Greetings, I don't recall if I've ever posted in this area before. If not, hello for the first time.

I am considering a new over under and would like to hear from those who have used one or more of the three I am considering. Ruger Red Lable, Browning Cynergy and Winchester 101 Field (the FN built 101).

I have handled all three (the Ruger was the old style). Its primary use will be as a field gun - carried in the uplands. I will also shoot some trap / clays with it, but it will be used for hunting for the most part.

The three of them appear very close in weight and balance with a 28 inch barrel (12 gauge).

So, which would you pick and why?

Thanks.

My vote goes for the 101

Red labels are basted to get repaired if they take a shcidt.



The new 101s are very solid guns and IMO very attractive.


I don't care for the cyber. But I do like the citori lightning

CDNN had some nice (fancy wood, engraved...) 101's on sale for $1300 last week.

Of those..the Cynergy is the only one I would even glance twice at. I had one, it was a fantastic shotgun. It didnt feel or shoot like an over under, which was the best thing about it.

I have all 3, if you are talking about a new 101 as oppose to the older 101's, Cynergy gets my vote.
If your talking about the older 101's, Cynergy still gets my vote but the gap closes.
I will never sell my Red Label as my wife gave it to me but I sold the other one I had (that I bought myself) and don't ever see my buying another one.

I have a older 101, and bought a new one. I sold the new one as it was no where near the gun that the older one is.
Fit and finish was not as nice, very gritty trigger, hinge etc.

Thanks for the feed back so far.

Not sure it matters, but I shoot lefty and a very neutral cast fits me best - hence my three choices listed above all have a neutral cast. I would really like to include the Berreta 686, however I haven't found one where my left eye lines up right, so it hasn't made the cut. Unless they've made some with a bit of left hand cast, then that would be something to consider.

The new Red Lable is nice, and I think they've added a little length to the stock as the new ones are just a bit longer than the older version - at least in my mind. So trimming a little off may have to be done. When hunting late season birds, I'm wearing a coat & vest, and a long length of pull makes it too long. The Cynergy is very comfortable as is and the 101 is too.

Any opinions on reliability, or longevity where these three are concerned?

Thanks again.

The proper choice in shotguns is ways about fit. Buy the one that fits you the best. If they all fit the same (doubtful) the Ruger would be my last choice. The factory supposedly no longer supports them so if it breaks you are at the mercy of the other parts suppliers.

lilysdad,

You said the Cynergy was "a fantastic shotgun" - so why did you part with it? Did you have any issues with it, or with Browning's cust svc dept?

Mark

Kp321,

Are you referring to the older Red Lable's? Or is Ruger not supporting their new Red Lables?

Believe it or not, all three makes seem to fit me similarly. I am Mr. Average guy - as far as height and weight. However, because I am left eye dominant, I need a very neutral cast in order to shoot a shotgun well.

A couple of the 101's I've tried - the stocks were thicker than others, so didn't fit quite as good. The narrower the stock was, the more neutral the cast. The Cynergy, and both the newer and older Red Lable's stocks, fit me well. So, I thought I would solicit the opinions of those on this board, in hopes that I can get some opinions from those that have owned and shot them.

Thanks.

I have owned all three and the Ruger would be my last choice. The Cynergy is nothing like my 101s. The style does not appeal to me and I shot it poorly. It is long gone without regret.

I still have a couple 101s and will keep and shoot them.

Absolutely no issues whatsoever, and never had to deal with Browning. It went down the river only because I found that I prefer semis for hunting...which is actually what made me purchase the Cynergy to begin with. It felt the least like an OU of any that I shot.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Really appreciate it. This eve I handled a Bennelli O/U. It looked a bit funky, but the lower profile felt good. Any of you guys own / shoot the Bennelli O/U?

Thanks again.

Owned a Re Label, it was a non reliable heavy gun. Never again.

Have Brownings and they are good quality.

Not familiar with 101.

Thanks to all for the feedback. I think I have ruled out the Red Label, and am leaning towards the Cynergy. However, if I come across the right fitting 101 at the right price I may just snatch it up.

Thanks again. I'll report back once I have the new O/U in hand.

gundog

I have a 20 gauge 101 Olin-Kodensha that I bought 50 years ago. I still have the box and hang tags. It's an utterly reliable and wonderful shotgun. I also have a 12 gauge Red Label that has been fired thousands of times without a hiccup.

