I just found out my university has a team and I am going to join!
I shoot a fair bit already, and own 4 shotguns, but no o/u.

I plan to shoot my Beretta 390 silver mallard for now, but I would like to find a solid break action. I am happy to save up for a nice gun, and would like to get something that won't leave me wishing I had just spent a few extra dollars for the next better thing. I also have no problem buying used.

What should I be looking at?

https://preview.redd.it/wk2gp3hnggpd1.jpg?width=2406&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=daadaf6dca19f23b8115aa6cec9ab602ecacb372

https://preview.redd.it/lir4f3hnggpd1.jpg?width=1641&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8f1c03bc3588a043b9e543d0b5f622d0d5475a4

https://preview.redd.it/xzo8j3hnggpd1.jpg?width=2579&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1589e2f3226d849b8a55b4b577e1d6110758480f

https://preview.redd.it/jlbct2hnggpd1.jpg?width=2984&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1423a278a341601b6cd318075aed6ba5533461f6

The TLDR:

Consider carefully whether you buy a gun that you can just write off and move on if something goes wrong, or buy a premium gun that the manufacturer really stands behind and provides warranty and customer service.

Here is a little arithmetic to go with that:

Beretta 694: $7,063

Shipping: $85

Extended warranty: $136

Set of chokes: $1,033

Browning 725: $6,159

Shipping $180

Set of chokes: $1,033

Total: $15,688

For that kind of money, I could’ve bought a Krieghoff or a Perazzi.

And now the long version:

I’m currently going through an ordeal, dealing with Browning Canada Customer Service.

I’m not overly upset, as in my mind I already have that gun as a write off. Still, worth telling this story – and other memories that it triggered, if only to help others choose wisely when they buy a new gun.

Here is the summary. I bought a Browning 725 Sporting and after less than 5 flats of target ammo, the soldering cracked and the rib started to slide off.

I contacted Browning Canada, they sent me a prepaid label and I shipped the gun to them.

In the initial conversation, the Customer Service guy wrote to me, in April of this year:

“The plan is pretty simple; we’re going to take your firearm back and replace it with the exact same model/similar model all depending on firearm availability and so on.

Most firearms are ordered directly through the US – if the replacement is currently available and not on back order, the firearm will take about 4 weeks to get into Canada from when it is ordered. Kind regards Browning Canada Customer Service”

After this, it was no more communication from Browning Canada. After repeated attempts to get a hold of the Customer Service guy, he gave me a phone number to call a third party (a gunsmith), because they have the gun, and I should direct all further inquiries to them. Not realizing the trap, I did call the gunsmith. And someone there told me that they have a big backlog, and they don’t know when they’ll be able to “look at my gun”.

Back-and-forth with Browning Canada Customer Service – to cut the long story short – the guy went from the initial “we’re going to take your firearm back and replace it with the exact same model/similar model” to yelling at me and threatening to send me the broken gun back. You’d think this would be a good moment to escalate it to his boss. Goodluck getting a hold of anyone at Browning Canada other than the receptionist.

Since I couldn’t find another Browning 725 in the same model and configuration, I decided to buy a Beretta 694, so I can keep shooting.

Little detail: I was a Beretta shooter for a long time, but sold all my Beretta and Beretta group firearms (Franchi and Benelli) because the company that represents them in Canada (Stoeger Canada) is a bad joke, and one day I finally had enough… I had a piece of the barrel in a Franchi semi auto break off (!), and they refused to honor the warranty – instead, they offered to dispose of the broken firearm for me for free. And this is just one of the multiple stories I have about them.

Back to the story: I receive the new Beretta 694 Sporting, year of proof 2022… and the barrels cannot be mounted on the receiver. (I wonder how did that gun go through the Proof House in Brescia – I could tell by the stamp – if the barrels could not be mounted on the receiver?!) The answer of Stoeger Canada to that?! “Send us the gun and we’ll file the receiver.” (?!? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!!) Lucky me, I paid “extended warranty” to the retailer, when I bought the gun. So they agreed to replace it and deal with Stoeger Canada themselves.

