them

True but when you hunt alone triples make for a short day out on the prairie..

 

[Wirehair]

Tough to shoot triples with them

Have seen it done more than once!

 

[grumster]

Have seen it done more than once!

I've done if a few times, ducks, grouse and pheasants... not bragging just saying.

 

[snow2]

I remember my dad pheasant hunting as i was the flusher,pop's had his trusty single shot 12ga he bought first thing coming home from Korea, he held to rds in between his fingers and one rd loaded,he dropped doubles on pheasants often and decoying bills...good old days.