The Cynergy is butt ugly. The Berettas require a weight lifter to break them down.

This is just my opinion but I think Red Labels get a bad rap on the Campfire.

model70man,

I agree the Cynergy's profile is not conventional, but that is partly what drew me to it. I like its looks and it fits me well. Yes the Beretta is tough to break open, especially so when new. They loosen up with use but wow, are they stiff to start with.

I've ruled out the Red label mainly because I can't seem to find one locally that truly fits. My late uncle owned one and I shot it and hunted with it when I was younger. I really liked it and it fit me really well. I have purchased guns online in the past, but for this next shotgun I want to put my hands on it and make sure it fits me before I buy it.

The 101 is, and has been, on my list for a while now. I just plain like them.

Thanks.

gundog

I have had a number of Berreta O/Us...

They would be one of my first choices. They fit me well.

BL3 20ga I should never have traded away... I thought ejectors were really cool...

S56E 12 that never felt right... funky center hinge thing... gone without regret

Silver Snipe 12... what was I thinking?

BL4 12 is still around after 35 years. Had choke tubes installed about 15 years ago. I use it more that way.

Black Onyx 12 is still here and a favorite.

Sitka,
I really like the look and feel of the Beretta 686 Onyx, but most have a bit of a right hand cast and that doesn't work for my dominant left eye. If I happen to find one that fits my left handed shooting I would be done shopping.

gundog

Have you looked at the Browning 725?

If you are happy with the Beretta 686 except for the RH stock have you considered getting the stock bent for cast on? It usually is done fairly inexpensively and fairly quickly. British Sporting Arms (845-677-8303) used to bend stocks and is worth a call. Also, places such as Cole Gunsmiths (207-833-5027 or 239-352-0345) sometimes have Left Handed stocks available. I have a 686 from them and am very happy with it.

Ackleyfan,

Yes I have looked at the Browning 725 and I like many of its features. Despite that, I just didn't warm up to it. It is an improvement on the old Citori, in my opinion. Tried and true = the Citori. Longevity, reliability, etc, etc. Undisputed.

However, in my hands it always felt uncomfortable, .... board like, as in a 2x4.

I'm not trying to stir the pot, but the old Citori just didn't fit, or appeal to me. The 725 looks great, and felt much better than the Citori, but wasn't quite there.

gundog.

Edod,
Being a lefty I have considered that route and I may have to go that way (getting a new stock with left hand cast, or having one bent). I'd rather not, if it can be avoided, however.

Thank you for the info on places that will perform that service. If it comes to it, that will be exactly what I would need.

gundog

I coach SCTP for the county I live in, one of our kids bought a new 725 and I got to handle it as well shoot it.
I can't tell you why but I like the older 3,4,525 better.
I do know that his broke and Browning had it for over 6 months before he got it back.

I tell the kids I coach that are on the fence between Browning and Beretta to find one that fits you and go with that one.
If both fit well, I lean heavy toward Beretta (I have had both). My reasons are these:
1) Stocks, you can find lots of stocks for Beretta's, both new and used if you want to change it out.
2) Barrels, if you buy a 12 ga frame Beretta, you can find different length barrels or even different ga. (20 or 28) that are made to go onto the frame.
3) The Beretta's have a replaceable hinge point so if the gun wears loose, you can send it in and they can change the hinge point out to an oversized one. Best as I remember they have about (3) different sizes.

As far as Beretta 686/687 series shotguns, I might add that the locking pins are also replaceable, and are available oversized to correct for any wear. I have never had this done, but I believe this is true. If I am wrong, I'm sure I'll hear about it shortly!

I personally don't own a 725 but have been looking at them not sure what I want yet, need to go check out the Beretta... good luck in your search!

Does the 686 have mechanical triggers?

They have inertia triggers. Some put lighter springs in the triggers so they are less likely to fail on the reset.

No they don't but they can be converted. I had a skeet tube set and this had to be done in order for the 410 to work.

Pickin' nits here, but FACTORY 686/687's in 28 or 410 have mechanical triggers. At least the ones I own do.

I stand corrected, your right, I was thinking of the 12 and 20 ga only.

Thanks Guys....