A friend asked me about an OU in the $1-$1.5k range.

Not being much of a stack barrel fan, I suggested a used Jap Browning (Miroku) or Weatherby (SKB). I’m sure both manufactures made guns for other labels, and there other other solid guns in that range to look at, just not sure what they are?

Suggestions?

Browning Citoris are getting down in that range from several online retailers.

Buy used, the options open up immensely, especially if one looks at fixed choke guns. I've seen several fixed choke guns for well under $1000 offered in various shops in the last year alone. Most were fixed choke guns but two Beretta Essentials in that price range followed me home.

Models from Browning, Beretta, Weatherby/SKB (Japanese made), Charles Daly/Miroku (Japanese made), Winchester 101, Franchi (Italian), Remington 3200, H&K, Nikko, and a host of others come to mind. In this era grouping one needs to be aware that some Italian and Spanish guns had a reputation similar to the Turkish guns of the last decade or so. I would steer well clear of them.

If he's looking for a 20 - I have a 26" Superposed Lightning, mod over imp. It's well hunted and under his starting price. I also have a Beretta 687- 28" barrels, Mobil chokes, that's had about four boxes of shells through it. It's a beautiful shotgun that I never used but would be just above his top end on price.

$1100 Beretta 686 Onyx. I have no affiliation to this.

http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21876

Nice! Forwarded that to my buddy. Tempted myself and I dont really even like O/u’s. Lol.

Just marked as sold. Somebody got a good buy. If the barrels were on the right direction I’d have took it.

Good buy right there

If the barrels were on the right direction.... sometimes shotguns and the people who own them are a mystery to me.

Anyways, I know a lot of people with Citoris and seem happy with them. I suspect the same would be true with the Beretta.

Miroku also marketed guns under BC Miroku, and Charles Daly before signing the contract with Browing. All nice shotguns from what I've seen. Nice Charles Daly on Gunbroker now if you wanted a high rise comb, like a trap gun.

T’wern’t my friend. He’s still twiddling his thumbs. I encouraged him to jump on that one. Seems he’ll end up with a Turk gun.

If he's looking for a 12 gauge, I have a Browning Citori with really nice wood, 3 chokes, original box, 28" barrels. can send pics to cell# or email. $1100 firm.

Franchi Isntinct SL. Was what I wanted before I got my Benelli

Either a used Browning or Beretta. There is no better choice in a under $2000 gun.

In addition, there are more potential buyers out there for these two when the new wears off. Most of the others mentioned are dead dogs when it comes to resale.

I would add the SKB badged Weatherby to the mix too. They aren't common but can be had very reasonably and have a small but serious following.

The other makes are also good deals but one has to put a little effort into it. The person mentioned by the OP does not seem to fit that profile though. If one is willing to do a little research, the "dogs" can be found at used prices inexpensive enough to resell with little loss at the very worst. Excepting Turkish, Spanish, and Italian guns built to a low price point that is...

Guy at the local gym is trying to sell this SKB. I asked him for pics and this is what he sent me. Those nicks on the forearm could be an easy fix and he said they are the only marks. If you are interested I will have him send me additional pics when I see him again. He said he is firm at $1,000. It would be a mandatory FFL to FFL transaction.

Hard not to go with his opinion on this. I have a Browning Citori 12 with 26 in barrels and I love it. Hasbeen

Franchi instinct l

I have the same gun in 12 ga. 26" barrels. Several choke tubes, nice Boyt take-down canvas case.

I'd take $1100.

Paul

Appears to be a 'field' model....but there's nothing in the description as to model designation.. Info?

SKBs are very good shotguns, btw..

I have only seen the pics he sent and agree that most likely it is a field mode from what I can see of the rib. He indicated he originally bought it for hunting. There is more than a little original shine on that shotgun. I doubt it was used much in that he said he hunts little.

Yes, even though I only recommended the "B" guns,I wouldn't shy from a Japanese SKB.

The only reason I didn't mention one is because there are both older Japanese and newer Turkish SKB's available used,and the resale on a used B gun is good enough that if you buy used you shouldn't loose much if anything on a resale ,and sell it quicker than if you were selling a used SKB,unless of coarse you get and sell the SKB at a steal.

Just me, but I wouldn't TOUCH a Turkish-made SKB...

It was the silver trigger that indicated a field model to me. Competition models had gold triggers.. The earlier ones from the '70s-'80s, once into the 700/800/880 series, all had gold triggers and 1/2" wide ribs.. Narrow ribs came on the 600/605 series and under..

I still have my 880 Crown Grade.. Haven't used it for a dozen years now.. I miss shooting, but it's just not too convenient around here any longer..