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Matt 208
Sage-grouse>150 posts
200 Posts |
 Posted - 02/12/2012 : 11:11:51
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I am in the market for a new gun. Since I started hunting, I have been shooting a 12 ga. semi-auto (Beretta Pintail). It has been a pretty good gun, but it is relatively heavy and has a 28" barrel. I am leaning towards a 20 ga. OU with a 26" barrel to use for chukar/hun hunting, which I do 90%+ of the time. Does anyone have any suggestions on brands, models, etc? I am looking at the low to medium end of the price ranges. Should I expect to be able to get a 20 ga. that is significantly lighter than the 12?
Thanks! |
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BlakDeth
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
364 Posts |
Posted - 02/12/2012 : 11:40:06
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Yes, significantly lighter, depending on the make and model. And more petite in frame. I'm using a 20 gauge Franchi Rennaissance that weighs 5.7 lbs and was, at the time, about the lightest option in a fairly low price range. I think Browning offers a lighter option now but it only fits certain people from what I've seen and is around $2400 if I remember right (Cynergy feather?). The Franchis are a bit overpriced for what you get as well, IMO ($1750). I think Berretta has a lightweight 12 gauge but don't know much about it. I love the lightweight guns for long hikes.
CZ has some nice guns at intoductory level prices (less than $1K) but I think they are a bit heavier. Nice-looking too.
If an auto-loader fan you might look at the new Benelli 28 gauge at 5 pounds or less. I've fondled it a few times at gun shops but can't remember the name. It's pretty. Berretta and Benelli have other lightweight options in auto-loaders that are extremely nice for prices in the $1200-$1800 range.
That's about all I know. |
"Blakdeth is flat out wrong."
-harold |
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JPC
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 02/13/2012 : 08:40:06
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Matt,
Just went through the same thing last year. I ended up saving a bunch of money by getting a CZ upland ultralight 12ga. o/u and am supremely happy with it. It functions beautifully, 26" barrel, weighs in at 6lbs., and is about 700 new. You can also hunt around for a deal and find one for a very reasonable price. I found mine on gunbroker for 450 brand new.
You can get the same in a 20ga. I believe, but am not sure on what it weighs.
My wood is pretty utlitarian (perfect for the Chukar slopes in my opinion) and the finish is a bit soft, but if you want to spend a bit more money to get something with a bit more class and nicer finish you can find the same gun from Huglu for about 1000 bucks. I don't think you can find a nicer o/u for the money.
You've probably already stumbled onto it, but if not shotgunworld.com has great reviews on every gun you can imagine with manufacturer subforums for each of the majors. This was what helped me find the confidence in purchasing such an inexpensive gun and I have been amazingly happy with the purchase. |
The real one hun is back. |
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Talon1
Blue Grouse>50 posts
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2012 : 19:53:14
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Not sure what your low to med price range is, but sometimes you can find some great deals on Ithaca SKB Model 500s. I bought one last year in a 20 ga for less than $500. It was a great gun and didn't weight very much (I never weighed it), but it was light (I can't say that about the 12 gauges in this model). It had 26" barrels and was a pleasure to shoot and carry.Check Cabela's website in their libraries, they almost always seem to have them somewhere. Not sure if you know this, but they will transfer a gun from any of their other libraries for you. Sometimes they are priced a little high, but oftentimes you can haggle the price down with them.
I wanted to keep it, but traded it for a lovely French made 12 ga s x s. |
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Matt 208
Sage-grouse>150 posts
200 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 11:10:36
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JPC - You got me pretty interested in the CZ upland ultralight. Now the difficulty is finding one. I don't want to buy a gun before I can at least shoulder it. I have not been able to find this gun anywhere in Boise. Cabelas only has one in stock out of state and they will charge to bring it in so that I can check it out. Did you find a place in Boise that carried the gun?
Thanks! |
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BlakDeth
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
364 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 08:45:21
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| Hi Matt. Sent you a PM but not sure if it'll go through or not. Others have had problems with PMs on this site so it may not work. |
"Blakdeth is flat out wrong."
-harold |
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Matt 208
Sage-grouse>150 posts
200 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 09:07:41
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BD - I did not receive your PM. Karl, would you be able to send BD my email address?
Thanks |
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Matt 208
Sage-grouse>150 posts
200 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 09:09:18
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| BD - By the way, how is the spring training coming along? Seeing any progress? I quit hitting the hills to leave the birds alone as they start nesting, but Jack is starting to hold points a lot better on quail around the house. I am hoping this carries over to next season. |
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BlakDeth
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
364 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 11:01:40
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Training's going pretty well but I'm not sure the pup is grasping the whole "go forth and find birds for me" concept. She runs hard and wide but doesn't find much and doesn't necessarily care if I'm dead or alive. Misses nearly 100% of quail so far. On huns, chukar, and pheasants she's much better. Holds points fairly well until I get there and then all bets are off. Have been planting pigeons and working her with check cord more recently and I'm seeing a little progress there. Will continue that through the summer and should be ready to go come September. We've quit running chukar/huns too.
Sounds like your pup is coming right along. We should both see some great things this coming season. I hope Remy comes around but jury's still out. Not every dog can be great, I guess.
Will find a way to get in touch. If Karl's e-mail transfer doesn't work out I'll get you my phone number somehow. Have a good one. |
"Blakdeth is flat out wrong."
-harold |
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JPC
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2012 : 19:55:32
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Matt,
Cabelas had one that I was able to shoulder. If you can't find one locally you can take mine out for a test drive any time you want. Just let me know and I will get it to you. Deb is about to pop any day now otherwise I would go with you. However, seriously feel free to take it out and shoot it. I am extremely happy with the gun but would have loved the opportunity to shoot it first.
Shoot me an email and we'll work something out for you.
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The real one hun is back. |
Edited by - JPC on 05/01/2012 19:59:26 |
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Matt 208
Sage-grouse>150 posts
200 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 07:43:59
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JPC -
That is a very generous offer and would like to take you up on it. Even if I don't put any rounds through it, it would be helpful to shoulder it a few times. Please let me know the best way to contact you to find a time that works best for you (I will try to send you a PM, but I have not had much luck in the past).
Congrats with the soon-to-be addition to the family! |
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BlakDeth
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
364 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 14:19:43
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Matt, you ever find a gun to your liking. Reason I'm asking is that I just bought a new chukar gun and am looking to unload the Franchi Renaissance Classic 20 gauge that I've used the last 5 seasons. It's a great gun, in good shape, works well, and attractive. I just can't get over the way I came about it (long story) and the battlestar galactica recoil pad (a part of the long story). I need to recover $1200 if possible.
Let me know if you're interested and I'll get you photos and details (I'm pretty sure Drew has my number). That goes for anyone else who may be interested. I'll be a good deal more flexible on price with the folks here on this site than I will outside if no one's interested. |
"Blakdeth is flat out wrong."
-harold |
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Matt 208
Sage-grouse>150 posts
200 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2012 : 16:50:45
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BD -
Thanks for the offer, but I ended up with the CZ Upland Ultralight. I think one gun is all I can afford for this year. Good luck finding a new owner.
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JPC
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2012 : 11:09:32
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Matt,
Nice!!! How are you liking the gun? Hope you have as good of luck with yours as I have had with mine. |
The real one hun is back. |
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Topic |
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New Gun
