I'd try to shoot a BT-99. There are plenty of them around and at least one of your buddies probably has one. You can get a used on for 1/2 the price of the Zoli.

 

There's a used Zoli Verona trap gun with adjustable comb listed at an online site for about $2700, but I know nothing about their single barrel guns. Would it compare favorably to a BT-99?

Zoli makes a excellent shotgun. I have not heard much about the Verona trap shotguns. I have heard a few good things about the Verona skeet guns though. They are a much older out of date manufacture firearm by Zoli. As such, I think you should have a talk with Zoli about getting parts for this model. Zoli may not support parts for this ole gun anymore? If that is the case. I would stay away from this model. If Zoli is supporting the making of parts for the Verona. I would ask for how long?
These ole Zoli's were a much under appreciated shotgun by clay target shooters. Back in their day. They were priced very moderately as well. So while they are a very good shotgun, they tend to be worth less than they should be. I have no idea what POI you want in a trap shotgun, or how what the POI is set for the Verona model? Or if it has a adj. rib on their Unsingle? I can tell you that the BT-99 is a very flat shooting shotgun. Only in the last two years or so, have they gone to a 70-30 POI. All the older models have a 60-40 POI. I would talk with the Zoli American importer and find out parts first!!! Good Luck to Ya. break em all Jeff

 

No doubt Zoli makes a very fine gun but, if were me ( if you are just talking Singles and handicap) I would opt for the BT-99. Great gun and a good price and the trophies that have been won with one would fill a freight train !

 

OK, if the Zoli Verona you are talking about is a Model LX980, then it is essentially a copy of the Zoli Kronos, which is the predecessor to the Zoli Z-Gun. This gun was made by Zoli and sold in the USA as a Verona.

It is a great gun. Probably a better gun than the BT-99.

BUT, like Jeff said above, you should call Norbert Hausman or Jason Dallman at Zoli USA in Texas and find out if they support this model. I am not sure if they do. If they don't you may have trouble finding parts for it.

The BT-99 is a solid performer and a great choice.

Edited to add the Zoli website:

Zoli Competition & Hunting Shotguns - Z-Gun Clay Target Shotguns

Shop Antonio Zoli fine competition and field shotguns, for hunting, trap, skeet and sporting clays. Fastest growing with the lowest recoil. Made in Italy!

www.zoliusa.com

 

BUT, like Jeff said above, you should call Norbert Hausman or Jason Dallman at Zoli USA in Texas and find out if they support this model. I am not sure if they do. If they don't you may have trouble finding parts for it.

Just got off the phone with Jason at Zoli and he said the LX980 is still being supported. He mentioned the metal in the forearm is aluminum and could be converted to one having steel parts in order to allow more
re-buildability. Said $2700 is on the higher end of the market for that model.

 

I'd opt for the BT-99 if for nothing else service availability.

 

Said $2700 is on the higher end of the market for that model.

I had the same thoughts. But, I did not want to post I thought the asking price was too high!!! I'm sure Jason gave you all the info you need to know.

It would be nice if you let us know what you decide a few days. Since you brought up the subject of comparing the two shotguns. PS does the Verona have a adj. rib? break em all Jeff

 

Both guns are very good guns, you will have a hard time wearing out either one of these guns. The BT 99 has a tendency to kick where the Zoli does not.

 

Look for a nice bt99 plus of max, great adjustability and will last most parts of a lifetime

 

I bought one several years ago to go with LX980 O/U Sporting clays gun.
It's been a great gin so far & is supported by Zoli USA

i_shoot

 

I bought one several years ago to go with LX980 O/U Sporting clays gun.

Do you know if Zoli sells O/U barrels to match? The Zoli site doesn't provide much information on these legacy guns.

 

You'll probably have to ask Norbert or Jason at Zoli.

 

If you are willing to dump $2,700 on a used Zoli, why not dump that $2,700 on a new BT-99. For $2,700 I would think you could get a real nice, new Bt99. I'm just a big Browning lover so I guess I am a bit biased.

 

I agree with Colonel, 2700 is a lot of money, the true workhorse in sbt guns is the Perazzi TM1, and you could buy a good one of them and 5 flats of top guns and still have gas money to drive and pick it up

 

I had been looking the TM1s and as much time looking as I did, I could not find a nice one under $3000, let alone $2700 including $500 worth of shells. I did end up with a new BT99 Plus for under $3000 that I am happily waiting to get here tomorrow.

 

I agree with colegun. I have a TM from 1970. Replaced a locking block and firing pin and a re-blue. 7000 plus rounds a year down the tube. Shoots as great as ever and isn't close to being worn out.

 

I had been looking the TM1s and as much time looking as I did, I could not find a nice one under $3000, let alone $2700 including $500 worth of shells. I did end up with a new BT99 Plus for under $3000 that I am happily waiting to get here tomorrow.

My experience as well in looking for unaltered TM1 for around $2500-3000.

 

The Zoli LX980 you are looking at is a nice gun but is over priced. I had that same model about 10 years ago. Had a hard time selling it.

Among other guns now, I have a Perazzi TMX which is a TM1 with a high rib. I like a high rib because I think it helps cut down on raising my head to look at the clay.

 

If all you care about shooting is singles and maybe handicap, get the BT-99. If you want to shoot doubles also then get the 725.

 

It would be nice if you let us know what you decide a few days. Since you brought up the subject of comparing the two shotguns.

I've decided to pass on the Zoli. I'm going to play with the comb on my 694 and see if I can get a 70/30 p.o.i. out of it at the pattern board with the stack of washers I have. If all goes as I envision, I should have a short stack for sporting and a taller stack for trap while seeing more rib.

 

I'm a casual trap shooter...
I currently shoot a Beretta 694 for Sporting and it's set up the way I like...

Unless you just want to add another shotgun to your harem (and I see NOTHING wrong with that!), just shoot your 694 for trap.
A trap target is just another flying clay bird and doesn't require a specialized gun to break.
A clay isn't hit by the gun, it's hit by the shooter.