rich_morris

Hi, I recently bought a Browning B725 32" Sporter. I Swapped from a Beretta 687 which I had owned for 25 years, but not shot much for the last 15+. I swapped, as I was not getting a good sight picture over the barrels - the comb was a bit low. A shooting ground local to me let me handle a few guns, and I felt the 725 fitted well. Took a lesson with them, and all seemed well. (Although I was told to attack the clay a bit more, and be less laid back) Shooting clays last week, I noticed that I was mounting the gun sometimes with my right eye slightly too far over the stock, looking slightly down the side of the rib. I have just spent a while dry mounting, and some of the time find the same thing happening. I think that what is happening is that I have started to relax a bit, and my head is slightly further back down the stock, a little more upright, and less 'locked' against the stock. If I push forward into the gun, I get a more consistent sighting picture. But this puts a bit more strain on the back of my neck. (I used to get headaches when shooting air rifles because of this). So, my question is:- Do I concentrate more on pushing into the shot consistently? Or Do I need to get the gun fit re-checked? Or Do I experiment with bits of carpet taped to the cheek of the stock? Incidentally, I had a longer recoil pad fitted by the shop, which they recommended. At the time it felt too long compared to my Beretta, but now I am used to it, but I guess that would have the effect of pushing by head back, and across with the cast of the stock? Thanks. Rich

Thanks - I didn't know that there was that level of work going into them (on top of a mass produced gun) - that's the sort of work that I guess is mostly hand finished, so therefore contributes a lot to cost...not obvious from their appearance

I wasn't suggesting that at all! I didn't say it didn't matter.... I fully appreciate that there are benefits to better quality and better handling guns. I wasn't sure if these guns are better from a quality point of view, a handling point of view, or maybe both. These guns may be far superior in all terms. I certainly do not begrudge people spending that money on them either.

Out of interest, what is it that makes these guns 'better' than 692 or 725. (I am not saying they aren't - just wonder what constitutes 'better') Will the chap shoot better with those, in the same way as a grade 5 will not help him hit more than a grade 1? Or are you referring to 'quality'?

Hi Does anybody know if there are any open shoots in and around mid beds on this bank holiday Monday? Thanks. Rich

Hi, Does anybody know where sells Browning Invector DS chokes (flush fitting for a B725) , that might have them in stock/mail order? Tried a few places, but none seem to have them. Thanks. Rich

So 18.27 would be 'tight' then? Especially considering the barrels are supposed to be over-bored/back-bored!

Hi All, I have just picked up a replacement Browning 725 under warranty. I notice after I got it home that it comes with a certificate stating the bore diameters. 1 barrels is 18.27, the other is 18.70 according to the paperwork from the proof house (I guess) Both barrels are stamped 18.7. Having paid for back bored vector pro barrels, I was kind of expecting an open bore of 18.7. Can anybody tell me what 'normal' barrel diameter range is please? Is 18.27 a bit on the tight side? Should I trust the paperwork, or the stampings? Will I notice any difference?!?! Thanks Rich

A few people have said it now, and I was given the same advice - go for a lesson. Hopefully the instructor should ask you what you are having difficulties with and focus on those issues. I had a Beretta 687 which I bought 25 years ago, and after a while not shooting, picked it up and found I wasn't doing as well as I used to be able. I went to a local shooting ground/shop that has coaching too. They were very helpful, and identified a few things. (Some before I had even mounted a gun!) Basically my Beretta was not an ideal fit (too short, and comb too low). And secondly, I have a slight tendency to the left eye taking over dominance - something I do not think I have had before, so things can change. After trying various new and used guns out, I swapped my Beretta for a B725. The longer stock took a bit of getting used to, but seems fine now. I used to occasionally 'miss mount' my 687 and obviously that completely fluffs the shot before you start. That has not yet happened with the B725. Since then, I think my shooting has improved, and I also know more often why I have missed. I went into the shop with a mind set on a 686 Evo - the browning just felt better in the end.

- No discernible gap. The wood to metal fit is pretty good all round. I almost wonder if it is too tight in some place, and not sitting quite as well as it could in another - maybe why the catch is too tight.

- Thinking one thing and typing another - sorry! They are definitely tight.

Was hoping not to have to do that...... :(

Hi, They seem to be tight enough! Thanks.

