Posted: 7/30/2008 4:23:11 PM EDT
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I looked at a few O/U shotties this afternoon and have a question about one that I saw. I looked at a Remington SPR301 (actually made for Remongton by Bakail) that had a good feel and balance to it. The problem is that after pushing the lever to open the action the hinge was very stiff. I literally had to turn it sideways and open it across my body. Does this loosen up after a several openings and closings? I looked at the Remington SPR301, a Stoeger Condor, and a Mossberg Silver Reserve. I know they are no Beretta, but does anyone have opinions of these? The shottie in question will be used for scaring clays on occasion. |
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i've got an opinion or two on O/U's... in fact, a Beretta O/U was my first gun and what got me in to shooting sports in the first place. I'm no surgeon, but I usually drop 20-24 out of 25 when i shoot. Not bad for someone who shoots every few weeks (if that). I think the best value in shotguns (O/U's) is the Lamber line. It is a small Spanish company that mimics the Browning design. I was told they actually contract out and make some high-end guns for Browning in Europe (rumor, could be gun-store bullshit). I LOVE this gun, SO much more than the Beretta. I actually had all sorts of problems with the Beretta- and have had NONE with the Lamber. They run around 800-1500$ and I think present a much better value than some of the other options out there. I've got a 28" bbl and it swings GREAT. Lightweight gun, easy to clean, etc. As for your original question, YES, they do loosen up over time. Think of the SUPER tight fit between a Rock River upper and lower on AR's. Mine was soooo damn tight i could hardly get it together when i first bought it. But it works in a little bit and loosens up. So will the O/U's. If you want to spend money and get a great gun, buy a Citori. If that's too rich for your blood, buy a used one. Good luck with your decision, and if you'd like to try mine sometime- and don't mind driving up to Pickens County Sports club, then shoot me a PM. We'll make a day of it and do some pistol / rifle shooting and a bit of skeet/trap. |
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The best money you could spend on a O/U would be on a Browning Belgium Supreposed. See if you can find one gently used in either field or lightning grade. Don't buy Jap brownings. there is nothing wrong with them, but there is nothing right with them either. It would be imposible/unethical to find a B/B Superposed for the same money that you are going to spend on a Spartan, but I would certainly save your money. Like my Granfather always said: "The day of the American craftsman is gone, technology has seen to that." I am not sure I would go that far, but I can tell you that the best sporting guns I have ever handled in any class were not made within the last 40 years. If you are set on getting a new production gun, get a ruger red label. There is nothing bat that can be said about them. They are by far the best bang for the buck. |
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I have the Bakail in 20Ga. I got it the last year before they started making for Remington. When I first got it I would have to break it open across my knee. After shooting a dove season and a season of skeet, it hinges much easier! I love the balance and feel of the twice gun. It is my wife's favorite now. I bought a Browning Gold last year from a deal I could not turn down. It was NIB and worth lots more than I paid. I still shoot the twice gun when I dove hunt, but no more ducks or turkeys with it. blev-E |
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When I was shopping for a double barrel, I also looked at the Remington. I ended up getting the condor because of the adjustable choke system and I liked the sights way better than the other dbl barrel shotguns. The reason that the dbl barrel shotguns are sort of difficult to open is that you are cocking back the second hammer at the same time. when you press the lever over to the right you are cocking the first hammer and when you open the shotgun action you are also cocking the second hammer. this only applies to internal hammer models. 
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| I have a Beretta BL4 that I got about 30 something years ago, they are an overlooked gem, if the budget can afford, a nice used one might be perfect. The Browning superlight swings and points great, but that light weight can hurt after a fall day of dove shooting |