joecuba Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Hi all! I have just got my SGC and am now looking at getting a nice 12 bore. I have shot quite a bit before, mostly with my old man... he has some nice guns, O/U I think he likes Brownings (I'll have to ask him again). He mostly shoots light game guns, and prefers 20 bore. I am looking for something to use for clays, in 12 bore. I am not totally keen on a heavy trap gun, and was looking at the 'sporter' models as I think these are in the middle between the trap and game guns? I have a fairly good idea of what I want, and i appreciate that going to a dealer and getting sized up etc will be good, but I would like to narrow things down somewhat so I know what I am looking for. I would like a 12 bore O/U with 28 inch barrels, not to light, not to heavy, 3" chambers and with good quality chokes, all proofed and ready for steel as well as lead etc shot. Price range is £600 to £1200, second hand is preferred. Styling I would prefer classic as opposed to the cynergy etc, unless they are way better guns. I also fancy a s/auto - maybe Benelli, but this has to wait until I get a classic O/U. I am 6 foot and have shot rifles and shotties before, I am not afraid of some kick, but would prefer a comfortable and enjoyable gun. I was looking at the Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon II and the Browning B525 Sporter, As far as I can make out, the silver pig is lighter but maybe not quite as suitable for sporting clays? I prefer the look of the silver pig, but the 525 may be a better gun, is this right? Are there other models that would fit into this bracket, taking into account I would prefer to stick to these makes? There seems to be quite a few models out there, but the respective manufacturers sites do a **** job of stating the difference between the models! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oly Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 As Miroku are made by Browning (although the balance is slightly better IMO) I would also consider them. But when it comes down to it go with what fits and shoots well for you. If you go s/h you should be able to try the guns before you buy, which is a big plus. If your a little unsure on the semi, your budget would allow for a decent s/h o/u and a s/h (or new maybe) hatsan escort semi - a great entry level semi that will enable you to figure out if a semi is a good way for you to go too - worth doing as some people can't shoot with certain types of gun (my scores drop drastically with a sbs!). Happy shopping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobby t Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 would reccomend the miroku mk38 teague, exactly the same in principal as the browning XS, better than the 525 as it has backbored barrels and immensly better chokes. would definatly reccomend them over the beretta silver pig, whilst these are good guns, the miroku is just about the best sporting gun you can buy for £1000 haggle and you'll get it for less than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul in North Lincs. Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Havingt owned both a medalist and silver pigeon, personally I like thye Berretas no particular reason, as both are quality guns Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oly Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Havingt owned both a medalist and silver pigeon, personally I like thye Berretas no particular reason, as both are quality guns Medalists aren't real Brownings - they are made by someone else for Browning - don't judge the quality of a medalist against any other Browning or Miroku, they are really very different guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wookie Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Pick whatever fits you best and shoots best. I know people that love Brownings (most of the regulars up at my club) and I know people that love Berettas (me, several friends) but only you will be able to tell which one is best for you. So, go out, shoot both and sit down with a tea to decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Pick whatever fits you best and shoots best. *DING* Is the right answer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berettaman1 Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Before you go and get your O/U you should consider one important requirement, you say you are six foot tall, If so I would advise you get a 30" or 32" If as you say you want a 28" O/U then I think you will soon realise it would be a mistake, another thing is 28" sporters dont hold there resale value compared to 30" or 32" Guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oly Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Before you go and get your O/U you should consider one important requirement, you say you are six foot tall, If so I would advise you get a 30" or 32" Yep I would tend to agree - I'm 6"4 and shoot 32" barrels. That said I have friends my height who shoot best with 28" barrels - but they have generally grown up from a very early age only shooting 28" barrels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Outlaw Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Yep I agree with Wookie, StuartP and Berrettaman1 on this one. Everyone else also have valid points as well but this is my advice. Oly and I have the same problem with height, I am 6'5" and shoot a 425 32" I started out on a 325 28" and it was a great gun but to small for me, Pirate suggested that I try a 30" or 32" and I'm glad I did as my scores have gone up dramaticly. I tried all sorts of gun out and found Browning to be best suited to my size and build. Go to a few shops try them out but dont buy straight away. Ask how much to get them modded and then re-assess you findings. Your first gun is important and if you make a mistake it could put you off shooting. IMHO the Browning medalist is a bit flippy and light for a novice, a slightly heavier gun will help absorb recoil. I have instructed some novice shooters and they have nearly all choosen the gun make I suggested, the one that hasent has had problems so it is a fine line between disster and success. Good luck with your search. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
me and my lad Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 dont rule the cynergy out, esp if you want something with less kick me and my lad both shoot them, he used a beretta on a basc shoot and learnt with on, he reckons the browning is a better gun also on your budget, i paid less then £1200 for a new black ice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Outlaw Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 dont rule the cynergy out, esp if you want something with less kick me and my lad both shoot them, he used a beretta on a basc shoot and learnt with on, he reckons the browning is a better gun also on your budget, i paid less then £1200 for a new black ice Great price M&ML where was that from? Calam has one and I added a bit of lead to the stock in an old sock to counter balance the barrels. She loves her big black one. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 GET WHICHEVER GUN FITS YOU. I HAVE TWO BROWNINGS AND HAVE ALSO OWNED TWO 525'S. WORST BROWNINGS I HAVE HANDLED. FUNNY SHAPE PISTOL GRIPS AND STOCK DIMENSIONS. MIROKU TEAGUE SPORTER WITH ADJUSTABLE STOCK FOR MY MONEY THE BEST VALUE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
me and my lad Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 dont rule the cynergy out, esp if you want something with less kick me and my lad both shoot them, he used a beretta on a basc shoot and learnt with on, he reckons the browning is a better gun also on your budget, i paid less then £1200 for a new black ice Great price M&ML where was that from? Calam has one and I added a bit of lead to the stock in an old sock to counter balance the barrels. She loves her big black one. Tony FNARR FNARR !! got it from NWSS, took a bit of haggling though !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squodged Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 I shoot a Beretta 682 as I found as other people say that a heavier gun makes for less recoil. I did own a Miroku MK 60 but with it being a bit lighter it used to kick me like a mule, used to make a good sound though. At my club everyone shoots with all varieties of guns. Beretta's, Brownings/ Miroku's, Lincolns & Lanbers with some posting high and some posting low scores. Different guns float different peoples boats. Happy Hunting anyway!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Elvis Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 If i had enough money for a cynergy or a silver pigeon new, id save up a bit longer and get a blaser!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby22 Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 hi, might sound like im talking out me **** but, winchester are made by browning and if you get the select range, you have the option of 26" or 28" barrels with M/C and a 3inch chamber, and it fits like a glove?? just another avenue for you think about (but dont get the midnight select, as the gold inlays on the action seem to wear quick) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Outlaw Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 hi, might sound like im talking out me **** but, winchester are made by browning and if you get the select range, you have the option of 26" or 28" barrels with M/C and a 3inch chamber, and it fits like a glove?? just another avenue for you think about (but dont get the midnight select, as the gold inlays on the action seem to wear quick) You will find the same for Parker Hale also. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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