Hi All, Having had my 725 for a couple of months now, and only having put a couple hundred shots through it, I notice that the fore end is very slightly loose. Has anybody else noticed this? The catch is very tight, and maybe not worn in yet - it doesn't spring back easily. There is a very slight and imperceptible looseness to the fore end. You cannot feel it move, or see it, but there is a slight 'knock' of you force it to the side. Not noticed whilst shooting, but whilst handling and cleaning with the gun on its side. Any ideas?

I am in a similar boat to you. There is a club local to me:- http://mauldengunclub.com/location.aspx But that may not be convenient for you. I have been to:- http://www.draytonclays.co.uk/ Which seems like a nice place/set up. I am also looking at:- http://www.a1sg.co.uk/ As it is halfway between where I live and some memebers of my family I shoot with. Hope that helps... Rich

That is a relief then - thanks.

Hi All, I have recently purchased a new Browning 725 sporter, and have yet to shoot it in anger. However, I have noticed that the top barrel firing pin does not always return home after firing on a snap cap. It can move forward under gentle vibration of the action? It is not stiff, or difficult to move back, it just protrudes. Is this normal, or something to worry about. I plan taking it for a lesson at the weekend, where I bought it from - should I get them to have a look at it? Thanks in advance Rich

Well, After a few hours trying various guns, and having a good discussion with instructor, I finally made a choice. I have gone for a Browning 725 Sporter with 32" barrels. The instructor did confirm a few things for me. My old 687 was to low in the comb. Apparently new Berettas are higher in the comb than older ones like mine. He aslo pointed out a few things I nees to keep an eye on with by gun mounting/hold. Well woth the time spent with an instructor. I am going back for another session soon. Thanks all. And to those concerned about my expensive tastes - I was under what I originally was contemplating spending! Rich

A slight deviation then - apart from 'it feels right' what technicaly defines how a gun fits properly. It shoots where you point it? Eye alignment centrally above the barrel. Being able to see the rib/bead, but not too much? I have just messed around practice mounting my existing 687. If I relax, and mount with my eyes closed, or not focusing on the gun, invariably end up not being able to see any of the rib or bead (maybe the top edge of the bead) - does this suggest my eye line is too low. The stock has 36mm/55mm drop which seems normal from what I can tell. If I concentrate on my mounting it is normally not so bad - but maybe not natural - so that does not transfer to my shooting, where I focus on the clay. Cheers Rich

Hi I am set on new. For my own reasons. I am going to have a look at a local shop/range at the weekend, and will look at:- Beretta 686 Evo Beretta Sv10 Browning 525 (Does an Ultra XS handle much differently?) Browning 725 Miroku MK38 Thiis cover what they have in stock mostly. They also have a caesar guerini, which I will try, but may be beyond my price range. I will be looking at 30" or 32" barrels. These are all low on the original quoted price (that should please some!!! ) But may upgrade on the model if I can. I will put the rest towardssome coachning I think. Thanks for help. Rich

Guys, thanks for all the inputs, although a lot of people have simply questioned what 'Mid Price' means. From my simple perspective, I can pick up a gun for £30, or £30,000. Mid price is technically in the middle of that = £15K. As stated before, I do not feel I have to justify what I spend, and on what. £2500 is a lot of money for me, but I have no other vices, so choose to spend as I wish. If you have nothing tio add to my qyestion, then perhaps chgoose to ignore it?? Sorry if that sounds grumpy (its not menat to!), but the thread seems to be esacalating without any real value to anyone? Thanks Rich

DT11 and Zoli are out of my league too. £2.5 to £3K doesn't get me either of those as far as I can see - unless you know somewhere doing good discounts!!!

I am not wedded to beretta. When I went to buy my gun, I actually went to buy a browning (bottom of the range at the time cannot remember which), but came away with the beretta which really stretched my budget at the time. As you say, the beretta felt right. I am tall, and slim, and have a long neck (No, I am not a giraffe)- somebody told me that suited Browning fit rather than Beretta. I will look at the 725.

The DT is still well out of my bracket, unless well used. As are Perazzi and Blaser. I have never seen a Caesar guerini - how does it compare to the build of a beretta? They look good on their website.

Looks very nice. I guess that is the above mentioned 525 with bells and whistles?? I will have a look into one like that too