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Need O/U advice.

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#26 ·
Herbie989 said:
New member here, I could use some advice. Just started trap/skeet shouting last year using my old 12 gauge pump. Looking to go to an o/u but on a budget. I’m down between a Mossberg Gold Reserve ($885) and a ATI Crusader ($450). I know both are made in Turkey. Is the Mossberg worth the extra $400?

Thanks for your opinions.
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Herbie Just a question, what is the make and model of your OLD 12 gauge pump gun?
 
#28 ·
Herbie989 said:
New member here, I could use some advice. Just started trap/skeet shouting last year using my old 12 gauge pump. Looking to go to an o/u but on a budget. I’m down between a Mossberg Gold Reserve ($885) and a ATI Crusader ($450). I know both are made in Turkey. Is the Mossberg worth the extra $400?

Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...
Please heed the advice of others on here. Cheap Over/Unders give many people buyers remorse. Sadly they just aren't made well enough to withstand the rigors of constant shooting. If you just must have an O/U , and are on a restricted budget ,look for a used Browning Citori . My best suggestion would be to heed pheasantmaster's advice. You can can find a good used 870 Trap gun for a reasonable price and get into the game well within your budget. The older 870s are built like a Sherman Tank, and will give you great service over a period of time. You can save up and get a quality Over/Under later. BTW if that model 12 has a rib on it yo can fit it with Trap wood and do very well. Welcome and good shooting.
 
#29 · (Edited)
Go to a club. Brown up to the members. Ask what and why they shoot. Be friendly and don't take offense. Some might actually let you touch, hold and even try their guns. BUT FIRST, go hold the two you suggested so you can feel, see, and appreciate the fit, finish and feel of a decent gun. We need new happy shooters, not frustrated dejected dropouts.
 
#30 ·
24601 said:
Look for a used Browning O/U.
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I started out like the OP a few years ago. Bought a Stoeger Condor Comp for the low price and suffered the problems that came with a low $ gun. Should have stayed with the Mossburg 500 (still have). Was shooting only trap then so I sold off a couple lesser used guns to buy a used SKB (jap) 85TSS. What a difference. Moved to a new State for retirement and found that trap wasn't as popular, needed to learn skeet too. The Stoeger was still giving me trouble so, while it was being repaired, I found a used Citori field gun, made in 1990, for a reasonable price. The action is still stiff, must have spent lots of time in the safe. Swings like a skeet gun should, not like a 4X4 as the cheap gun does. I'm 72, so I doubt I'll wear out either the SKB or the Browning. Save up and buy what you need even if it is used. You will regret trying to save with a lesser gun.
 
#31 ·
Herbie989 said:
New member here, I could use some advice. Just started trap/skeet shouting last year using my old 12 gauge pump. Looking to go to an o/u but on a budget. I’m down between a Mossberg Gold Reserve ($885) and a ATI Crusader ($450). I know both are made in Turkey. Is the Mossberg worth the extra $400?

Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...
Herbie989,
Where are you located? If we knew that we might direct you to a dealer who specializes in used target guns. There are good ones in some areas. Welcome to the forum!

Scott Hanes
 
#32 ·
If you want to shoot trap, I recommend a used Beretta o/u Trap, or a Ceasar Guerini. I like the Beretta because they are built like a tank. I have shot them for years. They can be rebuilt forever and are a good reliable gun. They have been around long enough that you should be able to find a nice used one. 680 / 682 series. Also, parts are readily available.
 
#36 ·
Herbie989 said:
Thanks for the advice guys, I will ask around my club and see if I can find something there. I appreciate the feedback.
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Good luck in your hunt! At our club where I run the Trap range twice a week, RSO and Certified Shotgun Instructor, I always tell new to the sport shooters to come to my range and shoot my shotguns. I even have one for ladies! A lot of clubs do this for their members and we actually steer folks in the right direction for a new/used trap gun. One more thought for you. Trappers hate semi-autos and there are some great ones out there, but OMG don't let your shell fly toward the shooter to your right who has a Guerini! Take your time, make sure the shotgun fits you. It is a great investment for you and a great game to shoot. I'm 72 and I am surrounded by ages up and down the ladder.
 
#37 ·
School Teacher said:
You only need an over/under if you plan to shoot doubles.
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Now you tell me! I used 870's for years! ;)

OP; except for jm1079's TT-15 advice, everyone else is steering you true. Used 870TB, used Citori or Beretta 682 are all attainable guns, and much better choices than the Mossberg and ATI you mentioned. I've shot both, and they are light and will kick the snot out of you enough that you won't get to the low round count breakdown. The ATI I shot was a 20 ga., and still kicked worse than any of my Trap guns.
 
#39 ·
I’d like to cast another vote for an older BR-99. They are built for trap and run a bit cheaper than the double barrel Citoris. The 870 TB is another good idea. I shouldered one recently and was surprised at how much I liked it.
 
#40 ·
I recently got a used 28" Citori field grade primarily for skeet but don't see why it could't be used for trap as long as you account for three things:
Field guns shoot fairly flat while a high shooting gun makes trap shooting easier by allowing you to see bird thru entire process.
Short barrels don't have the momentum to help you maintain a steady swing / follow thru.
Field guns tend to be lighter weight resulting in more felt recoil.
That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to use my 30 yr. old Citori for trap, with the proper choke tubes. I happens to fit me perfectly: Can mount it with eyes closed and will be looking at point of aim with correct bead alignment, every time, when I open my eyes. That's why I paid $1600 but it like new. The action is still stiff.
 
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