|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
I haven't owned a nice shotgun in a long time. They were sold when my kids were born and I've been hunting with some old beaters for the past ten years.
I decided since I will be turning 40 this year and I actually have some money available that I would treat myself to a new upland gun.
I would be using this gun on Pheasants,Woodcock and Grouse.
My local gun shop was very helpful and patient today and let me handle a bunch of really nice guns. My budget is around $1000 give or take and either a 12g or 20g.
Two guns that really stood out for me were the Benelli Montefeltro 20g and the Franchi Instinct L 20g. Both guns are lightweight and shoulder nicely. The Franchi feels a bit nicer in the hand IMO though.
One thing I did notice on shouldering the Montefeltro is that I am literally just staring at the bead (no rib visible when I shoulder and aim) When I shoulder and aim the Franchi a tiny bit of the rib is visible. I am not sure how this would effect my shooting from one gun to the other.
If anyone has an opinion on these two models or other models I should consider please let me know.
Some other guns I handled were
Benelli ultralight 12g
Benelli M2 20g
Franchi Instinct SL 20g
Winchester 101 12g
Franchi Affinity 12g
Last edited by Centurion75; 02/07/15.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,519
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,519 |
This is your Huckleberry, a Browning Citori Uplander in 20 gauge. Light weight and a pleasure to carry and shoot, $999.00 fits perfectly in your safe and budget... ![[Linked Image]](http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/bridgershooters/For%20Sale/DSCN1228.jpg)
Last edited by shrapnel; 02/07/15.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
Shrapnel, That exact gun in 16ga is actually my "grail" gun.
Yours in 20 gauge is looking pretty sweet though!!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809 |
Model 12 in a 16ga.
Can be had for a third of your budget. Spend the remainder to clean it up and you will have one of the nicest and well balanced American shotguns ever made.
Last edited by battue; 02/08/15.
laissez les bons temps rouler
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 503
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 503 |
I've a 20ga Franchi 28AL that I've taken pheasant hunting a few times. A pleasure to carry all day at 5.5lbs. I think I paid right around $700 new.
Shrapnel's Browning looks like it'd make a damned nice field gun.
Brandon Gleason
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 643
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 643 |
find a 16 gauge sxs or ou that fits you choked cyl and mod and you will be very happy and the birds very dead.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,469
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,469 |
I agree on the Model 12 or a Remington Model 31, both fine pump guns but anything Shrapnel has ever posted on the fire makes me want to buy it. He has some great guns. I like his Browning and if that's what your budget is you can't go wrong with Shrapnel.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11,382
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11,382 |
All my group bought Beretta 391's back in 2003/2004, like 8 of them off the top of my head. I quit even looking at shotguns after my purchase.
A good 16 guage sxs would probably get my attention though.
We shot Montefeltros at a rental range as well. No real issues with the Benelli, just liked the Beretta better.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,241
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,241 |
I picked up a Benelli Montefeltro 20 ga. used this fall.
I absolutely fell in love with this little shooter.
Can`t go wrong with the Benelli.
If it feels right to you, roll with it!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,238
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,238 |
This is your Huckleberry, a Browning Citori Uplander in 20 gauge. Light weight and a pleasure to carry and shoot, $999.00 fits perfectly in your safe and budget... I have the exact same Browning Uplander in 20 gauge. Really, Really nice shotgun, weighs about 5 1/2 pounds. Bought it for grouse hunting, carries and shoulders great.
"Put none but Americans on guard tonight."
-George Washington
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,373
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,373 |
I haven't owned a nice shotgun in a long time. They were sold when my kids were born and I've been hunting with some old beaters for the past ten years.
I decided since I will be turning 40 this year and I actually have some money available that I would treat myself to a new upland gun.
I would be using this gun on Pheasants,Woodcock and Grouse.
My local gun shop was very helpful and patient today and let me handle a bunch of really nice guns. My budget is around $1000 give or take and either a 12g or 20g.
Two guns that really stood out for me were the Benelli Montefeltro 20g and the Franchi Instinct L 20g. Both guns are lightweight and shoulder nicely. The Franchi feels a bit nicer in the hand IMO though.
One thing I did notice on shouldering the Montefeltro is that I am literally just staring at the bead (no rib visible when I shoulder and aim) When I shoulder and aim the Franchi a tiny bit of the rib is visible. I am not sure how this would effect my shooting from one gun to the other.
