Ever get that feeling???

[Kbeaner]

Well I have came to that point in my life where I just have this feeling....a feeling that I need a new gun! So I came here for some insight. There are two guns that I have been wanting for a couple of years now, and they are: .270 win, or an O/U shotgun. My reasoning(not that any man needs reasoning, but it sure builds confidence) for .270, I just really want a good ol classic deer rifle, for using along field edges and slightly longer shots. As it is now my deer guns are kind of odd-ball calibers; a .260 rem(my go-to gun), and .300SAUM(overkill gun), and my good ol marlin 30-30 w/ iron sights(not odd-ball). For shotgunning all I own is a cheap mossberg 535 camoed pump with red dot for the thunder chickens, and use my fathers 870 for wing-shooting, and the gun doesn't really fit me well for wing-shooting(the doves are always very safe around me). I do a good bit of dove hunting and some clay shooting andI may have the oppurtunity to go out to South Dakota for pheasants in the next few years. Originally I wanted a 20ga for doves and clays, but I feel the pheasants may fare better with a 12ga.
So there is my dilemma, rifle, or shotgun. I think Im leaning towards the shotty b/c I already have a couple of rifles and get along fine during deer season, and do not yet own a good wing-shooting gun. So what are some good, solid options for over/unders, maybe side-by-side guns for less than $700? I love ruger red labels, but even used, they seem a little over budget for me. I want a good middle-ground gun that will last. Im done rambling now.....lets hear some input.

[stalkingbear]

OOOOOK-since you already have a .260,it'll do anything the .270 will so that kills that. As for shotguns,it would be absolutely great if you could luck onto a used browning or ruger in good shape. Tristar comes to mind as a decent shotgun,and even tho most people like them,1 blowed up with a good friend gunsmith of mine. I havn't had a chance to evaluate the current crop of russian over/unders so I'm totally useless there. Have you tried the various online sites that if you buy,would send to your local FFL dealer? If I was you,I'd camp on www.gunbroker.com a lot in search of what you want or cruise local gun/pawn shops.

[StruttinGobbler3]

Well, the only o/u I've shot under 700 bucks that performed well was a Spartan. It's made by Remington as a morecost efficient, quality shotgun for those on a budget. It's not the flashiest or prettiest gun on the market, just a straight workhorse, but it's pretty well balanced, comes with three chokes ( Improved cylinder, modified, and full), and patterns well. A friend of mine owns two, a 20 and a 12 guage. I've shot both and I was fairly impressed at their performance for the price. I believe he paid $525 for the 12guage and $420for the 20 guage.Now if you're willing to lay out some extra cash, the absolute best performing, toughest shotguns I've found are benellis. I've never had a single jam or any other problem, they pattern like hell and fit me perfectly. I own two benelli 12 guages, a SuperSport fordoves, quail, ducks and geese, and a SuperNova for turkeys. The best way to find a shotgun you will like is to go to a gun store and hold several makes and models. The one that fits you and aligns up perfectly will be the gun you will shoot the best,no matterif its a $400 Spartan or a $30,000 Perazzi. A good test tofind a good fitting gunis to close your eyes, and then lift the gun to your shoulder and swing it as if you're lining up on a bird. Halfway through your swing open your eyes, and see if the guns sightsare aligned properly. If they are, that means the gun fits you well, and lifts to perfect alignment without you having to consciously do it yourself, and that can mean a lot when you're in the field. Good luck, hope this helps.

[HEAD0001]

Sometimes a particular firaerm will allow you to be a better shooter, and sometimes not.

The firearm that improved my shooting the most overnight was a Beretta 686. My scores on the skeet range improved overnight. Shotgun fit is not a myth, it is reality. A Beretta may be a bit out of your price range, but they are a great shotgun.

Personally I do not like the Red Label. Butmy reasons are more about fit than function. They just never felt right to me. But I know some guys who can shoot 25's all day long with one. And that is a good thing. However they will not hold up in competition. Tom.

[driftrider]

You might also look at the Stoeger O/U's. I looked at them before a got my Stoeger 2000. They aren't the fanciest O/U's out there, but they seem well made and the price is right.

Mike