Hey Guys,

I am in the market for a good over/under 12 ga. Loking at hunting small game, mostly pheasant..Any suggestions? I am looking at spending no more than $800.00 to $1,000.00.......

Thanks,

JKC

Look for a good used Beretta Whit Wing or Browning Citori.

You don't have to spend that much. Check out the Stoeger Condor. I got one in 20 Gauge for my wife and it's a nice little gun. No fancy engraving, but the pheasants can't tell the difference. I got hers at Dick's Sporting Goods last year for about $200.
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/

For that price I would look at several different models to see which fit you best. Here is a short list

Ruger Red Label
Browning Citori
SKB
Lanber
Mossberg Silver Reserve
Winchester 101
Stoeger Condor
CZ
Savage Milano

All of these should available either new or used within your price range, and should do just fine for hunting.

If you can find a Ithica, made by SKB, in either SXS or O/U should cost around 500 to 800. They were made in the 60's I believe and have chrome lined bbls and black chrome outer. I have had several and they were excellent guns. IMO much better that SKB makes now.

Can't go wrong with the three B's when buying O/U shotguns; Browning, Beretta, Beneli.


"Brownings don't wear out, they wear in......"

I strongly support buying a used Browning Citori or other quanlity proven firearm over the cheapies. These include the Japanese made Charles Daly (Muroku), Winchester 101, SKB brands, Weatherby (made by SKB) and possibly a couple others.

The least cost quality O/U is the SKB 505 field and that'll run ya about $1,200...It's a fine gun.

Just remember the old adage..."You get what you pay for". Think hard about that super cheap deal again. Most large gunshops should have a decent selection of used O/U's. Check them out. Some real good deals can often be had in the off-season like now. Be sure to check for worn hinge pins, although that's usually not much of a problem on field guns. Ones used in trap and skeet can get a little loose and in need of rejointing.

Ruger red label is the best bang for the buck. the condors and baikals and other imported o/u's are nice guns, but i've yet to find one that didn't beat the heck out of you. The ruger is a really nice option!

The Ruger Red Labels are decent. But as said above the SKB's are probably the best value for your dollar on the market. Especially if you can find one of the older top locks.

I would look for a good used one in order to maximize my dollars. Most quality stack barrels are going to run a good bit over $1,000. Tom.