O/U Recommendations

barndoor · Jun-18-2007, 12:59 PM

Looking to get an O/U for this years upland hunts. I currently have the rem 870 express mag that I have hunted with for 11 years. For birds and clays I would rather have an O/U instead of a pump. I am not looking to spend $1500 on a gun right now, so I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on a decent O/U around the $500-$700 range.

After looking online, the remington SPR310 seems to be an OK gun for the price. Most of the reviews I have read state that it is a great gun, but some have concerns on the quality since it is made out of the country. I have also heard that after marked chokes are a must. The guy at my local gun store said it is a good gun, but not a gun to last a life time (which is fine)

I was wondering is anyone has any experience with this gun or has another recommendation around that price range. Thanks

Remington SPR310™ Over & Under

Huntndogs · Jun-18-2007, 01:21 PM

I have the same gun made by Baikal in .20 gauge. I love it and it is my go to gun for upland game....Not the best fit and finish, but i goes bang when you pull the trigger and the stock has built in cast-off that suits me perfectly. I am using the chokes it came with with no problems.

You might also look at the CZ's. They look to be built a bit better....I want the Redhead, but the Mallrd at just over $500.00 with double triggers looks good to. Turner's carries this brand...

Shotguns

barndoor · Jun-18-2007, 01:39 PM

Thanks Mike. I think I'll check the CZ's out this week. What are the pros/cons to a double trigger? I have never hunted with one before.

I forgot to add in my first post that I am not a fan of the auto safety and would rather stay away from them..........

DDawg · Jun-18-2007, 04:38 PM

I'll 2nd Mike on the Baikal 20ga.
I've always hated O/U's until I picked up mine.
A buddy bought it & couldn't shoot it for shit(a lefty & didn't know about the cast off), I tried it & loved it from the git go.
Even killed a few honkers & ducks with it last season.
Dave

StillinScrubs · Jun-18-2007, 05:09 PM

One thing to watch out for is how the gun is "cocked" for the second round, for lack of a better term. Some over unders will cock and fire the second round with high brass steel loads. Talk with a gun smith about how the model you are wishing to buy goes about this.

I got knocked on my ass a few times with my American arms silver II. It is a great gun otherwise and I have not gone about getting it fixed as I hunt with the 870 for ducks and geese. The grouse do not like it let me tell you.

That gun in newer models may have this design flaw fixed. It was about $650 when i bought it.

Scrubs

Huntndogs · Jun-18-2007, 08:09 PM

My first O/U was a Stoeger .12 with double triggers. It took a bit of getting used to but became second nature after a while. BTW, take a look at the Stoeger Condor also $350.00. The one I had 20 years ago was built like a tank and shot very well.

Firearms - Condor - Stoeger Industries

**el Toro** · Jun-19-2007, 07:54 AM

Do yourself a favor and buy a nice used top of the line O/U. You should be able to find one close to your price range. Specifically, a well cared for Ruger Red Label should not be too hard to find and close to your budget. Possibly a Browning Citori as well. If you can swing it a Beretta is hard to beat, but you may have to spend another couple hundred more. You then will have a better gun and one that you can be proud of. You'll never question the quality. Treat it well and you will pass it on to your kid's kids. I learned a while ago that saving a bit more and getting the good stuff first usually saves you money in the long run.

Buying a nice shotgun up front will cost you less than buying a cheap knockoff now then later upgrading after only a few years to what you really wanted in the first place.

Huntndogs · Jun-19-2007, 08:47 AM

While I agree with El Toro (he makes a valid point), there is a niche for these cheaper shotguns. I own two Browning Citori's and bought the Baikal afterwards when I began to train my dog. I would not treat my Citori guns the way I treat this Baikal. Wet dog shaking, wet grass, laying it down in the grass/dirt. It has a couple rust spots that I take some steel wool to and oil it up again. It is truly a brush beater that I have grown to love to shoot. The great deals on those used nicer guns seem to be hard to come by, But yes, its the way to go if you find one.

**el Toro** · Jun-19-2007, 09:28 AM

GunBroker.com Online Gun Auction AuctionArms.com - Online Gun Auction GunsAmerica Home

Thousands of used guns for sale. I've bought several off of these sites and have had great luck.

barndoor · Jun-19-2007, 09:33 AM

Hey Guys! Thanks for all the input. This is great stuff here.

Mike,
You have been a huge help. It seems like we think a like. I am going to check the CZ'z and the Stoegers out tomorrow. I have already started my online search for reviews and have found some good stuff. Thank You

El Toro.
It does make sence to wait and get something nicer now, but I do not really see myself spending that much on a gun that I have out in the field. I take pretty good care of my guns, but I do not have very much fun hunting when I am worrying about my gun half the time. I am just looking for a mid-range gun right now, not top of the line. I do appreciate your input

barndoor · Jun-19-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el Toro

GunBroker.com Online Gun Auction AuctionArms.com - Online Gun Auction GunsAmerica Home

Thousands of used guns for sale. I've bought several off of these sites and have had great luck.

Kool. Thanks. I am going to keep my eye on these sites. Thanks for the links

Radoncrazy · Jun-19-2007, 09:40 AM

I agree with both things said above. The CZ is fine for what it is, but you are better to buy a used higher end gun when you find the right deal. Patience grasshopper! You will be glad in the end. And if its the same amount of money as a cheaper newer one, how you treat it wont be as much of a deal. Just my .01 cent