12G o/u all rounder

[rabbit_stu]

Under the instruction of a number of members on here, whilst applying for my FAC i put in for my SGC too.

 

and now the questions start..

 

I have got money put aside ready for my rifle and bits for that but i'd also like to spend around £500 quid on a shotgun. It would be mainly used for rough shooting on my permission, but i'd like to be able to have a go at a few lays and possible even a paid day of some description. Is there a suitable shotgun for all avaiable? any recomened guns? and any books worth reading on shotguns as a complete topic, not just clay shooting or game.

Thanks in advance

Stuart

[blackbird]

I have a Browning 425 30" sporter which I use for everything bit heavy to carry all day

[njc110381]

I'd suggest you look at an O/U rather than a S/S if you want to shoot clays. single trigger is best. Multichokes are a great help for varios layouts on the clays and also in the field (although I generally just use 1/4 and 1/2 when out rough shooting). An ejector is a bonus on the clays.

 

For your budget you may pick up an old Browning or Beretta but don't overlook Lanber, Lincoln, Betinsoli or even a Baikal (although they could be picked up for £250-300 for a good one). There's a lot of class in gun ownership and some of it isn't really based on much - the only gun I've ever had that developed a fault was a brand new Beretta Silver Pigeon costing over a grand. None of my Baikals have ever let me down!

 

EDIT... I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you're just getting a shotgun because "you may as well" then why spend £500? You could have just as much fun with one costing £200 and have a bit more money aside for your scope - the most important piece of kit on your whole shopping list.

Edited November 30, 2011 by njc110381

[brett1985]

for the kind of money your looking at spending, you could definately pick up a good second hand 12g over and under sporter. most are multichoke, and i think 28inch barrells seem to be the norm. a very good all round gun imho.....

[OvEr_KiLL]

lanber sporting delux multichoke

browning medalist multichoke

enjoy

[Flat-Cap]

If it's mostly being used for the field work with only a bit of clays then I'd be tempted with a light little SxS for £200-300, and if doing a long session of clays I'd only use a 21 gram cartridge.

 

If you prefer an O/U the already mentioned Lanber is excellent value for money and you should be able to get a second hand one for £500.

[Vince Green]

You will never go wrong with a Baikal. Not a snob value gun but brilliant value for money and very robust.

[AndyBaz]

For what it sounds like you want, as with anything spend as much as you can or are happy to spend, buy second hand, and don't forget the lead is what really costs, well that and the wife....

[welshwarrior]

An O/U is normally easier to get on with and a single selective trigger with Multi chokes in a sporter will do most things pertly well.

 

The key is not the make or model it is find a gun that fits (and not just when the nice man in the gunshop wants you to buy it).

 

Look around don't jump in find a gun you like and that fits. Older Berettas Browning Mirokus can be had on you budget or Lanbers and Lincolns should be plentiful and load of Baikals. Some of the budget make have reputations for faults but a warranty from the shop will help that.