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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 6,194 Likes: 146
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 6,194 Likes: 146 |
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23 |
Wonko, That is what I'm trying to avoid as much as possible by getting as many viewpoints from experienced clays shooters as I can. When I take the jump, I just want a gun that won't give any problems and hopefully, isn't bad to look at on a slow day. I have a pretty good approximation of the stock dimensions I require, so that hopefully is a non-issue. Thanks, Sandlapper
Last edited by sandlapper; 07/04/23 11:38 AM. Reason: Addition
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,205 Likes: 61
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,205 Likes: 61 |
Go to a big NSCA shoot like an open, regional or best of all the Nationals. All major makers will have demo guns you can shoot. You can rule out some guns pretty quickly.
Dodging lions and wasting time.....
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,228 Likes: 674
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,228 Likes: 674 |
In the FWIW column, my SKB 90 TSS is serving me very well at the moment. Admittedly, my south-paw handicap is what drove me to it's purchase, but I've had no-regrets since. They also make right-handed guns and the price is very competitive (SKB is now made in Turkey). Endlessly adjustable, good weight, and darn-good build quality (for a Turk!). Mine was lightly used (and was priced accordingly) so I've got only pennies in it (I do love a bargain!). The big name guns are clearly wonderful, but you'll be paying dearly for the name. Mine's got the 30-inch tubes, but I can see where 32-inch might be alright as well. To be clear...I'm not a competitor, I just want to be a competent shot and this gun has taught me a lot.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23 |
Ken, That is a great idea; I need to find the closest one to where I live in Western NC. Thanks, Sandlapper
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 155 Likes: 152
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 155 Likes: 152 |
It is a journey.
Browning or Beretta is the usual starting point. 2000-3500.
Mid Zoli, CG,
Blaser, Perazzi, Krieghoff, Kolar and higher grade Berettas are the end points all about 7-12k depending on used or new these days.
You will develop distinct preferences and because of that you will migrate to the higher grades for the perceived and real feature sets.
You will always regret letting some guns go on this journey.
For target, recommend 32 inches. No porting. Helps with resale.
My Journey. Browning 325, Merkel 203, Kemen. Krieghoff and Kolar w custom stock are where I ended up now. Very content.
Or For way less you can just shoot a semi like a A400.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23 |
BEY, Very good advice in your post. I know that eventually I will end up with a high grade clays model, because I'm a wood and engraving guy at heart. A fellow at my club shoots a Perugini & Visini Maestro 12 that is an absolute knockout of a gun and built like a watch, so he's set the bar high already. I currently shoot my Merkel 303 Luxus 12, because it is the only O/U I have that is choked tightly enough (.026/.030) to break the birds consistently on our Fitasc range, but I hate to put so many rounds through it becsuse it is basically a field model and in the 7 lb. weight range. I will have to try some different guns at a regional shoot and see what feels best, and go from there. Anyway, thanks for your post. Regards, Sandlapper
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,442 Likes: 221
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,442 Likes: 221 |
Sandlapper, As a Merkel owner of 3 in different gauges, I feel confident that your Merkel will stay the course! Their built like vaults! Karl
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 364 Likes: 23 |
Karl, You are right; I close my guns gently and let the toplevers down and I can hardly discern wear on them while my fellow clays shooters can make a bag of bolts out of their Berettas and Blaser in a few years by slamming them closed continually. You can wear out a break action gun by slamming it closed enough times and never fire a shot through it. It amazes me that people pay what they do for these guns and abuse them so. Thanks, Marcus
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,142 Likes: 371
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,142 Likes: 371 |
I currently shoot my Merkel 303 Luxus 12, because it is the only O/U I have that is choked tightly enough (.026/.030) to break the birds consistently on our Fitasc range, but I hate to put so many rounds through it becsuse it is basically a field model and in the 7 lb. weight range. You're being knocked about unmercifully with that Merkel. The high standing breech accentuates the upward force of recoil against your face and it's way too light for the high round count of SC. Find a more suitable clays gun before you develop a flinch. JR
Be strong, be of good courage. God bless America, long live the Republic.
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