Hurley's Gold

New Sporting Clays Shotgun - Suggestions Welcome

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  • Tiller1k

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    Jul 26, 2009
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    Katy
    I have been a hunter and shooter for many years but never really was into sporting clays. I recently attended a shoot and fared pretty well with a borrowed Benelli Super Black Eagle. I am considering purchasing a new shotgun to use for this purpose and possibly for some bird hunting. I have no intention to shoot turkey or anything using a 3 1/2 mag shell.

    At this point I have ruled out O/U shotguns and pumps. I would like an auto-loader. Apparently "reasonably priced" and sporting clays don't go together but I am looking to keep it fairly reasonable.

    I looked at and shouldered several different models and have narrowed down the list. Please feel free to make recommendations if they are in the same price range. It must be reliable shooting 2 3/4" 1 1/8 loads.

    Here are the contenders so far:

    Berretta AL 391 Urika 2 (High end of price range)
    Winchester SX3 Synthetic
    Franchi I-12
    Remington 11-87 Sportsman

    I was planning on purchasing a 28" bbl but saw plenty of 26" models out there as well. Anyone using a 26"? Benefits?

    Thanks in advance for your recommendations and opinions. :patriot:
    DK Firearms
     

    SIG_Fiend

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    Off your list, I would go with a Franchi I-12. They feel and shoot fairly similar to Benelli's from what I remember. Another decent one is the Stoeger M2000. Although not quite as nice as the Franchi's, they are still an excellent gun and tough to beat for around the ~$400-550 price range. Franchi's are usually ~$600-800.
     

    Tiller1k

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    Jul 26, 2009
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    I looked at the Stoeger and have done some research on them for exactly the reasons you gave. Everyone has an opinion but I have read quite a few reports of malfunction and difficulty cycling lighter loads. Who knows if the claims were legit and what type of "operator error" was involved but there were some serious horror stories about this model and getting parts if they break.

    I was fairly impressed with the Franchi for the money.

    Good feedback! Thanks!
     

    navyguy

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    I agree on the 1100 vs the 11-97, but your other choices are good.

    26 vs 28 is a personal shooting choice. You get a longer sight radius with the 28, but it does not swing as fast. The 26" is good for close in shooting and snap shooting, but not as good for long range pass shooting, with sustained lead. The 28 will generally pattern a tad better than the 26, and give you a tiny bit more velocity. I Personally like the 26". I just seem to shoot it better in the field and at skeet. Have not shot sporting clays, but from what I've seen, I think I would favor the 26".
     

    Tiller1k

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    Jul 26, 2009
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    Thanks for the feedback. I know the 11-87 was "updated" from the 1100 and many say it was the answer to a question never asked. I really don't know what the difference is between the two. What makes the 1100 more desirable? It looks like these can still be had new though they are a bit more than the 11-87.

    I did try to find some used copies of the Remington in my search but they are few and far between. Even in used models, they were asking a mint for them. Maybe they are worth it. I just prefer to know the history on something and don't want to end up with a nice looking gun that has 20k rounds through it and will soon need repairs.
     

    navyguy

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    Thanks for the feedback. I know the 11-87 was "updated" from the 1100 and many say it was the answer to a question never asked. I really don't know what the difference is between the two. What makes the 1100 more desirable? It looks like these can still be had new though they are a bit more than the 11-87.

    I did try to find some used copies of the Remington in my search but they are few and far between. Even in used models, they were asking a mint for them. Maybe they are worth it. I just prefer to know the history on something and don't want to end up with a nice looking gun that has 20k rounds through it and will soon need repairs.


    I'll answer this never having shot a 11-87, but going one what I have heard and read. The 11-87 was developed to handle the magnum loads, whereas the 1100 will only shoot standard loadings. (2 3/4) But apparently that makes 11-87 less then 100% reliable as is the 1100's reputation. Some people report absolutely no problems, and others say it's a POS.

    As far as running into an 1100 wit 20k rounds through it, I say that is possible, but not likely. Most people that own that gun will use it for casual clay shooting (you don't see many in real competition) or the occasional hunting outing. For example, I've had my 870 Wingmaster for better than 30 years, and I'd guess I've got 700-1000 rounds through it... Other than a few scratches on the stock, it's still perfect.
     

    Gutshot

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    I own both at one time. The 1100 is a little narrower and easier to handle than the 11-87. I traded up to the 11-87 then sold it and bought a Stoeger 2000 in 12 ga. camo with 26" barrel.With it on sale at Cabalea's and with a discount coupon, I ended up paying $100 for it brand new. I don't get good deals very often. I guess it was my turn.
    Gutshot
     

    juwaba98

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    Only thing I have to add is a quick question. How serious do you plan on getting with the sporting clays? If you only intend to be a casual shooter I would go with the Franchi. If you plan to be more serious about it and plan on going through a lot of rounds I would then look at the Beretta. The Franchi will literally start to fall apart when you get near 10k rounds through them. I've seen it firsthand. If you plan on much fewer rounds it should give you many years of enjoyment as most casual shooters will never reach that kind of round count. The Beretta is a great semi-auto that is well-proven and heavily favored among serious shooters who prefer the semis. The Winchester (which I would like to have) should be a great gun as well, but is not proven enough for me to actually reccomend it. I'd stay away from the Remington unless you fall into that casual shooter category and find a good used 1100 for less than the Franchi. The 1100 is like the 870 and should last you a lifetime if properly cared for. Barrel length is going to be a personal preference. I personally won't shoot anything other than a 28" on a semi-auto and actually prefer 32" barrels on my O/Us. Hope something in the above mess helps.
     

    Tiller1k

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    Jul 26, 2009
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    There are some very good points here. I have been trying to figure out what kind of round count I might be putting through this thing. I think I might be kidding myself if I thought that I would shoot less than 2500-3000 per year (a fraction of the rifle and pistol count). I am less than 3 miles from the range, we are getting a membership, I have excuses to shoot for work and recreation. This decision is becoming a little more clear.

    Either a Franchi which I would probably have to replace or a Berretta.

    There is $225 difference between them but that gap looks fairly large right now.
     

    juwaba98

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    The gap will look much smaller when you have to buy a second Franchi. I'm not trying to be a Franchi basher or hater but If you are going to really put some rounds through it, it may not be the best choice. My father shoots a Franchi O/U and is already making plans to replace it after only 6k rounds or so. He really likes it however and is willing to treat it as a disposable gun and will most likely get another just like it when his craters. YMMV
     

    Tiller1k

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    Jul 26, 2009
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    I want to thank everyone for their input into this purchase. I decided today to buy the Berretta A391 Urika 2 in synthetic. I was able to make a deal that brought the price to within $100 of the Franchi. It was a no-brainer~! ;) Edit - 28"BBL

    As beautiful as the wood stocks were, l just couldn't afford to spend the extra right now. I feel comfortable that I made the right decision to purchase something that will last for years to come.

    Enjoy the pics of my new girl!

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    DSCN1223.jpg
     

    dbgun

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    Congratulations. I own a Remington 11-87 and really love this shotgun. One of my buddies bought himself a Beretta, when he retired from work. He let me shoot it during a dove hunt once and I thought that was one of the best shotguns I have ever handled.
     

    Tiller1k

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    Thanks guys. I have been itching all day to go shoot it but there were too many other things going on. Maybe tomorrow.....

    The more I look at it, the more I love it.
     

    juwaba98

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    Great choice! Synthetic vs. wood is another personal preference decision. Bottom line is you have a shotgun that will do it all and last you a good long time. Enjoy!
     
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