Let’s talk over and unders! Suggestions wanted

[3rdCoastHunter]

Not to derail the thread - this may be a dumb question but can someone shed some light on being fitted? Do they cut the stock your needed length or do they see which model fits best?

[MisterB]

I have a Browning 725 in 12g a Silver Pigeon 28 and a Browning Citori 3.5 in 12 Desert Tan, listen to Shane.

[Drycreek3189]

Not to derail the thread - this may be a dumb question but can someone shed some light on being fitted? Do they cut the stock your needed length or do they see which model fits best?

In my case Briley bent the stock to almost fit. I made the mistake of buying a Citori Sporting when my Field Grade Citori fit me like a glove. They bent the stock all they could but I could never shoot it quite like I could the old Field Grade. I sold the Sporting model but still have the original. When I was shooting regularly I was shooting in the low nineties, if it ain’t broke……….

[DapperDan]

I personally like 20g for pheasant. Some of the guys this year were shooting 28g and 410 o/u for them as well. You have to be good but that makes it fun.

If you are buying something and want to splurge a little, I would absolutely go 30" or 32" barrels. They just swing better in the field. As others mentioned, go to a higher end dealer (Gordy and Sons, Briley, etc) and try several out until you find the right fit. Manufactures have different lengths, drops, cheek swells, etc. that they use and that makes a huge difference. Even within the same manufacturer there are model differences. I have a 682 gold sporting that I hate, cant hit anything with it but I know the drop is too short for me. The DT11 drop fits me great, as do the Rizzini field models....I am just too cheap to buy one of those right now. Now you can have any gun fit to you but that requires some trial and error so finding one that is really close first will just make that easier and may eliminate it if you are wanting to shoot tons of clays. I have been too lazy to have the 682 fitting done because its 28" barrels and I don't care for the balance/swing of the gun anyway. It sure is pretty though haha

Another option is to buy a 12 and get a set of 20g tubes for it. That will let you shoot the 20g and the 12g just not at the same time. Sometimes they can be a pain to get the timing right in but more often than not its pretty good fit first try.

I assumed a 30” would be a little harder to swing and get on a covey of quail compared to a 28” barrel. But I have found that I tend to shoot a little better with a heavier gun. I didn’t do too bad the last time I shot skeet ( half circle with 2 shooting houses). Figured I’d explain what I meant. Lol. Went 17 of 25 and then 22 of 25 the next round so I can’t complain swing as how I have only shot one other time in 4 years. I don’t shoot much Bc, well, I tend to get a funny look from at least one person when I pull out a camp dipped SBEii with a sling on it. Although, I did out shoot everyone at carters country last time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SmTx]

I feel like I swing my 28" o/u too fast since I normally hunt with a 28" semi. I've told myself next ou will be 30" minimum

[DapperDan]

I’d you don’t mind shooting a heavy gun in 20 gauge you can get the Briley Sidekick sub gauge tubes. They run sub $300 for a set in one gauge and allow you to use your 12g as a 20/28/410 depending on which tubes you buy. It will be an additional cost but will give you more versatility and even less recoil in the 20g. I have more friends than I can count that shoot silver pigeons and they’ve put a lot of rounds through them. They’re solid guns and you can’t go wrong for the price.

I myself shoot a Caesar Summit Sporting and I absolutely love it. Definitely an upgrade over a base level beretta or browning and you get a great service/warranty if needed. I’ve been shooting mine for about 2 or 3 years now and will end up with about 6500 rounds through it since the beginning of this year. They also have a ton of field models if you want more of a “field gun” and offer a better finish in my opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I really want to take a look at a Cesar. Based off price point, it may come down to a Baretta 20/28 combo set or a dang fine Cesar. Decisions decisions…. Can you elaborate on what makes the Cesar a significant upgrade?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bowfishin fool]

As far as pheasant go. There are so many areas you need to shoot non toxic or plated shot, when you get heavier shot, I don’t see an issue with my 28 ga.

Shot a lotttt of wild pheasant in North Dakota. If they are flushing 30 plus yards, it’s a poss in the wind situation no matter what you’re shooting.

Shooting regular steel vs shooting hevishot, I see a big difference


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[critter69]

My self, I prefer the 20 gauge. Had both a 12 and a 20. The smaller size of the 20 is just far better feeling to me. Sold the 12, and don’t really miss it. The 20 gauge does every thing I asked of the 12.

[Quackerbox]

Not to derail the thread - this may be a dumb question but can someone shed some light on being fitted? Do they cut the stock your needed length or do they see which model fits best?

