So I need to pick up an O/U that will be used for skeet shooting. I already have plans to pick up a nice Browning or Beretta next year in the $1500-2000 range.

 

However, I have a men's weekend trip coming up in about a month, and need to get a o/u 12ga for it. Basically I am looking to get a cheap one that can be like a back-up or for a friend to use once I get my nice one next year.

 

My question is does anyone have any experience or reviews on either of the following O/u 12's from Cabela's?:

Savage Arms O/U for $599

CZ Upland O/U $649

 

I am already going there tomorrow with some buddies to pick up some supplies for camping. I also would be open to similarly priced O/U that someone could suggest to get in the North Jersey area.

 

Thanks for any insight!

I was eyeing the O/U Stoeger at Dick's the last time I was in there but don't know much about it. It seems to get mixed reviews?

I dont know how the latest Stoegers from Dicks are, but mine is from the late 90's and its still running strong. Finish and wood are holding up great, no problems at all.

I have a CZ Mallard that I bought for $530 ($430 with a $100 gift card) from David Sports in NY. I love it. I use it for trap and hit between 18-22 clays. I don't think my shooting would improve with a $2000 O/U.

 

I keep wanting to buy another O/U but can't justify it if shooting ok with this one.

Does it need to be on O/U? For Skeet you can easily use a Semi, if you are really fast you could use a pump, but it would be tougher.

 

I think for the same money spent you could get yourself a better O/U used than a new one would cost you.

 

Call Ron and talk to him, he is a shotgun shooter through and through, won't steer you wrong. Here are some Brownings he has among many other shotguns.

 

http://www.legacyfirearms.com/Shop-list-7.html

Fmtek- doesn't the "CZ mallard" have a double trigger? Think I looked at that once and wasn't a fan of double trigger. However CZ's seem to have some good reviews for a lower priced gun.

 

As for Ron at Legacy ill reach out - thanks!

Yes, my gun has to be O/U. Love the style, the comfort it leaves while shooting around others (ie everyone knows a gun that is broken in half isnt going off), and it's just generally my shotgun preference.

 

Thanks for the thoughts! Keep em coming.

Ok, just a heads-up: An O/U typically abuses your shoulder the most. They tend to be lighter than a pump and a semi absorbs a lot of energy by design.

 

That being said, a gun that fits you correctly will be the easiest (and best) to shoot. Unfortunately that doesn't mean a cheap gun, or an expensive gun, is the best to buy. For instance: Though my wifes 870 beats us up a bit, I have shot my best scores at Trap with it. I certainly could not shoot her gun all day long like I can my Browning O/U though.

 

In my opinion, a good Skeet gun is on the lighter side, like your typical O/U because you need to hit the target going away from you first then swing back to the target coming towards you (and probably already past you). A heavy gun, like we favor for Trap, will be a little tougher to use.

 

I do see a lot of Skeet shooters using smaller gauge guns and doing very well with them. That also helps in the shoulder department!

 

I use my Browning 525 for everything. May not be the "best" choice, but it fits me perfectly and I do not get tired of it. A little light for Trap, took some getting used to, tended to overswing it, but I'm pretty good with it now. Perfect for Sporting Clays, also very good for Skeet.

 

Like you said, when it is open there is no question that you can't pull the trigger and fire it!

I think for the same money spent you could get yourself a better O/U used than a new one would cost you.

 

 

I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment.

Fmtek- doesn't the "CZ mallard" have a double trigger? Think I looked at that once and wasn't a fan of double trigger. However CZ's seem to have some good reviews for a lower priced

 

Yeah. Double trigger. I wasn't crazy about it at first, but I'm used to it. I haven't shot doubles with it yet. But I've practices hitting both triggers with snap caps in and it was fine.

As others have said fit is everything i use a browning 525 sporting for all clays in 12 gauge bring a sweatshirt or a jacket when shouldering the shotgun for the fit will be diffrent when you start adding layers for fall and winter shooting good luck on your purchase

As others have said fit is everything i use a browning 525 sporting for all clays in 12 gauge bring a sweatshirt or a jacket when shouldering the shotgun for the fit will be diffrent when you start adding layers for fall and winter shooting good luck on your purchase

 

I don't understand all this. I routinely shoot 100-200 rounds with a 12ga O/U and never even have any soreness at all. Are you guys putting the gun right up to your shoulder before pulling the trigger?

 

Not giving you a hard time, but I'd have someone look at what you are doing, because you shouldn't need that padding...

Melgamatic, haha, I think what he was saying is usually in those seasons, you're wearing a heavy jacket or several layers when shooting - not that he uses rolled up hoodies for added padding.

I don't understand all this. I routinely shoot 100-200 rounds with a 12ga O/U and never even have any soreness at all. Are you guys putting the gun right up to your shoulder before pulling the trigger?

 

Not giving you a hard time, but I'd have someone look at what you are doing, because you shouldn't need that padding...

Okay its for when your at the gun shop shouldering the shotgun for the lenght of pull

_{Melgamatic, haha, I think what he was saying is usually in those seasons, you're wearing a heavy jacket or several layers when shooting - not that he uses rolled up hoodies for added padding.}

_{Okay its for when your at the gun shop shouldering the shotgun for the lenght of pull}

_{rolled up hoodies and duct tape around my shoulder}