If you were buying a shotgun...

[Andries]

I don't have one in the safe, and am wondering what you would recommend.

I have done a few fox drives with borrowed bang-sticks, and like the over/under configuration.

Might do some clay targets...might not !

Will do some fox drives in future.

Might shoot some ducks... might not !!

Should I get one that can do 'steel shot' ?
Should I get one with çhokes ??

Don't want to spend too much...........

Cheers.

[cam_mackps2]

I would answer Yes to both your questions.
If i was buying a shotgun it would be the Franchi Pheonix.
There is a review in the latest 'Australian Shooter' magazine.
I was going to buy one before duck season this year but couldn't afford to.
Should be less than $1500.
The main reasons i would buy one is it is imported by Beretta Australia so you get great support.
And Beretta Australia offer a free fitting service where they will modify the stock to suit the shooter.

The sub-$1000 shotguns just don't seem to be all that great.
Don't get me wrong they are good but some leave a lot to be desired.
I have a yildiz 12ga that cost me $900 6yrs back. The bluing just isn't lasting but it functions well.

[danob73]

I got a rizzini hombra sporter 30" barrel comes with inter changeable chokes cost around $1600 use it for clays and field shooting still waiting on the paper work once I get it I'll know how it shoots but seems to fit ok which is the main thing I think.

[trevort]

last Shooters journal had an article "5 shotguns under $5000" The cheapest was the Lanber. Thats the one I bought last year. The 2097 has a steel mechanism and is a little heavier and dearer than the 2087 with the alloy. My research told me that was the cheapest of the quality european guns before you looked at the turkish stuff.

Gun Emporium in Tullamarine import them directly and were $200 cheaper than anywhere else. Highly recommended

[fenring]

Get a steel proofed gun - so you can shoot ducks if you want.

Get one with interchangeable chokes.

Go for 3" chambers so you can shoot any load on the market.

Other than that, it comes down to your budget.

[Ol 55]

I would not go past a Miruko mod 10 grade 1 sporter I have see people trying to wear them out with no success.
Ol 55

[hobbygodz]

Yep, it's a +1 from me regarding Miroku Mk10 sporter. Love mine. Miroku's have an unbeatable reputation of reliabilty and longevity. IMHO the best you 12g shottie you can get for $2k. I also have a Mk10 in the trap version which I only use for trap. The sporter is the "jack of all trades" in that you can use it for any clay sport and hunt with it as well. Miroku's sold in Aus have 3" chambers and are steel shot proofed.

[The Raven]

As someone who only got back into shooting in recent years I faced the same dilemma when it came to shotgun choice.

All I can suggest is to figure out what features you want and, roughly what budget you have to work with. Once you know the requirements: research, research, research. You'd be surprised to find out who really puts together that Brand X firearm. For example, Stoeger and Boito have identical catalogs and firearms, only the name of each model changes...

Every firearm purchase is an individual thing.

In my case, I went 'cheap' and bought a Stoeger Condor Deluxe O/U (identical to Boito). It had all the features I wanted, a good price, and was supported by Berretta. For me, it'll do what I want (a bit of everything) and is unlikely to wear out or fail (at my rate of use).

Yes, there can be a benefit in buying a lower end firearm to start with. Then again, many who buy cheap quickly upgrade to something better (when the bug bites).

[Andries]

Well it's taken me a while.........

Put down a deposit on the Franchi Phoenix today.

Will be picking it up in a week !!!!

[Camel]

Looking at when you started your search, Ive come to the conclusion that you don't like to rush your decisions. Good onya mate, hope you enjoy it.

[Andries]

Thanks Camel.....LOL

Main reason for the delay was waiting for fox drives to start up again to bring a shotgun back on the 'must have' radar.

Also saving a few $ that I didn't spend other 'toys' !!!!

Will give report when I've put a few rounds (or is that shells?) through it.

[Plowboy]

Thanks Camel.....LOL

Main reason for the delay was waiting for fox drives to start up again to bring a shotgun back on the 'must have' radar.

Also saving a few $ that I didn't spend other 'toys' !!!!

Will give report when I've put a few rounds (or is that shells?) through it.

Where are you from Andries? You don't have anything in your location

[Andries]

Hey Camel,

Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne in VIC........I have been known to travel though.

[Andries]

Well picked it up today, to say I am impressed is an understatement !

The gun looks great, and I can't wait to unleash it tomorrow.

Will get some photos up here if I can work out how to get them off the phone and upload them.

Now to read the manual over a Coopers Sparkling Ale...cheers all.