doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Clays Gun Choices

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

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.

You already have the Revenant 20.
Look at the Richard Faulds model M. Fixed chokes, ready for FITASC.

My vote is Perazzi. I've owned two MX8s. Still own one. Built like a tank but, somehow, handles beautifully. And the trigger ........ ooooh, the trigger. Perazzi triggers are as good as some good rifle triggers.

Bought mine used. Old one, imported by Winchester. They run forever.

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

In no particular order: Beretta, Perazzi, Browning/Miroku, CG, Kolar, Krieghoff, Zoli, Blaser. All are proven for durability and "shootability." All have won at the highest level of shooting sports. Superior quality seems synonymous with durability in a target gun, unless you view quality as flashy wood and engraving. Value is subjective: For some a $2000 Miroku represents a good value, for others a $15,000 Perazzi makes economic sense. In my opinion, all of these guns meet your criteria, but they have significant differences in handling. You won't go wrong with another CG or similar Italian maker if that style already works for you.

I've looked at MX8 Perazzis, Zoli Z Specials, but am not familiar with Kolar. I like the detachable triggers and I'm a wood guy. What models of these makes would be a good buy pre-owned?? Thanks for everyone's input. Sandlapper

With that in mind, I'd look for a pre-owned Zoli Z-Sport or the older Zoli Kronos model, which is essentially the same gun. Zoli tends to put more emphasis on grain flow in their stocks than figure and contrast, but you can occasionally find one with upgraded wood. I really like Perazzis, but a used Zoli can be bought for half to a third of the price of a used MX8 in comparable condition (Perazzi comes with a status tax). Rich Cole and Carlson Sporting Arms are good places to contact in your search. Good luck!

You can buy a nice used Citori for under $2000.00. Screw in the Cyl. or Imp. Cyl chokes and along with a nice 1 1/8 oz. load, a KICKEEZ pad and you'll be kickin' those other guys butts in no time. And you'll easily be good for 30-40,000 rounds. Good luck.

For a first dedicated clays gun I always recommend the older Beretta 682 wide body guns. That would be pre-92 guns. I still have a couple of those and they are way durable. They can often be found with factory screw-ins as well and that is a definite plus Even though I have a bunch of Perazzis they come a myriad of configurations and have often been done unto by fadists and you never know what some dolt may have done if you don't know what to look for.
Hoping to find the perfect gun without trying as many as possible and not knowing what constitutes a proper fit for you is a quest guaranteed to be expensive.

Good luck

Dr. WtS