To be able to shoot some clay while all these things were happening, I used my waterfowl gun, for which I bought last December three pairs of Briley Helix Hunter chokes. Only got to use the medium range ones for clay shooting …and one of the chokes cracked. Briley said they’ll send me a replacement free of charge, but I had to ship them on my expense the cracked choke. Which I did. Cost of shipping was half the price of the choke. I only remembered this because from May, I only received the replacement a few days ago (took me a moment to understand what was with that choke in my mail…)

So, here is a so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye, adieu to the quality and customer service of Browning and Beretta (which owns Beretta, Benneli, Franchi, Stoeger, Tikka, Sako, Uberti and a few other…)

Considering the money I spent on these “medium range” sporting guns… I could’ve went for a Krieghoff or a Perazzi – which (still) have a completely different approach to quality control, warranty and customer service.

Bought a buddy’s Beretta A400 from him for sporting clays.

Hey everyone,

I’m in the market for a new shotgun and have been considering the three models mentioned in the title. Before I make a decision, I plan to try all three out, but I’d love to hear from anyone with experience using them. For those of you who have tried these shotguns, what are your thoughts? How do they handle for clay shooting, and what should I keep in mind when testing them?

Is it possible to clean chokes in an ultrasonic cleaner? Are results good? What do you recommend for the fluid in the cleaner? TIA

Blasers social media says the 20 gauge barrels for the F16 are available in the states now but I haven’t seen any in my searches. Has anyone come across any or do you think they’ll be a special order kind of thing?

Who makes the best 686 upgrade? I shot a Kreighoff K80 today and now lust for that trigger feel. No creep, just mechanical snap. What should or who should I send it off too?

Just started shooting trap and skeet and mainly use rental guns right now. Looking to get a starter gun under $500. Local shop has the CZ 1012 on sale for $499. Seems like a decent deal for a semi auto with 5 chokes and case. Anyone have terrible experiences with em? Is there a better option at this price range? Appreciate any input

I’m looking to compile a list of open bunkers in the United States. My father, who was once an Olympian, is finding international travel to be tougher and only knows of a few US bunkers. Edit to add- if you’re familiar with one close to you, tell me about it. We really only know the California, Nevada and Arizona bunkers well.

I bought a Winchester SX4 and shot it for the first time at an event (that required loading three shells) this weekend at a local club. I did TERRIBLE. Afterwards, I patterned the gun and my POI is high (like 100/0 split high). I measured LOP and this gun is about 1/4" shorter than the OU I usually shoot. I will add some LOP with the stock extensions that came with the gun and pattern again.

If that doesn't work, I've read that a longer bead may help. Does anyone have experience with an aftermarket taller bead? Which one did you use? Was it hard to install? Did it solve the problem?

Any other suggestions for lowering POI?

I have a browning trap max with a warp in the adjustable rib. Anyone have experience replacing one?

Looking into chokes I was between Rhino and Briley. Rhino being more local and having more personal experience with Rhino shooters I picked Rhino. My question is what choke model should I get? The elite series or the Comp gen 2 chokes, the chokes will be for my CG.

I was just gifted a beautiful mossberg gold reserve by my wonderful parents, it feels strong and sturdy and feels like it will last a lifetime after I got it I looked at reviews online and seems people either love them or hate them. Is there anything I should be on the look out for when using this amazing gun. ( I around 50-100 shots a week)

I was told they got it on a deal at $799 if that makes a difference and it’s new

Started working on becoming 2 eyed shooting use tape of my left eye. Is there a preference if the tape should vertical or horizontal?

I am beginning to shoot clays seriously and have joined a local league etc. I am currently shooting a beretta a400 xtreme plus max 7 in 12 gauge and love that gun but want to purchase a dedicated clay gun. I am interested in the beretta 694 b-fast with adjustable comb as it is well within my price range and seems to be a solid mid level clays gun. My concern is gun fit. I am honestly not sure if my a400 fits. It feels good to me, I see a good bit of rib, and I perform well, but I don’t exactly know what a good fitting gun should feel like. There aren’t any stores I am aware of within a days drive for me to try out a 694 (I am located in central NC). Even if I did try one out, I wouldn’t know what a good fit felt like. My question is - does purchasing the 694 with adjustable comb mean it is guaranteed to have a configuration that fits me once the comb is properly adjusted? I am sure I can find someone where I shoot who can guide me in the right direction for gun fit but want to make sure this is the case before I blindly purchase this gun.