If anyone has an opinion on these two models or other models I should consider please let me know.
Some other guns I handled were
Benelli ultralight 12g
Benelli M2 20g
Franchi Instinct SL 20g
Winchester 101 12g
Franchi Affinity 12g
Personally, I would go with the Franchi Affinity in 20 gauge. I own one and it is a sweet shooting pop gun. I don't see the need for a 12 gauge when you say "upland". The 20 gauge is lighter and slimmer. The plain-jane Affinity is $699 and $100 more for the fancy camo. Comes with a shim kit if you want to adjust drop and cast. And comes with 3 chokes. There are only two nits I have with the Affinity: (1) The recoil pad has a dogleg in it, so it is pretty much custom ($56 for pad and insert to change LOP) as they don't sell spacers. (2) There is a detent pin for the magazine cap. Pin lives in a hole in the mag tube ring of the barrel. Pin isn't always peened to hold it captive, so it is easy to lose when removing barrel. Great trigger. Fast and reliable cycling whether 2 3/4 trap or 3" waterfowl death-ray loads. Mine never misses a beat.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,884 |
Of those listed, the Benelli M2 is what I would choose.
To me, the nicest upland 20 is an old Ithaca 37 Ultrafeatherlight, with the aluminum receiver.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972 |
I like the Monte, the M2 and the Affinity. I would choose 20 ga as well for weight. All three have basically the same action with the return spring under the forearm for the Affinity. The Affinity also doesn't come in a 28" barrel for 20 ga. The Comfort Tech stock on the M2 will help a little with recoil. Might choose Monte if you like wood and blue steel. You can get a slug barrel for the M2. The camo versions of the M2 and Affinity will be the most weather resistant. Child length stocks for the Affinity are less expensive.
If I wanted an O/U, I would get a Beretta or a Browning.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
I have looked at a couple M37 Ithaca's and a Winchester model 12 recently and although they are really nice guns I am trying to go brand new with my next shotgun. The guns I am currently using were all bought used and a couple are pretty old (My Rem 11 was made in 1913). So I think this next gun will need to be new.
The Affinity feels really nice and is still a possibility for me. Especially with the wood stocked version due next month.
My wife is trying to swing me towards the Benelli Ultralight in 12ga that we saw the other day which is kind of funny since it's considerably more then the Montefeltro!
I handled a couple of Browning 725 (can't remember exact model) very nice but they were a couple grand. I know Browning has less expensive models but I haven't found one locally yet.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972 |
I'm getting a Beretta 686 SP1 20 ga 30" barrels later this summer. I greatly prefer the Beretta to the Browning but it is just personal fit and feel. They are both great guns.
The Affinity is the best value. It's only 6 lbs in 20 ga. I can't see that I need to pay more for an even lighter gun. I like to shoot a few skeet just to keep in practice and 6 lbs is about as light as I want to go.Even then a few pheasant loads will make you take notice.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
Does anyone want to offer an opinion/advice on how the Montefeltro and Franchi fit me?
When I shoulder the Montefeltro I can only see the bead (no rib is visible). When I shoulder the Franchi Instinct I am looking at the bead but a tiny bit of the rib is visible as well. I mounted each gun maybe 15-20 each in the store.
I was told seeing the rib as well as the bead would make the gun shoot high? Is this true?
I can't see that much of the rib on the Instinct but I can see some. should this be a deal breaker as far as this gun fitting me?
Thank you everyone for your recommendations so far!
Last edited by Centurion75; 02/08/15.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809 |
Affinity for around $800 and Shrapnel's Browning for $999-and maybe a little less if you ask-is a no brainier choice. Wouldn't be my first choice with the short barrels, but the price is fair and 3 years from now the Affinity will be worth $500 max while the Browning will still be worth close to what you paid for it.
You probably will eventually get tired of either one, so where does the smart money go?
Last edited by battue; 02/08/15.
laissez les bons temps rouler
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9,908
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9,908 |
Does anyone want to offer an opinion/advice on how the Montefeltro and Franchi fit me?
When I shoulder the Montefeltro I can only see the bead (no rib is visible). When I shoulder the Franchi Instinct I am looking at the bead but a tiny bit of the rib is visible as well. I mounted each gun maybe 15-20 each in the store.
