Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns 20 gauge over and under, decisions

OK so I’ve been looking at Franchi SLX , now I handled I believe the SL model with case hardened receiver nice handling the only thing I did notice was when I touch the lever it opens much easier than I thought it should have.
I’ve now also handled a Beretta 686, a little bit heavier and now someone showed me a Mossberg gold reserve not the silver but the gold. Felt decent I had been looking at the CZ’s before but it seems they are in short supply these days. Does anyone make a 20 gauge/28 gauge set? Open to other suggestions and brands as well. Looking for something that handles well and there’s not a throwaway gun that will be around for some time to come. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Oh, I would like to keep it around 2K or less

If both barrels were already cocked on the Franchi they would just fall open just like almost any other o/u. What do you fear about an easier opening o/u, I would call it a plus.

In most cases a o/u with both 20 and 28 barrels will be made on the 20ga. frame so when you put the 28ga barrels on you are basically still shooting a 20ga with expensive shells.

In o/u you can never go wrong with manufactures that start with a "B" Browning/Berretta

I wouldn't overlook a lightly used name brand(higher end o/u)

If you aren't a high volume shooter the Mossberg might work but I wouldn't count on being able to get parts 10yrs down the line, then again you might get luckky.

Example of one, but my CZ Readhead Deluxe All Weather 20 had an 8” POI spread at 40 yards, unacceptable to me. Sent it back to address that, and an action that was waaaayyyy too tight, even for a new gun. They fixed the action , but blew me off on the pattern issue. A guy I shoot with had a similar issue with one. Lot of gun for the money, but the the QC seems lacking.

Most people never pattern their shotguns, but I bought that one for turkeys, and quickly found the problem.

I would look hard for a Beretta Blackwing 20. Mine weighs 5 pounds 15 ounces and feels like a wand. It is choke tubed. Another good option on the used market are the Beretta BLs. They made them in models 1-4 as they made improvements and changes. They’ll be fixed chokes but get an IC/M and go kill stuff. And I dare you to wear one out.

And if you absolutely have to have choke tubes you can have Briley tube a Beretta BL and still be in it less than your budget price.

Browning Superposed are the cat's ass... I've got a fair amount and it's about all I shoot. That said, if you can find a SKB 605 or 505, or a Weatherby, they are my second choices all day long.

If you get a Browning, you can shoot the wheels off of it and it will be worth more than what you paid for it...

Thank you for all the input so far. When I mentioned that the action basically fell open it did not take much movement before it did, that’s what made me nervous. Thank you for the heads up on the CZ , i’ll have to look up the Beretta black wing, the one I handled felt hefty for a 20

The Blackwing has no rib between the barrels. It is essentially a 686 but a little lighter but still on a steel receiver. Mine actually weighs 4 ounces less than my baby frame SP1 in 28 gauge.

Either a Beretta or Browning. Anything lesser and you're asking for trouble. A 20 gauge Superposed would be nice.
Rick

A friend swears by the Ruger O/U, especially in 20ga. He has quite a collection an shoots a 12ga all weather for waterfowl. Fit and feel are important in a shotgun. If it doesn't fit you, don't buy it unless you are going to have it custom fitted to you. Depends on what you are going to do with it? Hunting, competition?

Beretta, Browning or SKB/Weatherby Orion would all serve you well. Personally I would rather have a well cared for used B-gun than a NIB lesser gun like that Mossberg you mentioned.

Not a Ruger red label fan ,also heard Ruger isn’t supporting repair of the same

I have two Red Labels, one in 20ga and one in 12ga. Both have been very dependable and have accounted for a lot of pheasants. Both have 26"bbls. The 20ga is like a wand for me....lightweight , great balance and handling. It is my favorite shotgun in the safe.

The 12ga is a tad heavy, but I still like it and carry it when I think the flushes may be further out. My hunting partner uses a 20ga Citori and it is actually heavier than my 20ga which surprised us both.

For 2K you should have no trouble finding either a nice Browning Citori or a Beretta. That’s what I paid in June for a like-new 725 Field, albeit a 12.

Got a brand new CXS in 20 ga this year for 1800.

Handy as it should be, typicaly Browning quality (excellent). Beretta O/U's never fit me all that excellent - compared to a Browning.

Beretta or benelli

I would recommend Beretta, and Beretta also makes 20/28 gauge sets.

Someone mentioned a Beretta Blackwing as a lightweight alternative. There is also a Whitewing that is basically the same gun with different cosmetics.

And both have been discontinued for quite awhile I think.

I picked up a Citori Superlight in 20Aa earlier this year at a great price. Older model without choke tubes. I really like it. The Schnabel forearm and straight stock are what I was looking for.

Actually don't have to spend that much to have a nice O/U.

Check out the listing on GB and other's for a Charles Daly made by Miroku........Superposed quality/looks for decent coinage.