If you were to only own one shotgun

J

Jeffrey Nelson

Active member
What would it be?

I'm in the market.... My kids are growing up, and I've let them take over my go to guns. Which at times I'm ok with, and other times I fell I've been robbed. I would like to get a gun that is good in the field and also clays. I've been looking at a Cynergy and Citori, and I think they're beautiful guns. The only thing I don't like is the barrel is stamped Japan... Probably doesn't matter now a days? I also have looked at the Beretta and Benelli O/U. More money.... just not sure if it's worth it? Anyone have any opinions.

Then I waffle and think I should get another auto loader. Anyone have real time input on some of the guns out there. For some reason my gut tells me a O/U will stand the test of time. Just interested in what yall had to say?
 
Tough ? for sure but if that were the case I wouldn't think twice. 12 ga. 870. It would handle everything from woodcock to bear. SOunds like that is not on your list but you did ask.;<))
 
When you say "good in the field and also clays " are you talking waterfowl and upland?
For waterfowling and clays a little more weight isn't a bad thing. For upland where you carry a lot and shoot a little a lighter gun is nice.

It is probably easier to find an all around gun in the semi autos. Something in a gas operated Beretta would be nice.

A heavier O/U wouldn't be bad for waterfowl and clays. Saying Japan on the barrel wouldn't bother me too much. Quality will not be an issue. Same with Italy.

The closest thing I have to an all around gun is a Franch Affinity. It's good for hunting and would be ok for clays. Being inertia driven it's a little rough with high volume shooting but I'm not really a clays shooter.
I picked up an older 20ga Beretta O/U last fall for pheasant hunting. It's light and a pleasure to carry out pheasant hunting. It also wouldn't make much of a clays gun.

Good luck with your decision.

Tim
 
Easy... I have been using 1 shotgun for the last 15+ years . Super Black Eagle. But anyway you slice it, what it would be...it would be a 12 Gage.
 
I should that I use 3 shot guns. All 3 are 870-s. All are 12 gauge, one is 3" that I use for ducks. The other 2 are 2-3/4".
 
Good morning, Jeffrey~

No secret here - I'm a Winchester Model 12 guy. It's pretty much my "one gun" - for waterfowl and turkeys. Built in 1925, it works every time. I expect to shoot it on my last hunt....which I am assuming will be long after it celebrates its hundredth birthdate.

But, in my opinion, the most important thing is that YOU love whichever gun you choose. Lots of guns can probably meet your "technical/practical" considerations, but a gun's aesthetic/emotional draw should be given its due.

(and, although nothing draws my eye and my heart like a classic side-by-side with a splinter forearm - I love that third bullet!)

Enjoy the quest!

SJS

 
Jeff

Now I'm a ten gauge man so that out for a everyday gun. But Stoeger has some really great guns and price low. From my understanding they are a Benelli company. They have everything you would need. I thinking about buying their over and under and the side by side. Hope this helped.
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Don't worry about the made in japan sticker... I have many Brownings o/u's, I have a pick of many guns, I'm a dealer.
There is not a true do all gun. A nice field gun for field or ducks and a nice o/u for clays. I shoot a Rem 1187 for ducks and Browning citori for clays.
Miroku makes the Brownings and has the best steel going. Don't need new, look for some gently used guns...
 
Why in the world would made in Japan bother you????? Their QA/QC is top notch, especially in metallurgy, machining and forging.


But back on topic, I have one shotgun and have used it exclusively since Fall 2003: A Beretta 390, the cheap one, from Walmart. It has never failed to function. Never.
It is not light weight (not really heavy either), so I'm not sure I would use one to tromp through the pheasant fields for 8 hours, but in the duck boat, sitting on a dove stool or at the range, its unbeatable for the price.
 
Not even considering action type you want the gun that the stock fits you the best. I love my citoris but am fortunate the 12 guage drop at comb is what I shoot. No adjustment on those guns with out a stock bender/ gunsmith. Berettas O/U,s tend to not have much drop at comb as well as Franchi. Most of the better autos now have shim adjustable stocks and some can be adjusted for length of pull which makes them easy to shoot well when set up properly. Beretta, Benelli,, Browning ,Winchesters all make outstanding autos .
 
Being a waterfowl hunter and an upland hunter

One is not going to do it. A gun light enough to carry in my thick hillside grouse and woodcock covers is too light and whippy for clays or waterfowl

I might be able to live with two. My super Fox will be the last one out of my hands when I can't hunt any more (I figure I will be able to get in the boat longer than I can climb the hills) and I really like that one as a clays gun

And an open lighter Parker or Fox for upland work

My model 12 is fun. But it's a heavy duck and not an all round gun

Although. It would be sad to not have at least one hammergun around
 
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"If you were to only own one shotgun"

That's just silly talk.[w00t] I mean I have six bows, 3 boats, at least a dozen pair of boots. etc. Why would I limit my fun to one shotgun[cool] That's like telling your wife she can only have one pair of shoes[crazy]

Kidding aside, the gun I shoot the best is my 12 Ga SBE. It's 23 years old and still performs. The gun I like to carry the most for upland is a 28 ga. O/U - love that gun. The gun that makes me feel good in a layout is a 20 ga. SxS.
 
Pete McMiller said:
"If you were to only own one shotgun"

That's just silly talk.[w00t] I mean I have six bows, 3 boats, at least a dozen pair of boots. etc. Why would I limit my fun to one shotgun[cool] That's like telling your wife she can only have one pair of shoes[crazy]

Kidding aside, the gun I shoot the best is my 12 Ga SBE. It's 23 years old and still performs. The gun I like to carry the most for upland is a 28 ga. O/U - love that gun. The gun that makes me feel good in a layout is a 20 ga. SxS.
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Yep, just plain silly. The only thing I have one of, is my wife. (sometimes, one is too many)
 
Pete McMiller said:
"If you were to only own one shotgun"

That's just silly talk.[w00t] I mean I have six bows, 3 boats, at least a dozen pair of boots. etc. Why would I limit my fun to one shotgun[cool] That's like telling your wife she can only have one pair of shoes[crazy]




LOL, if I tried to limit my wife to one pair of shoes I would not have a need for a gun safe!....[:/]
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Another vote for a double barrel of your preferred configuration. I started with an 870 Wingmaster and used it for everything for years. I now do most shooting with the same O/U.

Tom
 
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