Do you use slings on sporting clay semi-autos? Never saw anyone using them on the course, but seems like a useful feature on a semi or pump

I know this gun has come up a couple times as of recent, but I’m new to trap shooting (within the past two months) I feel that I am progressing well, averaging 20-22 per round with my first 25 last week. I have been shooting with a tristar semi auto and have the opportunity to buy an 32” Ultra XT adjustable comb in really good condition from a guy at my gc. He is asking 2500 with original triggers and chokes, factory adjustable comb and a custom adjustable butt stock.

I’m wondering if this is a good deal? I have also been looking at the new Citori CX adjustable comb which is 2700 dollars. I will be shooting probably 90% trap, but I would like to occasionally shoot sporting and 5 stand. Those are much farther away from home so that’s why I would only occasionally shoot those. The CX shoots 60/40 making it a more “all around” gun, but should I be worried about that if it’s such a small percentage of my shooting?

Any help with pros and cons on this decision would be greatly appreciated as I am kind of at a loss with what to do.

Has anyone ever run across a 694 skeet? They’re on Berettas website as a model option but I can’t locate any record of one domestically. Even Coles doesn’t seem to have one. Thanks in advance.

What are some of the best sporting clays courses with amenities like a lodge and restaurant for a getaway? I would like to start in Texas or surrounding states.

I shoot skeet and trap with an older relative and over the last few years his kill rate has cratered.

Tried different guns, chokes, glasses, all the usual suspects including coaching from AA guys in the club and nothing helps.

It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t take it so personally. I know it really bothers him and I feel bad, but it’s discouraging and I don’t enjoy the experience anymore.

That is all, just a pointless rant

Cosner Reserve, with Browning Cynergy

Alright guys in the market for ear protection what’s the verdict? Anyone like these? Are they worth it? I have muffs but I need something better for trap and skeet

Im organising my competition shooting Vest. What is the etiquette for putting a name on the Yoke.

Is it John Smith, J.Smith or Smith J. (I have a long name)

I’m looking to upgrade from using an old 870 to a semi auto. I’ve started to shoot clays a little bit more and plan to do a couple charity events next year. I see the Beretta A300 Ultima recommended here a lot but I don’t see a lot of actual reviews or experience with it, even with searching.

I’m wondering if it’s worth ordering a sporting model sight unseen as a lot of stores do not have that model in stock locally. Would I regret not trying the fit in store first? I’m looking at the A300 Ultima Sporting walnut model. And is the 30” barrel with extended chokes really worth it over a 28” with internal chokes?

TIA

I'm looking at purchasing a used 686e to use at a local skeet club. The price point of this one fits my budget however I'm wondering if the lever position is worth being concerned about. I'm a beginner shooter but I'm hoping to get better with this gun. I'll be shooting 2 rounds a week for the next year hopefully. I don't have any information about how often this gun has been used previously.

I am a left handed shooter and definitely benefit from a cast on stock and left handed setup gun. However, I know that dedicated, permanently left handed set up shotguns are very hard to sell if the need ever arised. I have an A300 Ultima now where the cast can be changed to left/right handed orientation fairly easily through shim plates that come with the shotgun, and has a fairly easily reversed safety. I know I will want to upgrade to an o/u eventually.

Are there any O/U with stocks that have adjustable features that would let you set it up for left handed shooting, but then also easily change it to right handed if needed?

I'd probably be looking for something up to $3,500 that I could use primarily for trap but would want to also be able to use it somewhat often for sporting clays, and good for skeet would be nice not necessary. I'm fairly new to clays (but not shooting sports) and my use would be recreational/league shooting.

New here and enjoy the content! I just picked up a Beretta SP1 but am quickly realizing the white FSP is brutal for me to acquire & lead targets. I have had significantly better luck with red options on my other shotguns. I also notice many people and O/U's ditch the bead sight in the middle of the rib on many other style shotguns. What is your go-to sight configuration?