It depends. My wife's 725 was cut,bent and had an adjustable comb. A good Smith can make the gun fit shirt of being cut off beforehand.

My son started sporting clays on an auto that wasn't fit. Then we went skb that has adjustable comb and a but pad that will take drop and cast. He's on a blaser f3 now with comb only.

Also in my opinion, briley is a good place to shop and look. I could never recommend them for a fit. Ever. Before my son graduated We shot NSCA events 2 or 3 times a month. I don't recall anyone mentioning using briley for a fit. Guy's I know shooting 2500 dollar stocks on guns costing 30k use the same guy


OP...ATA is worth a look. The guys at coles gunsmithing claim a lot of the parts exchange with beretta.....



Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Greenheadless]

I don’t have much experience with 28 gauge so my only concern or question would be shooting pheasant with it. I shot a 28 for about a box worth in Argentina. Dropped the dove with ease but they were 20 yard passing shots. Was a semi auto and had zero recoil. So a 28 would for sure handle the smaller game birds. As far as sandhill, I have a sbeii that will handle those.

Well, if only they had a 12/28 combo.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When I used to shoot games, the 28ga #6’s would keep up with the 12’s all day long out to 70-80 yards shooting Annie Oakley.

I use a 28 to hunt just about everything, including sandhill cranes.

Only thing I haven’t shot with it are geese, but I used to run goose hunts in my youth and I have zero drive to ever hunt another one.

I’ve since moved on to .410 for everything. Let’s just say, they aren’t like anything in the above gauges and can be humbling. I think most of my issues though have been gun fit issues and just haven’t taken the time to really work thru it.

I even sold all my 12’s except for one, and the only reason I have it, as it was the first gun I ever owned/a gift from my dad. 12ga 870 Wingmaster Magnum.

[Greenheadless]

Not to derail the thread - this may be a dumb question but can someone shed some light on being fitted? Do they cut the stock your needed length or do they see which model fits best?

Depends. Can be cut or add to length. Also involves cast and drop.

Depends on how exacting you want to get and how much you want to spend.

With wood, it is a little more complex, especially when changing cast and/or drop.

With synthetic stocks, most of this can be achieved with different spacers. This is typically seen on semi’s though.

Edit. Didn’t see QB had already addressed this.

[bmiller]

So much great info here. You’re in a great city to check out multiple different gun shops to find the right gun…briley, Gordy & sons, American shooting centers, etc. I don’t know near as much as some of the guys here, but I love shotguns and have a few. Most all manufacturers build their sporting and field guns for the average build person with very similar dimensions on lop, cast, drop, etc. They all feel a bit different so try a few and see what fits you best. If you are set on a beretta, Joel etchen is a great place to order and they’ll work with you to find the wood you want - and they have beautiful guns. If you’re lucky enough to find one that fits off the shelf, you’re set. If not, I’d go see Larry Feland after you purchase to get a proper fitting done. Jim Greenwood also comes to Westside in Katy once or twice a year and I don’t know that there are too many out there better than him. 28 vs 20 vs 12 is all preference for what you’ll do. For an all around hunting gun, 20 is hard to beat. For competition, you’ll want 12. 28 is a gentlemen’s gauge and super sweet, but ammo will eat you up.

My advice is don’t tell your wife and get an adjustable comb blaser F3 with multiple
Barrel sets!

I find that brownings fit better for me. For $3500 and under, can’t go wrong with a browning 725, beretta sp, or maybe a bit more to get into a CG. Resale will always be great on them and they’ll last you a lifetime. Good luck and have fun!

[QuackHunter]

I really want to take a look at a Cesar. Based off price point, it may come down to a Baretta 20/28 combo set or a dang fine Cesar. Decisions decisions…. Can you elaborate on what makes the Cesar a significant upgrade?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Overall fit and finish I would say, you have the ability to send your gun in at no cost and have it completely brought back to new essentially. Wood will be nicer and the bluing and other finishing will also be nicer. The biggest thing I love about my summit is the palm swell, fills the hand and is SO comfortable where as berettas to me feel like a 2x4 (exaggeration) but they do feel very blocky to me. Their service is called a “pitstop” if you’d like to look it up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JBJTX81]

Citori 725 sporting 28" barrel in 12ga.

You can buy or load 1oz loads with a 12 Ga. The 725's have some of the best shotgun triggers ever made.

Probably the best do it all shotgun out there night now imo. I have 8 shotguns and this is my go to. I'm love bird hunting and I'm a B class skeet shooter. I've handled and shot everything out there.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

[sideways]

Browning super light feather


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk