woodentermite Posted July 25, 2011 Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 i regularly help the gamekeepers on buccleuch estates and im now heading to a different estate to start an apprenticeship/job. i own a cheap 20 gauge over and under and this is my first gun as i am only 16, i shoot pretty rubbish with it but i have shot clays pretty well with other guns. my mum said that she will buy me a new one for this job. im looking for an all rounder 12 gauge semi auto as a work gun that i can use for big loads but can also use normal loads, i would prefer a synthetic stock because a wooden one would just get damaged. my mum is supplying the cash so the price range would be £500 or at a stretch £650. what would everybody reccomend? much thanks - Ben. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbit killer Posted July 25, 2011 Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 berreta urika!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted July 25, 2011 Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 Urika Out of interest, where on the Buccleuch Estates did you work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAsh Posted July 25, 2011 Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 Don't go running to the local gun shop and buy your gun Go and start the job and ask the head gamekeeper what he suggests, they may well have very good guns you can use, far better for the job than you can afford, you are starting this job to learn and the head gamekeeper will appreciated it much more if you ask his or her advice first, just don't jump the gun ask and learn Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triscrx Posted July 25, 2011 Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 just don't jump the gun ^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loomer Posted July 25, 2011 Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 Don't go running to the local gun shop and buy your gun Go and start the job and ask the head gamekeeper what he suggests, they may well have very good guns you can use, far better for the job than you can afford, you are starting this job to learn and the head gamekeeper will appreciated it much more if you ask his or her advice first, just don't jump the gun ask and learn Good luck Good advice that. Not just for the OP either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger955i Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 HI Mate As above. Beretta Urika2 will do pretty much everything you want. I have one and love it. You will get a decent second hand one for around £750, I know it is a little more than you mentioned but well worth it. As always try a few different guns and get one that fits best. ATB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartB Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Some good advice above. If it comes down to a semi auto, I can recommend the Benelli range. Lots of choice there. But talk to your new employer first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 (edited) Just a question which has no ulterior motive. Is a semi going to be the best gun for the job? Wouldn't something you can carry broken over your arm in company (which will be most of the time, I'm guessing) be more practical and a little more "respectable"? A lot of these estates are very old fashioned about these things. For a working gun the old Baikal O/U takes a lot of beating, in both senses of the word. Shoots well too, you should pick up a secondhand one for a lot less than your budget. Edited July 26, 2011 by Vince Green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted July 27, 2011 Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 The vice versa of that vince is if you live on a quad as a lot of the underkeepers do on the bigger estates here. They all use autos as a vermin gun simply because they are so much easier to reload on a bike. Couple that with the use they get in all weathers and synthetic is a good idea. Generally keepers are much more respecing of each others gun safety than they are with guns on a driven day hence the feelings for autos on the latter. When we have vermin days which is just the beaters its rare to see anything other than an auto because you can use far larger loads more comfortably if after foxes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted July 27, 2011 Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 as a rough gun, you could probly buy a new baikal every 2 years.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12borejimbo Posted July 27, 2011 Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 Winchester sx3, Browning Maxus (second hand) but my choice would be a Benelli in FAC, (if you have one, or when you get on). They are great tools, and by the sounds of things and from my experience you will have this with you most of the time, and 5 or even 10 shots is very handy. Bunny bashing on a quad, foxing, decoying ect. Something to consider, however for the moment if these options are not avilable to you, a decent second hand auto all the way with Benelli, Beretta, or maybe a NEW, Escort magnum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted July 27, 2011 Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 Most of the 'keepers I know around here use FAC rated 12 bores,most(but not all)are Benellis. As others have suggested,it would be a good idea to ask the opinion of your employers.Have a v good 11-87 on FAc but they're heavy compared to the Benelli,and you need to look after that 'O' ring,but on the plus side,a second-hand on ewould be within your budget.Good luck in your new job,I'm quite envious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billytheghillie Posted July 28, 2011 Report Share Posted July 28, 2011 save your mother some cash and buy a new escort, 3 year warranty and with your job it will get knocked about senseless. i am a professional ghillie and have my escort in the boat most of the time hail,rain or shine and has never let me down. if it did after the 3 year warranty i would just scrap it and get another as it does tend to get a lot of abuse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sage 100 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 Don't go running to the local gun shop and buy your gun Go and start the job and ask the head gamekeeper what he suggests, they may well have very good guns you can use, far better for the job than you can afford, you are starting this job to learn and the head gamekeeper will appreciated it much more if you ask his or her advice first, just don't jump the gun ask and learn Good luck Good call like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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