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Forums10
Topics38,523
Posts545,786
Members14,420
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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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by Sandlapper |
Sandlapper |
I was just reading one of the threads about target guns vs. game guns and agree wholeheartedly with the posts. I am contemplating acquiring a 12 bore clays O/U, as I have been shooting most of my game guns on a rotating basis for the last 5-6 years with varying results. I bought a Guerini Revenant 20 ga. 3 years ago to use specifically on clays, as I am not a competition shooter and it is very comfortable to shoot 6-8 boxes through once or twice a week and honestly, seems to shatter birds as well as all my fellow shooters, who all shoot 12 gauges. My question is this; I would like to get a 12 gauge clays O/U that will stand up to the weekly pounding of 200 rounds, but I don't know what gun to buy; there is such a myriad of brands and models that seem to be out there, it is very difficult to know which are the most durable and shootable. Disregarding price( and I know you can go as high as the moon), what makes or models stand out with superior quality, shootability, durability and value to you? Thanks, Sandlapper
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by Kip |
Kip |
My vote would go to Perazzi or Kolar, with both of them being Boss-action guns. They also both have large competition-oriented dealer and service networks in the US.
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2 members like this |
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by John Roberts |
John Roberts |
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
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2 members like this |
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by ClapperZapper |
ClapperZapper |
I am going to shoot one Saturday. CG is having a tent deal at Bald Mountain.
I’ll run a round of FITASC and see how it points.
When shooting FITASC I follow Ben Hustwaite’s example. That is, use a bayonet mount on the nose of the target and then most of the time just do a small pull or push away.
A gun that is lively and points crisply is a benefit in that shooting style. You need that acceleration to the nose of the bird.
Faulds is a very minimal gun movement competitor. He makes everything look smooth and graceful. so it will be interesting to see if his design works well when using the bayonet style mount.
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2 members like this |
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by eeb |
eeb |
Just shoot your CG 20 with 7/8 oz loads. Lots of guys who handload shoot 7/8 and they break clays just fine. Fortunately it seems 7/8 factory loads are more available now than ever. Rio and Cleaver sell them. If you have to have a 12 CG is fine but I prefer Perazzi with fixed M/IM. Preowned is the way to go
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1 member likes this |
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by Sandlapper |
Sandlapper |
John, You are correct about unnecessary recoil with the Merkel, even though it has .729 bores( not the usual undersized German bores), it still works on you after 3-4 boxes are fired. Marcus
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1 member likes this |
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by Sandlapper |
Sandlapper |
Gentlemen, I have listened to all your well-reasoned input, and read everything on the net I can find about brand preferences of target guns, and have narrowed it down to a Guerini Invictus IX M-Spec 34" model. From what I can see, rightly or wrongly, it combines the mechanics of a high round count clays model with the wood quality and decoration that I want. It seems to be more than a dolled up model built on the same chassis as a lower grade model. Guerini seems to have realized that, in order to be competitive with Kolar, Perazzi, P&V, etc., they had to have a totally new design that can withstand the truckloads of rounds that serious shooters put through these guns. If my logic is faulty, give me your reasons, please. Thanks, Sandlapper
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1 member likes this |
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by Sandlapper |
Sandlapper |
Well, I went to Target Shotguns in Hendersonville, NC yesterday, and had a long talk with Steve and Matt there about the pros and cons of each top brand of target shotgun. After looking at their extensive inventory, I found a Kolar that fit me wonderfully right out of the gate. After looking at the way Kolar guns are built, I bought one of their Max-Lite 32" guns with upgraded wood and high gloss blue finish. They call it their ' midnight special'. Strangely, the gun weighs 8lbs.15 ozs., but doesn't feel as heavy as the Invictus 34" they had at 8lbs.6ozs. Must be the heavier receiver on the Kolar. Anyway, thanks to all for their input on this topic. It has been very informative. Regards, Sandlapper
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1 member likes this |
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