I'm looking to get a good clay gun to accompany my Browning Silver 12ga. I would like to keep shooting with I let a gun cool, I thought a 20 would be a good choice to go with the 12. I shouldered a Benelli Super Sport 20ga and loved it, just didn't like the tag at $1900. Is there anything really good in semi-auto or o/u in the sub $1k range that you would recommend?

I am very happy with my Remington 1100s in 12 and 20. Trap is really a game for 12 gauge, especially when you get good and start shooting from further back handicaps.

I am very happy with my Remington 1100s in 12 and 20. Trap is really a game for 12 gauge, especially when you get good and start shooting from further back handicaps.

 

would this be because you are throwing more lead out of a 12?

I'm looking to get a good clay gun to accompany my Browning Silver 12ga. I would like to keep shooting with I let a gun cool, I thought a 20 would be a good choice to go with the 12. I shouldered a Benelli Super Sport 20ga and loved it, just didn't like the tag at $1900. Is there anything really good in semi-auto or o/u in the sub $1k range that you would recommend?

 

Try looking at the CZ line of shottys. Tom Knapp is now sponsored by them. O/U, SxS, and semi's in both 12 & 20ga.

 

 

Try looking at the CZ line of shottys. Tom Knapp is now sponsored by them. O/U, SxS, and semi's in both 12 & 20ga.

 

The CZs are nice looking, and from what i've read, good guns. Be aware that they are Turkish built if that matters to you. Only their BRNO shotguns are made in Czech (much pricier though).

 

would this be because you are throwing more lead out of a 12?

Yes. Wider shot column.

I have the bennelli montifeltro.. Not sure what they go for now but paid 850.00 about 10 years ago...

 

now that i look they make several models now..

Mine looks like the one pictured.

I see they have a retail of 1139.00

 

http://www.benellius...montefeltro.php

it seems 50/50 luck with CZ guns based upon some reading online, the firing pins seem to break. i don't think I'll be going with a CZ. I've heard good things about Baikal, but I'm not sure who carries them in NJ

I never shot, but held a Franchi 48AL. Seems to be a nice pointing, light handling 20 gauge. I think they go for AROUND $1,000.

I never shot, but held a Franchi 48AL. Seems to be a nice pointing, light handling 20 gauge. I think they go for AROUND $1,000.

 

I was going to buy the franchi and opted for the bennelli because you can shoot 3 in out of it you are limited to 2-3/4 with the franchi.

The new Franchi models can handle 3 inch shells . There was an article about them in last month's american rifleman magazine.

I know you said semi but have you thought of a pump? I picked up a Mossberg 500 in 20ga, years ago. I wanted it for my wife but I have come to really like this gun. When I let friends use it they like it also appreciate it. It is an easy shooting gun, can cycle quickly and is a great investment. Best of all, I got it at Dicks for under $200 (5 years ago). Good luck in your search.

it seems 50/50 luck with CZ guns based upon some reading online, the firing pins seem to break. i don't think I'll be going with a CZ. I've heard good things about Baikal, but I'm not sure who carries them in NJ

 

I wouldn't rule-out CZ's that quick. Check the build quality in person! And talk with people who own them and shoot them every week. A friend of mine likes his CZ's so much he keeps buying more of them! The Sun doesn't rise & set on the internet. or it's reviews!

 

And if you buy the thing LOCAL and it breaks, the Dealer will make good on the repair.

it seems 50/50 luck with CZ guns based upon some reading online, the firing pins seem to break. i don't think I'll be going with a CZ.

 

I have the CZ 912 (12 ga.) and 720 Youth (20 ga.); got them both for $500-ish each new from a forum vendor (with 5 year full CZ warranty). Both are great guns for the price - and I don't mean that as a backhanded compliment. I'm not pushing CZ, because I've shot a bunch of guns, and there are a lot of great brands. But I needed a gun for my significant other and myself to shoot about 4 times a year in informal / casual trap and skeet, and the CZ shottys have been great.

 

As of this writing, both guns are holding up like champions. Each came with 5 chokes. The 912 in particular has a fiber optic sight and a really nice walnut stock. Both guns have black chrome. All in all, no problems with any budget ammo and my firing pins are fine. They're not high-volume guns (i.e. 15,000 rounds a year) but for my purpose, they fit the bill. Anyways, just my $0.02. G/L with the decision and don't forget to have fun shooting clays.

I've been going back an forth, I was heavily considering a Remington 1100 competiton, but they don't seem to be available. I really want that Benelli, i really didn't like the shakey Mossburg pump as a cheap pump alternative. Maybe i'll check out some CZ's this weekend