I was told seeing the rib as well as the bead would make the gun shoot high? Is this true?
I can't see that much of the rib on the Instinct but I can see some. should this be a deal breaker as far as this gun fitting me?
Thank you everyone for your recommendations so far!
I had a monte that I sold because I had the opposite of what you said no matter what shims I tried. My affinity fits better and the plastic stocked gun does my wet & nasty duty. One trick may be to get a laser sighting shot shell and try it out. Our trap shooting guys used that to help get their shims right. Look at what shims come with the affinity to see if it may correct the way you want it or see if the dealer will let you try the other shims sets before buying. Schrapnels gun has potential - get all the details on it and research it first. There are lots of old brownings out there and I bought a new 725 to get the features I wanted because the old stuff didn't have them.
Other than that, How was the show Mrs. Lincoln?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 14,807
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 14,807 |
A pet upland gun is my side by side 20 ga Ugartechea. It's light, fast and so handsome. Shop for a light double. Gotta be a side by side to be authentic! Here it is on the right.  Double triggers, 24.5" barrels at 5.75 pounds! ![[Linked Image]](https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/151x201q90/r/190/ugartechea.jpg)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,271
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,271 |
Those side by sides are a killer! If you are wanting a new gun I would give the Beretta automatic line a look. I bought one several years ago based on a strong recommendation and have been very pleased. I now have two 390s that have been flawless and I shoot very well with them. The new version of the 390 is the A300, I believe. I agree with some of the other boys in that the Ithaca 37 and Winchester Model 12 are super upland shotguns. It is really hard to beat either one of those.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,990
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,990 |
I have a LNIB SKB 505 O/U 12 GA, I might part with if you're interested.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9,908
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9,908 |
If you buy an auto or pump, watch You tube video's on assembly and disassembly.
I hate cleaning guns so I go for items that strip down easy...
Other than that, How was the show Mrs. Lincoln?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,352
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,352 |
Are you offering it for $999?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,090
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,090 |
Model 12 in a 16ga.
Can be had for a third of your budget. Spend the remainder to clean it up and you will have one of the nicest and well balanced American shotguns ever made. This
It�s a magazine not a clip......
Advice is seldom welcome, and those who need it the most, like it the least.�
- Lord Chesterfield. 1750
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,761
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,761 |
I am going to break from conventional wisdom and suggest you put a Remington 1100 or 11/87 "Sporting clay" shotgun in your hands. The Light weight barrel is a joy to swing and well balanced and available in 12 and 20 gauge.
Another option is the Beretta a400 or a used 390 or 391.
Doc
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115,424
Campfire Sage
|
|
Campfire Sage
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115,424 |
Benelli M2. Monte would be nice as well. Seeing no rib is good. ![[Linked Image]](http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/deflave25_2008/P1020084_zps85fbccb0.jpg) Travis
Trump being classless,tasteless and clueless as usual. Sorry, trump is a no tax payin pile of shiit. My young wife decided to play the field and had moved several dudes into my house
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,309
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,309 |
I don't think there is a one size fits all shotgun but I do believe a modern auto is the way to go. 12 gauge if you can carry one all day,20 gauge if the weight reduction is needed or just wanted. Last day on a 2 week trip to Montana last November. Had to stop at 2 roosters a gun because we were sick of eating them. Bonus sharptails. ![[Linked Image]](http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r289/wisturkeyhunter/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps80e98b93.jpg)
Last edited by wisturkeyhunter; 02/12/15.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972 |
I would think that you could drop the stock and get rid of a small fit issue on either Benelli.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,612
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,612 |
I just picked up a fairly old Franchi 48 AL in 20, with an improved and a full barrel. A sweeter toting shotgun I cant imagine.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,891
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,891 |
Shrapnel, That exact gun in 16ga is actually my "grail" gun.
Yours in 20 gauge is looking pretty sweet though!!
I'll begin by saying I really like the 16 ga and have 3 of hem. However if the upland is your Grail gun I would have to consider Shrapnels offer as the difference in the 20 and 16 for upland hunting is minimal in the field after all an oz of shot is an oz of shot and neither the birds or your dog will notice the difference in the bore size.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
No doubt Shrapnel's gun is a really good deal but I am only looking at brand new guns at this point. It's not often I can spend this type of money on a firearm so I want it to be something I can put my hands on before making my purchase.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,866
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,866 |
If the monte doesn't show you any rib, as long as the A shim isn't in it you can change the shim to another for less drop. I like a little rib too. If the gun shoots to point of aim with no rib showing the shim kit will raise your pattern a small bit. My SBE and my M1 shoot a 60/40 pattern with the A shim in it. Its the shim with the least amount of drop and it fits me like a glove. durring duck season when I'm bundled up and my face is further back on the stock the a shim is a necessity.
If the monte has the A shim in it now there is nothing you can do with it to reduce the drop. And if you are only seeing the bead now, when you wear thick cloths you will probably be stairing at the back of the receiver. The further back your face is on the stock the lower your eye will be behind the rib.
I like the benellis better than all the rest of the guns because the shape and pitch of the stock. The recoil pad is longer and wider than most and the pitch fits my shoulder/chest the best. Very comfortable. The new A5 has the worst stock ever made, I detest that gun.
Last edited by seal_billy; 02/21/15.
Eating fried chicken and watermelon since 1972.
You tell me how I ought to be, yet you don't even know your own sexuality,, the philosopher,,, you know so much about nothing at all. Chuck Schuldiner
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
I ended up going with the Franchi Instinct over and under in 20gauge after looking at a ton of different shotguns over the past couple weeks. Thanks everyone for all of your help and advice.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,891
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,891 |
That's a nice gun congrats
Last edited by bangeye; 02/28/15.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,068
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,068 |
That is a nice gun that should treat you very well.
Mercy ceases to be a virtue when it enables further injustice. -Brent Weeks
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 411
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 411 |
the way the franchi points for you is how you want it to point. You want to see some of the rib not just the bead
Last edited by MolonLabe41; 03/05/15.
Tight chains.
A=A
The perfection of life with a gun dog, like the perfection of an Autumn, is disturbing because you know, even as it begins, that it must end. Time bestows the gift and steals it in the process. "George Bird Evans"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 411
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 411 |
Oops I see I'm a little late. I own two franchI o/u an old 12 buckskin and a 20 veloce. Love them both biggest decision is what one to take
Last edited by MolonLabe41; 03/05/15.
Tight chains.
A=A
The perfection of life with a gun dog, like the perfection of an Autumn, is disturbing because you know, even as it begins, that it must end. Time bestows the gift and steals it in the process. "George Bird Evans"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512
Campfire Regular
|
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 512 |
Thanks MolonLabe, I'm really looking forward to next hunting season now and putting this shotgun to use.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 32,074
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 32,074 |
Personally, I lust after a Ruger Red label if I were to buy something else..
I love my Savage/Stevens "Fox" SXS with 30 inch tubes, and the Browning Belgian A-5. The Win 1200 not so much - all in 12 guage. Mostly I use the Stevens 20.....
If they kill, I'm good. The extra money is just for looks and pride of ownership....
The only true cost of having a dog is its death.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,159
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,159 |
An upland gun is carried - a lot! So a main consideration is light weight (for you, whatever that would be). Secondly, it has to fit, because that gun will be mounted quickly so it better be lined up instantly.
It takes a village to raise an idiot.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 411
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 411 |
An upland gun is carried - a lot! So a main consideration is light weight (for you, whatever that would be). Secondly, it has to fit, because that gun will be mounted quickly so it better be lined up instantly.
yeppo. I've never bought a shotgun for looks or any rifle for that matter. I want the best tool that falls within my price range. I bought my two franchis for three reasons: light as a feather making nice long walks in the woods more enjoyable, fit me perfectly and I usually knock down most flying objects I'm shooting at.
Tight chains.
A=A
The perfection of life with a gun dog, like the perfection of an Autumn, is disturbing because you know, even as it begins, that it must end. Time bestows the gift and steals it in the process. "George Bird Evans"
|
|
|
|
|
430 members (16penny, 10gaugemag, 10ring1, 11point, 1beaver_shooter, 10gaugeman, 59 invisible),
2,609
guests, and
1,254
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,191,386
Posts18,469,655
Members73,931
| |
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/G9RDVKXr/DSCN4329.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](http://s273.photobucket.com/user/deflave25_2008/media/P1020084_zps85fbccb0.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wisturkeyhunter/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps80e98b93.jpg.html)
